Navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the official start of the holiday shopping season and while these shopping holidays can bring incredible deals, they can also lead to overspending if you’re not prepared. At Credit Union of Georgia, we want our members to enjoy the excitement of the season without sacrificing their financial well-being. 

Here are some of our recommended Black Friday and Cyber Monday budgeting tips and shopping strategies to help you save money, shop smarter, and spend confidently. 

Create a Holiday Shopping Budget 

The best way to avoid overspending on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is to start with a clear, realistic budget. Before diving headfirst into the swarms of holiday shoppers, take a moment to outline a realistic budget that lets you enjoy the season without straining your wallet.  

Before the big sales hit, consider doing the following:  

• Review your income and essential monthly expenses. 

• Decide how much you can safely spend on gifts, travel, or holiday décor. 

• Set a firm spending limit and commit to staying within it. 

Use your Credit Union of Georgia mobile app to track your transactions in real time and ensure your spending stays aligned with your goals. 

We’ve put together a simple-to-use budget worksheet specifically for Holiday shopping and spending, which includes a gift-planning worksheet. You can download and print our Credit Union of Georgia Budget Worksheet here:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:us:397efc66-6ad3-4c4e-b24c-08e0bbb77613

Make a Strategic Shopping List

When the sales start rolling in, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of “limited time offers.” However, impulse purchases can derail even the best budget. Making a detailed shopping list is a simple yet effective way to stay on track, even when those huge sales are calling.   

Smart Shopper Tips:  

• Write down the specific items you plan to buy before the sales start. 

• Set a dollar amount limit for each person on your list before you shop. This helps ensure you cover everyone without stretching your budget.  

• Compare prices at different retailers to spot true discounts. 

• Stick to your list and resist the urge to add unplanned items to your cart. 

If it’s not something you’ve been planning to purchase, it might not be the right time, even if it’s 50% off. 

Research Deals Before You Click “Buy”

Not every deal is as good as it seems. Some retailers inflate prices before the sale to make discounts appear larger. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Check historical prices using price-tracking tools or browser extensions. 

• Read customer reviews to ensure product quality before purchasing. 

• Review return policies and shipping costs, especially on big shopping days. 

Being an informed shopper helps you maximize savings and avoid buyer’s remorse later. 

For more information about staying vigilant while online shopping, read our blog on Fraud Prevention & Security here: Credit Union of Georgia’s Guide to Holiday Fraud Protection and Online Safety – Credit Union of Georgia

Choosing the Right Payment Method

 Your payment method plays an important role in helping you manage holiday spending. Choose the option that works best for each purchase so you can stay organized and on budget.  

Payment choice considerations:  

• Credit Union of Georgia Debit Card – Using your debit card provides built-in spending control since it pays directly form your checking account, doesn’t charge you interest on the money you spend, helps track spending in real-time through online banking, helps prevent post-holiday financial stress since you won’t have a bill to pay at the beginning of the year, and helps avoid racking up debt during peak-spending season.
• Credit Union of Georgia Credit Card – Using your credit card offers stronger fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges should something go wrong, provides rewards and bonuses for the money you spend, prevents your checking account from taking big hits all at once and gives you the flexibility of paying balances strategically throughout the month, can strengthen your credit score and credit profile if managed responsibly, and provides more protection from online shopping fraud should a site be compromised.
• You can set account alerts for large purchases or spending thresholds through our mobile app to add an additional layer of protection for staying in-budget and monitoring spending and possible fraud. 

Deciding and planning for your preferred payment choices as well as setting spending alerts ahead of time will help keep your budget transparent, on track, and easier to manage, thus protecting your financial wellness after the holidays are over. 

Prioritize Value 

As the biggest shopping days of the year roll in, it’s easy to be tempted by flashy sales and “limited time” offers; but not every deal is as valuable as it seems. Before you click “buy,” be sure to pause and consider your budget, plans, and what truly matters;, both for your finances and your peace of mind. 

One of the best ways to make confident spending decisions is to ask yourself a few key questions before making a big purchase: 

1. “Will I use this product long-term?” 

When the excitement of the sale fades, you should be sure your purchase still brings value weeks or months later. If it’s something that will quickly lose its appeal or sit unused, it might not be worth the cost, even with a steep discount. Focusing on longevity helps you build a habit of intentional spending, where every purchase has a purpose. 

2. “Does this add real value to my life?” 

