Black Friday Is a Lie and Prime Day Is Its Accomplice — But We Still Win

Every November, the internet collectively loses its mind over Black Friday. And every July, it happens again for Prime Day. "THE DEALS! THE SAVINGS! BUY NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR REGRET!"

Let me be honest with you, because that's what we do here: about 70% of Black Friday and Prime Day "deals" are mediocre at best. Inflated original prices, marginal discounts on products nobody wanted, and a whole lot of manufactured urgency designed to make you buy a 75-inch TV you have no wall space for.

But — and this is the important but — the other 30%? Legitimately excellent.

The Good Stuff

Here's what's actually worth buying during major sales events:

TVs on Black Friday. This is the one category where Black Friday genuinely delivers. Competition is fierce, inventory needs to move, and retailers use TV deals as loss leaders. The prices are real and they're spectacular.

First-party devices on Prime Day. Echo, Fire, Ring, Kindle — the house brands get slashed to absurd prices during Prime Day. A Fire tablet for $35? An Echo Dot for $18? These are genuine deals because they want you in the ecosystem.

Last-gen electronics everywhere. When new models launch around these sales events, last year's model gets clearanced hard. And last year's model is 95% as good for 40% less money. This is always the smartest play.

The Garbage

"Doorbuster" deals on unknown brands. That 65-inch TV for $148 from a brand you've never heard of? It's $148 for a reason. It will display images, technically. It will not bring you joy.

Clothing "sales." Fashion brands run 40% off literally every month. Black Friday is not special.

Anything with a countdown timer. We've been over this.

The Battle Plan

30 days before: Make your wishlist. Note current prices. Only buy things on this list.

1 week before: Set price alerts. Get your cashback portals ready. Identify which credit card gives you the best earn rate.

Day of: Execute. Portal, card, buy. Don't browse. Don't explore. Stick to the list like it's a mission briefing, because it is.

Day after: Check for price adjustments. Many retailers will honor a lower price within 14-30 days. Free money that 99% of people don't claim because they don't ask.

The circus comes to town twice a year. You can either be a spectator or you can be the one walking out with the prizes. Your move.