Wirecutter’s Jason Chen Breaks Down Your Biggest Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Doubts

Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions. Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions.

25. How to Create the Perfect Holiday Shopping Budget

Set spending limits, prioritize gifts, and track expenses to stick to a holiday shopping budget.
Set spending limits, prioritize gifts, and track expenses to stick to a holiday shopping budget.

Jason Chen is a big advocate for realistic spending limits during the holiday season.

Step-by-step budgeting plan:

  1. Set a maximum total spend.
  2. Divide it category-wise (gifts, electronics, home, travel, etc.).
  3. Prioritize high-value items first.
  4. Avoid EMI/credit purchases unless necessary.
  5. Track your spending daily.

The hidden danger:

Holiday sales create an illusion that “everything is a great deal,” which tempts shoppers to overspend.

Jason’s rule:
“If it wasn’t on your list before Black Friday began, you probably don’t need it.”