Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
Share
🤔 What If You Skipped Black Friday? Here’s a Better Plan!
Without a doubt, tens of thousands of people will be shopping this week on Black Friday; however, if you didn't plan for it, you don't have to be one of them.
Picture this: instead of feeling guilty about overspending on Black Friday, you can feel proud that you resisted the temptations to shop.
We know skipping Black Friday shopping might seem unusual, but hear us out; let’s talk about how you can use this day to invest in yourself instead of spending on things you don’t really need!
Leverage the Clever Girl Finance Life and Business planners to craft a 2026 you'll be proud of!
Instead of giving in to consumerism and stressing yourself out trying to get the best deals, use Black Friday as a self-care day.
What is something you can do for yourself that will make you feel calm, rejuvenated, and at peace? Perhaps it's taking a long bath, doing some reading, being out in nature, or journaling.
By saying no to spending, you can focus on doing things that fill up your cup instead of draining your wallet.
Review your money goals and plan for the new year
Black Friday signals the end of the year, which makes it a great time to review your goals. Are the goals you set at the beginning of the year still relevant to who you are now and your current life situation? Have you made progress on your goals?
Find a quiet moment, a cozy space, and put on some music. Use this time to see how close or how far away you are from achieving your goals. Consider what resources you need or what changes you need to make to achieve them.
By reviewing your goals, you might realize that shopping on Black Friday won't get you closer to achieving them.
Do a spending detox or no-spend challenge
Black Friday could be the start of your no-spend challenge. Not spending during the holiday season might sound a little crazy, but it's possible. You don't have to do a 6-month challenge, just start with a week.
For 7 days, focus on not spending money on anything other than essentials. Use that week to cook at home, or go on a walk with friends instead of going out for drinks.
A no-spend challenge is a great way to get overspending under control and give you perspective on where your money is going.
Remember, no-spend challenges come in all shapes and sizes. You can decide not to spend money on a certain category, such as eating out, clothing, makeup, etc.
Any money you save can help you save for holiday expenses.
Start a gratitude list (Instead of a shopping list)
A gratitude list can be a great way to distract yourself from shopping. It can also put things into perspective and show you that you have enough, or more than you need.
You can pick a time during Black Friday and start a list of at least 10 things you're grateful for. It doesn't matter if you start this list on a piece of paper, a journal page, or the notes app on your phone. The most important thing is that you start.
For an extra dose of gratitude, try making a short list of 3-5 things you're grateful for every day leading up to Black Friday.
Remember, every time you feel tempted to buy something, you can pull out your list, read it, and remind yourself you have plenty.
Organize your space or closet
Go shopping in your own closet. We bet if you were to go through your closet, you might find some clothes with the tags still on them.
You can do two things when going through your closet. One, you can get rid of anything you no longer wear or don't have an attachment to.
Better yet, you can do a clothing swap with some of your best girlfriends.
Make a pre-Black Friday list
What often causes us to overspend is that we are blindsided by sales. We see something for 50 percent off, and we grab it. We see a 30 percent price reduction, and we click buy. Then later, you end up with an extra blender, a suitcase like the one you already have, and a bunch of things you won't use.
To not fall into this trap, create a pre-Black Friday list!
At the beginning of the week, create a list of things you'd like to buy for Black Friday. Consider things you need or want and will actually use.
Revisit this list throughout the week, going through every item and asking yourself: Do I see myself using this in a month, two months, or 6 months? How does this item fit into my life?
The more you reflect on your list, the more you'll start to eliminate items and avoid buying products you'll never use.
Finally start that side hustle
You've been putting it off all year, which is why Black Friday is the best time to start your side hustle. Consider reading up on articles on how to get started. Finally, register your website domain, create a business plan. There are so many ways you can use the day to move forward and not spend money on things you don't need.
If you need a little discipline, set up office hours for yourself. Block out 3-4 hours where you'll just focus on getting your side hustle off the ground. After your session is over, your sense of accomplishment will overpower your desire to shop. (Be sure to check out the Clever Girl Finance Side Hustle Guide!)
Take a free CGF course
Plot twist: what if you spent the day learning instead of shopping? We have over 30+ free courses on financial education that you can complete during the Black Friday madness.
Admit it; waking up early, staying in line for long periods, and sifting through crowds sounds overwhelming. Sitting at home with a warm blanket and a good cup of coffee while you learn to invest sounds way more appealing!
---
We've all gotten that adrenaline rush from shopping on Black Friday. Who doesn't want to bring home a new TV for half the price?
However, depending on your financial goals, you may want to pass shopping on Black Friday. Remember, sales will happen all year long; you're not missing out on much.
And if you want to use Black Friday to work on your goals, check out our free course on setting financial goals!
PLUS when you sign up for a free course, you can schedule a completely free call with one of our amazing Clever Girl Finance mentors. WE ARE IN YOUR CORNER!
Some images and links in this newsletter are affiliate or sponsored links from companies we trust, which means if you make a purchase or sign up, Clever Girl Finance may get something in return. This helps us grow!
Take control of your life and achieve your financial freedom. Join over 100,000 women in our community!
Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
Hello Reader, Happy New Year! As we step into a fresh year, this is usually the moment when money starts to feel very real again. Bills show up, goals feel louder, and the pressure to “get it right” financially can creep in fast. That said:- Is your bank account feeling stretched thin?- Do you struggle to save consistently?- Or maybe you’re saving something, but you want a little extra momentum? If any of that sounds familiar, this might be exactly what you need. We’re kicking off a 26-Week...
Hello Reader, We know you’re always looking for your next good read, so we have some great recommendations. Every month, you’ll receive team CGF’s top picks of books to help you improve your finances, advance your career, practice self-care, or get lost in a fantasy world. Here is our list of MONTH book recommendations! Note: This book list contains affiliate links from Amazon. Clever Girl Finance is an Amazon Associate which means we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. These...
Hello Reader, It's Bola here! I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to ask for a quick favor, and I promise it won’t take much time. If you’ve read Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money and Build Real Wealth (Expanded & Updated), your honest review and words can be exactly what another woman needs to get started. Whether it helped you budget, save, pay down debt, or simply feel more confident with money, your perspective truly matters. 👉 Leave a review for Clever Girl Finance, Expanded &...