Great deals can make it tempting to buy items simply because they’re available at a lower price. Although you’re seemingly saving money, those savings only matter if the item improves your daily life, solves a problem, meets a need, or supports your goals. Whether it’s an appliance that saves time, a tool that helps you learn something new, or a gift that creates lasting memories, meaningful purchases are those that add genuine benefit beyond the price tag. 

3. “Can I find a similar deal locally?” 

Supporting local businesses is a great way to invest in your local community. When you shop locally, your dollars help create jobs, sustain small business owners, and strengthen the economy right here at home. Many local stores offer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that rival larger chains, sometimes even with an added bonus of personal service and community connection. 

4. “How will this purchase affect my financial goals?” 

Every purchase has an impact. Before checking out, think about how the purchase fits within your broader financial picture (e.g., your budget, savings, and goals) for the coming months. By keeping your long-term priorities in mind, you can enjoy shopping without undermining your progress toward things like completing your shopping list, paying down debt, saving for a trip, or building your emergency fund. 

When you take a moment to reflect before making a big purchase, you turn shopping from a quick reaction into a thoughtful decision.  

Protecting Yourself Online    

As online shopping grows more convenient, especially during Cyber Monday, it also attracts cybercriminals looking to take advantage of rushed buyers. From phishing emails to fake websites and too-good-to-be-true deals, digital threats are everywhere during the holidays. 

At Credit Union of Georgia, we believe staying safe online is just as important as finding the best deal. By taking a couple proactive steps, you can protect your financial information and shop confidently all season long. 

Step 1: Shop on Secure and Trusted Websites

Before entering your card or personal information, double-check that the site is legitimate. Look for: 

• “https://” at the beginning of the URL (the “s” stands for “secure” and indicates that the site is using encryption to protect any data you enter, which helps keep your information safe). 
• A padlock icon in the address bar which means the site is using a secure, encrypted connection and has a valid security certificate. 
• Look for the brand’s exact official web address. Be cautious of sites that mimic the real URL but use slight misspellings or extra characters (for example: the legitimate https://nike.com versus a fraudulent http://niike.com). 

If a site looks suspicious or unfamiliar, it’s best to leave it. Stick to well-known retailers or trusted small businesses you already know. When you’re unsure, you can look up the website on Trustpilot, where real customer reviews often reveal whether a retailer is reputable or worth avoiding. This quick check can save you from scams and protect your holiday budget. 

Step 2: Beware of Phishing Scams 

Scammers often send convincing emails or texts that appear to be from popular brands, promising “exclusive Cyber Monday and Black Friday deals.” These messages usually contain links designed to steal your login credentials or financial information. 

Stay alert by: 

• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. 
• Verify the sender’s email address. Legitimate companies will not use random or misspelled domains.
• Typing the retailer’s website directly into your browser instead of following a link.  

If you ever receive a suspicious message referencing your Credit Union of Georgia account, please contact us directly, and NEVER respond to the email or provide personal details. 

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Even with strong precautions, it’s important to keep an eye on your accounts for any unauthorized activity, especially after making multiple online purchases. Scammers get more sophisticated every year, and some fraudulent charges can slip under the radar, going unnoticed for longer than you might expect. Regularly reviewing your transactions helps you spot anything unusual early and address it quickly. 

How Credit Union of Georgia can help: 

• Set up account alerts through our mobile banking app to receive real-time notifications of transactions. 
• Lock and unlock your Credit Union of Georgia debit or credit cards through your online banking app and/or in Card Central.  
• Review your statements frequently to confirm that all charges are legitimate. 
• Report suspicious transactions right away so our team can help secure your account. 

Quick actions and fast responses to fraudulent activity can make a major difference in preventing larger financial loss or identity theft. 

Stay Financially Confident This Holiday Season  

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to save money when you approach them with preparation and discipline. By budgeting strategically, shopping intentionally, and spending mindfully, you can make the most of the deals without derailing your financial goals and plans. 

Our team at Credit Union of Georgia has made it our mission to help you manage your money smarter this season and all year long. Whether you are looking to set up a holiday savings account, build a better budget, or get expert credit union financial tips, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. 

Visit your local branch: https://bit.ly/49WmeNS 

Contact our Member Services team: https://bit.ly/49oFGTj 

Explore our online resources: Security & Fraud – Credit Union of Georgia

 Make this holiday shopping season your most financially confident one yet!