How to Save 100% On This Year's Black Friday Deals

Yes, you read that right! This is the ultimate Black Friday deal for the minimalist in you. Keep your wallet full and your home clutter-free.

Ok, that’s great for the minimalists among us. But what if we’re not there (yet). What if we look at minimalism and think, “how or WHY do they live like that?”

As we approach Black Friday, less than 24 hours after we express our gratitude for all we have, over 3/4 of the adult population will be out buying more, more, more. According to Zippia research, 76% of the adult population shopped on Black Friday in 2023, apparently “saving” an average of 24%.

But this is “retailer math”, because it’s important to note when Americans spend $9 billion in one day, they are not saving, they’re spending.

May the gratitude you express for all that you have on Thursday…remind you of all the things you don’t need on Black Friday.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MAY YOU BE THANKFUL ALL YEAR

If you one of those people who want to save more, stress less, have more freedom and work less, then you’ve likely explored the concept of minimalism.

But you may be struggling with how to evade the lure of false promises such as “Black Friday Savings” and embrace the minimalist lifestyle.

Common Stumbling blocks to Minimalism

Lack of skill in determining what really matters. It’s hard to pare things down. We have to sort through all of our thoughts, desires, needs, wants and prune all of them away, except for what’s essential. And that can be difficult when we’re not even sure “what is essential?“.

Accidental accumulation of clutter. Many of my readers tell me, “I would love my home to be more minimal, but I have all this stuff, and it has sentimental value to me”. So the impulse to hold onto it wages war with the impulse to simplify their life. I recommend they detach the memory from the object and find another way to remember the significance.

In our house we make family videos. For family heirlooms we donated to antique shops, we made videos with my daughter telling a story of the significance. It gave her a great opportunity to hear the stories of the people behind the “things”. In one she describes how an antique clock was a retirement present from the company her grandfather worked for decades. It prompted us to share stories of what it was like for him, working nightshift to support his family. In another, she told the story of her grandmother’s favorite doll as a child and how her great grandmother had made the dress for it. We had carried these 2 beautiful twin quilts my grandmother made for my dad and uncle across 3 states and 2 countries. Never used them, just had them displayed. We donated them after making a video showing the various patches and telling the story of the meaning of which. Now they can actually be put to use, in warming someone’s bed, while our memories stay preserved.

Now that you have some tips to address common physical roadblocks, it’s time to address your mental roadblocks.

7 Principles for Adopting a Minimalist Mindset

If you want to adopt a minimalist mindset and be able to ignore the lure of events such as Black Friday, you’ll need to adhere to several key principles:

Appreciating What You Have: Gratitude plays a central role in minimalism. Instead of constantly seeking new possessions, take time to appreciate and find value in what you already own.
Prioritizing Needs Over Wants: Recognize the difference between necessities and luxuries. This perspective encourages you to focus on what you genuinely need, rather than getting swayed by attractive deals on items you don’t. Focus on the essential things that bring you long term happiness, not fleeting joy. Recognize when you have Enough.
Avoiding Impulse Buying: Black Friday sales often lead to impulse purchases. A minimalist approach involves making deliberate, thoughtful decisions about purchases rather than succumbing to the urgency and hype of sales.
Understanding the Impact of Debt: Realize the long-term impact of going into debt for unnecessary items. Debt can lead to financial stress and can take years to pay off, impacting your overall quality of life.
Embracing Frugality: Frugality isn’t about being cheap; it’s about being resourceful and mindful with your spending. It means getting the most value out of your purchases and ensuring they contribute positively to your life.
Seeking Long-Term Satisfaction: Minimalism encourages finding contentment in long-term benefits rather than the short-term thrill of a purchase. The joy of many purchases wears off quickly, usually months before its even paid off.
Practicing Mindful Consumption: Every purchase has an environmental and social impact. Being mindful of this can lead to more ethical and sustainable buying choices.

Remember

By embracing these minimalist principles, you can avoid the pitfalls of Black Friday shopping, reduce financial stress, and find greater satisfaction and happiness in what you already possess.