As the holiday shopping season officially begins (for some it never ends), particularly with the excitement of Black Friday sales, Shop local Saturday and cyber-Monday, it’s key to approach these “opportunities” with a “well” mindset and intentionality. The allure of deep discounts can often lead to impulse purchases that don’t align with our personal goals, needs or wallets. Before diving into the frenzy of sales, evaluate what truly contributes to your well-being, is it saving money on things you don’t need and giving gifts people may or may not want, or could it be an opportunity to invest in the best?
The first step in making wise investments is distinguishing between what you need versus to want. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this item right now?” If the answer is no, then regardless of how significant the discount may seem, it’s best to pass. This principle applies not only to physical items but also to deep online sales. If a discount for an at home gym catches your eye but you’re not committed to using it regularly, it might be more prudent to save your money for something that will genuinely enhance your lifestyle. Yet, if you know you’re more likely to go to say a Wellness Center class, then yes, go for the class discount! Go for what you know you’ll use over what you think you’ll want to use. No purchase will suddenly change your personality or willpower.
Ask yourself, “Does this purchase align with my personal goals?” Are you looking to improve your fitness level? Then you might need to improve your personal fitness tools! For instance, if new sneakers are on sale and yours are in shambles, then this investment might be the place to start. On the other hand, if you already have several pairs, it’s likely just clutter. Don’t just keep collecting items you won’t use, like yoga mats if you don’t go to yoga. Water bottles if you never drink water. And don’t buy a $1000 indoor cycling bike if you’ve never ridden one, have no plan to ride one and can’t imagine riding one. Start with the sneakers and maybe getting some extra steps first!
Black Friday kick off weekend can also be an excellent opportunity for fall cleaning—not just of physical spaces but also of financial habits. Use this time to declutter both your home and your budget. Also, instead of adding to clutter, get rid of stuff. There are new bins in town to donate clothes that are still in good condition. Dana K. White a top “decluttering” expert says, “Throw away your garbage and donate anything you aren’t using or wouldn’t go to look for if you needed it.” It makes sense right? You may “think” you need something but when it came to using it, you would just go buy one, time to ditch it. This will make your home feel so much more pleasant and feel like you’re saving more than any online sale!
Before you click “buy” this weekend, think about how spending today impacts your future self. Investing in higher-quality items that last longer can save money over time compared to frequently replacing cheaper alternatives. Same goes for how you invest in yourself too. Are you always going for the cheapest vitamins, shampoo, foods, appliances? For example, investing in durable kitchen appliances can encourage healthier cooking habits and reduce reliance on takeout meals. Why? They work really well! If you always use a food processor and need a new one every two years, maybe this is the year you buy the nice one that will last! Maybe this is the year you buy The Wellness Center membership for the full year so you can save instead of paying month to month. Maybe this is the year you finally buy the shampoo they use at the salon because it’s worth it to you and builds your confidence. That’s worth something right?
Sure, there are numerous opportunities for savings coming right at you in every way from now until the ball drops. But what is really worth saving to you? For most people it’s their time, their health and prioritizing wellness over mere discounts. Focus on what serves you best and be intentional about all purchases aligning with your goals. This will ensure that any investment made during this shopping season contributes positively to both your wallet and maybe even your waistline. How great would it feel to go to work on Monday and say, “Oh, I didn’t buy anything, I did some fall cleaning and donated a ton of stuff instead.” By adopting a mindful approach this Black Friday, you can transform potential consumerism into meaningful investments in your health and happiness, hey, maybe we can even start calling it “Well Friday!”