This Black Friday, as the deals battle for attention, we encourage you to pause before splurging on another gadget or item you don’t truly need. The best deal this shopping season might not be a percentage off, but a strategic investment in your future and well-being. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of fleeting retail buys, financial experts suggest you look beyond the checkout cart to wiser strategies.
Invest in your future
This Black Friday, resist the temptation of retail deals that sound good but could derail your long-term investment goals. Instead of spending on unnecessary items, redirect the money into your home loan, advises Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales. “Paying an extra small amount into your bond each month, instead of splurging on one Black Friday purchase, could result in significant savings in interest and shave months or even years off your bond repayment period.”
For example, an additional R2 000 a month on a R2 million bond, payable over 20 years at a prime lending rate of 10.5% will reduce the monthly payment from R21 968 to R19 968. This will also save you almost R777 000 in interest and reduce the loan repayment period by almost five years.
For aspirant homebuyers who want to make 2026 the year they own a home, putting money into an interest-bearing account to save for a deposit will be more prudent than a Black Friday purchase, says Bendall. “A deposit significantly improves the chance of securing a home loan, and it will reduce the monthly bond repayment.
“By applying to several banks on a buyer’s behalf, BetterBond helps secure the most competitive home loan rate possible. Providing a deposit, even as little as 10%, can strengthen a buyer’s application, as banks tend to reward sound money management and lower borrowing risk with better interest rates,” he adds.
“The best deal this Black Friday might not be in your shopping cart, but in the long-term financial freedom you create for yourself,” says Bendall. Instead of clicking “check out” for a once-off purchase, make time to calculate the real and longer-term savings you could be in for by using BetterBond’s additional payment calculator.
Invest in well-being, not clutter
The gift of time and rest is the most valuable gift you can give yourself and your loved ones, so this year, don’t just buy more stuff, buy yourself some peace of mind and some time off, says Rishka Matthews, Head of Marketing at Sweepsouth.
“Choose an investment that genuinely enhances your life and the lives of those you care about. Imagine bypassing the checkout queues and the hassle of returning impulse buys, and trading that stress for a weekend free from scrubbing, tidying, and gardening,” she says.
Reclaim Your weekend
Hiring a trusted domestic worker or gardener from Sweepsouth means delegating those time-consuming household chores and outdoor tasks. Instead of mopping floors or mowing the lawn, you could be relaxing, pursuing a hobby, or spending quality time with family.
Christmas gifts
Forget the typical socks or ties. Sweepsouth vouchers for services like Indoor Cleaning or the Outdoor Gardening Service make for a unique and incredibly practical Christmas present. It’s the perfect way to give Dad a break from his garden chores or offer a friend a much-needed home reset. Plus, Sweepsouth vouchers often have no expiry date, meaning they can be used whenever they need the service most!
Support local empowerment
By booking a SweepStar, you’re not just getting a clean home; you’re supporting a system that provides dignified, flexible, and well-paying work opportunities to thousands of individuals.
Invest in self-training programmes
Ursula Fear, Senior Talent Program Manager at Salesforce, shares her take on a smart Black Friday strategy: invest in yourself. ‘When it comes to spending, think long-term value, not just short-term gains. The most valuable investments add lasting worth to your life and career.
With a staggering 39% of key skills expected to change by 2030, continuous learning is no longer optional. This shift demands that individuals take charge of their educational paths, leveraging technology to create personalised, relevant learning paths that foster adaptability, resilience, and innovation.
“For individuals looking to make a strategic investment this Black Friday, I urge you to focus on closing the skills gap by investing in your own growth. The skills gap is cited by 63% of employers as their primary challenge to business transformation. However, the path forward is clear: 85% of employers plan to upskill their workforce, with 80% specifically planning to provide AI training.
Instead of spending on fleeting purchases, redirect that money toward practical, flexible, skill-based learning programmes or free, accessible platforms like Trailhead. Trailhead breaks down complex skills into bite-sized lessons, enabling anyone to become a ‘Trailblazer’ – a leader, innovator, and mentor.
“In Africa, prioritising accessible training can help us leapfrog outdated models and drive progress. The demand for Salesforce-skilled professionals alone is projected to create 9.3 million new jobs globally by 2026. By adopting a holistic approach that includes personalised learning paths, hands-on practice, and continuous upskilling, we can meet this immense demand.
This Black Friday, focus on growth and skills development. View your learning not just as a course, but as the engine of lifelong growth and a cornerstone of your professional future.”
