Black Friday comes with a frenzy of deals and endless scrolling for the “best price.” But while everyone’s hunting for bargains, many middle-class Americans are unknowingly making costly mistakes that can turn a good deal into buyer’s remorse.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest pitfalls so you can shop smart, and maybe even save a little sanity along the way.
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Things Aren’t Necessarily Cheaper Than Usual
“Every year, Black Friday seems to trick the middle class with the illusion that things are cheaper than usual,” said Michael Boggiano, managing partner at WealthCare Financial.
While Black Friday used to be a great way for people to save on big-ticket items like TVs and the latest toys, he said shoppers have noticed a growing trend where retailers are hiking the ticket price ahead of the holiday and then “discounting” the items to their original price.
“So, the consumer thinks they are getting a deal, but in reality, they aren’t.”
He continued, “There are still deals to be found during Black Friday, but buyers should be aware of this marketing tactic.”
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Buying More Than You Originally Intended
Another trap the middle class falls into during Black Friday, according to Boggiano, is buying more than they originally intended and chalking it up to a “deal” because it’s something they would eventually buy anyway.
“Confusing a discount with a deal is one of the biggest mistakes I see, and I’m guilty of it too.”
It’s easy to convince yourself that snagging an extra item “while it’s on sale” is actually saving money, but before you know it, your cart is overflowing with things you don’t truly need.
That extra sweater, tech gadget or kitchen device might seem harmless at the moment, but all those little purchases add up — and suddenly what looked like a smart deal starts to feel more like unnecessary spending.
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Could Hurt Your Finances in 2026
Boggiano said another mistake Americans make is using deferred-interest promotions and “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options, which can quietly derail your financial health going into 2026.
These sneaky loans can have major consequences if you don’t pay them off in full. He said the accumulated interest can wipe out your savings and hurt your credit utilization ratio, so don’t fall into the trap.
“If you’re planning to shop for Black Friday, do your research, create a list and stick to your budget! Black Friday isn’t the only day we see deals, so if something isn’t on your list, put it down.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Biggest Mistakes Middle-Class Americans Make on Black Friday
