Stop impulse buying this Black Friday: 3 biblical habits to shop with wisdom
- Fun Money Habits
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Are you excited and stressed about the Black Friday sales?Do you want to know how to avoid buyer’s remorse after shopping?
If you love flash sales, 50% off discounts, or buy-two-get-one-free deals, I get it—it’s hard to resist!
Today, I’ll share 2 reasons behind your impulse buying behaviors and 3 practical, biblical habits to help you shop wisely and avoid overspending.
The crazy season is almost here, and I know so many of you will feel emotional and financial pressure with all the expectations around Black Friday and Christmas.
Can we just break the habit of spending to impress, gain approval, or “show love”?
Impulse buying doesn’t have to control you. Understanding why you shop and applying simple habits can help you avoid debt and enjoy your finances with peace.
Stop Impulse Buying This Black Friday: 3 Biblical Habits to Shop with Wisdom
Why Do You Impulse Buy?
Impulse buying isn’t just about a sale or a deal—it’s often misunderstood.
Most tips you see don’t address the root issues, so they don’t create lasting change.
Impulse buying is simply buying something you weren’t planning to, but in the moment it seems too good to miss. Occasionally, it’s fine. But when it becomes a habit, it can keep you in debt.
For example, I personally love chocolate and sometimes grab M&Ms at the grocery checkout. I consider this in my budget, so it’s fun and guilt-free.
The key is knowing your numbers, your habits, and yourself.
When it comes to impulse buying, there are 2 main reasons behind it:
1. The Gain or Loss Perception
Your brain sees a deal as either a gain (saving money) or a loss (missing out).
For example, a 48-hour 50% off flash sale:
Gain perspective: “If I buy now, I save $200.”
Loss perspective: “If I don’t buy now, I’ll lose $200.”
Either way, your brain justifies spending money you don’t need. Remember: spending $200 on something unnecessary isn’t saving money.
Tip: Next time, pause and ask, “Would I buy this if it wasn’t on sale?”
Emotional Buying
Emotional buying happens when we try to feel better through purchases—retail therapy.
Stress, bad days, loneliness, or frustration can trigger spending. It gives a quick high, but guilt and regret often follow.
I’ve seen clients repeatedly go to restaurants or shop online to feel comforted.
Through coaching, we identify the emotions, thoughts, and triggers, then replace them with biblical truths and practical fun money habits.
Luke 12:15 reminds us: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
Stuff and sales won’t satisfy your deepest needs. Only God can.
Habits to avoid Impulse Buying this Black Friday
Impulse buying is often irrational, but you can create habits to protect your wallet and your heart.
Habit 1: Focus on Your Why & Be OK With No
Every purchase is a trade-off. Ask yourself:
Will this delay my debt-free goals?
Prevent me from saving or investing?
Stop me from funding what truly matters?
Imagine a cue—a word or an object—to bring you back to your financial why. It helps shift from impulsive to intentional decisions.
Habit 2: Permission to Purchase with Tracking
Create a wishlist with prices before shopping.
Compare deals to the original price.
Track your spending as you go (budget for fun!).
Tracking transforms shopping from a frenzy into a game of strategy, letting you enjoy sales without stress.
Habit 3: Feel the Emotions & Renew Your Mind
Emotional buying often fills a deeper need.
Identify the emotion: lonely, sad, frustrated?
Recognize the thought driving the behavior.
Submit it to God in prayer and let Him renew your mind.
I coached a single mom who repeatedly went out to eat. Once she acknowledged the loneliness and connected with God instead, the habit disappeared—she felt cared for without spending money.
Remember: Your needs for love and belonging are met in Christ, not in things.
Bonus tip: Listen to worship music while shopping, track spending, and stick to a list to maintain focus on heavenly treasures.
Stop the cycle & celebrate wisely
The materialistic culture pressures us to spend, but you can choose differently this year:
Create family traditions that don’t require expensive gifts.
Focus on quality time instead of quantity of presents.
Emphasize celebrating Jesus’ birth over stuff.
More resources on how to stop impulse spending:
Listen to 4 // How to avoid impulse buying during Black Friday Frenzy with three simple and Fun Money habits
Listen to 102 // Are You Emotionally Ready for the Crazy Shopping Season? Let’s Talk Money, Mindset, and Holiday Spending!
Next Steps for Lasting Change
Impulse buying will happen, but awareness and intentional habits reduce it significantly.
Step 1: Identify your triggers (gain/loss perspective or emotional need).
Step 2: Apply the three habits: focus on your why, track purchases, and renew your mind.
Go deeper: Join my Fun Money Tracking challenge to explore your current spending habits and know your numbers.
Transform fully: My 90-Day Financially Confident Program teaches biblical money principles, rewires your mindset, and helps you build freedom, peace, and stewardship joy with God’s guidance.
This Black Friday, don’t let impulse buying control your finances. Understand your mind, track your spending, and submit your emotions to God.
You can shop wisely, enjoy deals, and stay debt-free while honoring God and your financial goals.
Check the links above for the 5-Day Challenge and 90-Day Program to start your journey to lasting financial freedom.
Take care.
Raina | Biblical Mindset Discipleship Coach AKA The Fun Money Coach
