Sales weekends like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday promise big savings—but they can also quietly stir up comparison, impulsive spending, and stress. As a believer, this shopping weekend is not just about deals; it is an opportunity to practice stewardship, generosity, and contentment with God’s help, right inside your planner.
Start with a heart check
Before making a shopping list, take a moment to ask why you are shopping and what you hope it will accomplish. Many Christians find that unchecked motives like fear of missing out, pressure to provide “perfect” gifts, or a desire to keep up with others can drive overspending and anxiety.
Use a notes section or journaling space in your planner to write a short prayer inviting God to lead your decisions this weekend. You can also jot down a simple reminder phrase such as “People over presents” or “Steward, not spender” to keep your heart anchored as you look at sales and promotions.
Build a faith-based budget
A written, prayed-over budget is one of the most practical ways to honor God with your spending during major sale events. Without a plan, even “great deals” can add up quickly and derail your financial peace.
In your planner, create three basic budget categories for the weekend:
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Gifts (family, friends, coworkers, ministries)
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Household/needed items (things you have already planned to buy)
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Giving (special offerings, blessing others, or supporting small and faith-based businesses)
Next, assign a specific dollar amount to each category based on your overall finances and any Christmas budget you have set. Keep that total visible at the top of your weekend pages so every decision flows from what you have already decided with God, not what looks appealing in the moment.
Turn your wish list into a prayerful list
Sale weekends often bombard your inbox and social feeds with “must-haves,” which can quickly become a long wish list. Instead of reacting to every ad, use your planner to create two intentional lists: “Needs” and “Nice-to-Haves.”
On the “Needs” list, include items you had already planned for—replacements, upcoming gifts, or tools that genuinely serve your home, work, or calling. On the “Nice-to-Haves” list, park anything that grabs your attention but is not essential, then pause and pray before moving anything from that column to your cart. Giving yourself at least a few hours—ideally a day—between seeing a deal and purchasing can greatly reduce impulse spending and regret.
Schedule giving on purpose
Sales weekends are a powerful time to practice generosity, not just consumption. Many believers choose to deliberately support small businesses, local shops, and faith-based creators as a way of investing in people and communities, not just products.
In your planner, dedicate space for a “Giving Plan” alongside your shopping plan. This might include:
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A specific amount set aside for charitable giving or special offerings
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Names of small or faith-based businesses you want to support
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One person or family you want to secretly bless with a gift or gift card
Writing these things down helps shift your mindset from “How much can I get?” to “How can I bless others with what God has entrusted to me?” As you check off purchased items, also check off giving actions so that generosity is woven into the weekend, not left for “if there’s anything left.”
Use time blocks to protect your peace
Stewardship is not just about money; it is also about how you use your time and attention. Constantly refreshing apps and email for new deals can leave you more frazzled than thankful.
Try blocking specific windows in your planner for shopping—perhaps one session for online browsing and one for in-person errands—while leaving the rest of the day for family, rest, or worship. Mark tech-free hours where you intentionally step away from screens and ads to be fully present with God and loved ones. These boundaries guard your heart from urgency-driven decisions and keep your priorities visible.
Close the week with a review
When the sales are over, a brief review in your planner can help you grow in wisdom for next year. Instead of just moving on, look back over what you spent, where you gave, and how peaceful (or pressured) you felt.
You might create simple review prompts such as:
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“What went well in my budgeting and giving?”
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“Where did I feel rushed or regretful?”
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“What boundary or habit do I want to keep for next time?”
Capturing these insights while they are fresh makes your planner a place of discipleship, not just documentation. Over time, each shopping season becomes less about chasing deals and more about walking in step with God as a faithful steward of your money, time, and heart.
Dream boldly. Plan wisely. Honor God daily.