Memorial Day is known for cookouts, long weekends, and some of the biggest sales of the year. Stores slash prices and throw out deals on everything from mattresses to appliances. It can feel like the perfect time to treat yourself—or finally upgrade that aging washer.
But before you swipe your card, stop and think. Are these sales actually worth it? Or are you spending money just because it feels like a deal? Here’s how to shop smart, stay on budget, and make sure your money goes where it matters.
Know What’s Really a Deal
Some Discounts Are Just Disguises
Not everything on sale is truly discounted. Retailers often mark up prices before lowering them to make the “sale” look bigger than it is. That shiny 40% off tag? It might be based on an inflated starting price.
Before you buy, compare prices from a few weeks ago. Use price tracking tools if you’re shopping online. If the item costs the same as it did last month—or only slightly less—it’s probably not a must-buy.
Focus on Big-Ticket Items
Memorial Day can be a great time for large purchases if you’ve planned ahead. Think appliances, patio furniture, or mattresses. These are often genuinely marked down. But only buy them if they were already on your list.
If you’ve been saving for something specific, now might be the time to strike. Just don’t let the sales push you into buying something you didn’t need in the first place.
Stick to Your Budget
Don’t Let Sales Derail Your Goals
Deals are only helpful if they don’t throw your budget off course. If you’re working toward paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a trip, ask yourself: Will this purchase help or hurt my progress?
A new flat screen might feel like a steal—but not if it puts you $600 further from your savings target. Memorial Day only lasts a weekend, but your financial goals should last a lifetime.
Use a Shopping List
Before you start browsing, write down exactly what you need. Stick to that list, whether you’re in a store or scrolling online. Sales events are designed to tempt you into impulse buys. A list helps you stay focused and in control.
Set a spending limit, too. If you can’t pay for something in full without dipping into emergency funds or going into debt, skip it. No deal is worth long-term regret.
Consider the Timing
Some Things Are Better Bought Later
Not everything is at its best price during Memorial Day. Summer clothing, grills, and tech gadgets often get cheaper later in the season. If you’re not in a rush, waiting could save you even more.
Back-to-school and end-of-summer sales tend to offer deeper discounts on some items. So if it’s not urgent, put it on a wish list and watch the prices over time.
Use the Long Weekend for Planning
You don’t have to spend to make progress. Use the extra day off to review your budget, organize your financial goals, or track your recent expenses. Sometimes the best way to spend a holiday weekend is by not spending at all.
If you’ve been meaning to review your retirement account or cancel unused subscriptions, this could be your moment. A little financial cleanup can feel just as productive as snagging a deal.
Ask Yourself the Hard Questions
Want vs. Need
Every smart purchase starts with a simple question: Do I want this or do I need it? It’s okay to spend money on things you enjoy. But you should make that choice with purpose—not because of flashy ads and countdown timers.
If it’s not something you were planning to buy already, give yourself a 24-hour pause. If it still feels important the next day, and it fits your budget, go for it. If not, you’ve just saved yourself some money.
Will This Add Value?
The best purchases solve problems or improve your daily life. If something truly adds value, it’s worth considering. If it’s just going to sit in a closet or add to your credit card balance, it might not be the right move.
Be honest about how often you’ll use the item and whether it lines up with your financial goals. If it doesn’t pass the test, walk away feeling empowered—not deprived.
Memorial Day sales are full of opportunities—but they’re also full of traps. Smart shoppers take a step back, stick to their plan, and shop with purpose. If you do that, you can enjoy the deals without the debt.
