How Your Smartphone Can Become Your Money-Saving Powerhouse This Black Friday
- Editorial Staff
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Black Friday is just around the corner. It’s that time of year when every brand shouts about amazing discounts and “can’t-miss” deals. But while it’s easy to get caught up in excitement, it’s also easy to overspend.
The good news? The same device you use to scroll, shop, and share can also be your best money-saving tool. With the right apps, settings, and habits, your phone can help you plan smarter, spend less, and make the most of the sales season.
Let’s explore some practical ways your phone can help you shop smarter this Black Friday.
1. Compare prices in seconds
It’s tempting to click “buy now” when you see a huge discount. But not every Black Friday deal is as good as it looks.
Your phone can help you check prices quickly. Use free apps like Google Shopping, PriceRunner, or Honey to compare what other retailers are charging. Many show you the price history, so you can see if the “sale” price is new, or if it’s been cheaper before.
You can also use your phone’s camera to scan barcodes in stores. This instantly shows if the same product is cheaper online. A few seconds of checking can save you pounds.
2. Set spending limits before you shop
Impulse spending is one of the biggest traps during Black Friday. Setting a clear budget before you shop helps you stay in control.
You can do this right on your smartphone. Apps like Monzo, Revolut, or Emma let you set spending limits, track every purchase, and even alert you when you’re close to your budget.
If you don’t use a budgeting app, just use your phone’s Notes section instead. Write down your total budget and update it as you make purchases. It’s a simple, old-school method that still works brilliantly.
3. Use deal alerts instead of doom-scrolling
Instead of endlessly scrolling through hundreds of sales, let your phone do the hard work.
Sign up for deal alerts from trusted sources or comparison apps. You can set notifications for specific items, like a pair of headphones or a new phone. When the price drops, you’ll get a ping.
This helps you avoid impulse buys and means you’re only shopping for things you actually want.
If you’re due an upgrade, check out the O2 Black Friday deals for savings on phones and plans. Whilst you’re at it, see what’s on offer in the Virgin Media Black Friday deals. They’re ideal if you want to save on broadband or TV at home.
4. Make the most of loyalty and cashback apps
Many stores offer cashback for shopping through specific apps or links. It’s an easy way to earn back a small percentage of what you spend.
Download apps like TopCashback, Quidco, or Airtime Rewards on your phone. Then, when you shop through them, you’ll automatically get money back.
If you’re on O2, Airtime Rewards can even reduce your mobile bill, which will save you money without lifting a finger.
5. Turn off notifications that make you spend
Marketers love to send “flash sale!” notifications at just the right time. But those alerts can easily tempt you to buy things you don’t need.
Before Black Friday, take a few minutes to tidy up your phone’s notifications. Turn off alerts from shopping apps or marketing emails.
That small step helps you stay focused on the deals you’ve planned for, not the ones that pop up out of nowhere.
6. Shop safely and avoid scams
Sadly, Black Friday also attracts fake websites and scam offers. Always double-check the web address before you enter payment details.
Your smartphone can help here, too. Use a secure browser (like Chrome or Safari) and make sure your connection is encrypted (you’ll see a little padlock in the address bar).
If you’re buying from an unfamiliar retailer, do a quick Google search for reviews before checking out your purchase. It only takes a few seconds and could save you from losing money.
7. Use your phone to stay organised
Your phone can be your personal shopping assistant.
Create a folder or list just for Black Friday shopping. Save screenshots, links, or order numbers so you can easily track what you’ve bought and when it’s arriving.
You can even set delivery reminders or use your phone’s calendar to note return deadlines. This helps you avoid missing out on refunds if you change your mind later.
8. Remember: saving is smarter than spending
Black Friday can be a great opportunity to grab something you genuinely need at a lower price. But the best deals are the ones that help your finances long-term.
Use your smartphone not just as a shopping tool, but as a budgeting companion. A few smart habits such as comparing prices, tracking spending, and using cashback apps, can make a big difference.
If you’re due an upgrade or want to make your current device work harder for you, it’s worth checking out what’s on offer from your network. O2’s Black Friday deals often include discounts on phones, SIM-only plans, and accessories — helping you stay connected while keeping costs down.
Final Thought
Your phone is one of the most powerful tools you have. Not just for browsing or entertainment, but for managing your money. This Black Friday, use it wisely to find real savings, avoid unnecessary spending, and keep your finances on track. With a few smart strategies, you can make every purchase count and turn your smartphone into your ultimate budgeting assistant.
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