During a Black Friday period that stretched from November 23 onward, a recent survey asked Russians about financing purchases with borrowed money. The study found that only a small portion would consider loans from banks, microfinance institutions, or informal lenders such as friends and relatives to fund their shopping. The results reflect a cautious approach to debt even as big discounts entice many shoppers. The data originated from a survey conducted by the online lending platform Moneyman and reported by socialbites.ca, highlighting attitudes toward borrowing during major sales events.
When asked, “Will you use borrowed funds for Black Friday purchases?” nearly all respondents answered negatively. About 82% said they would rely on their own money, while roughly 10% found it difficult to answer. The overall stance shows a prevailing preference for self-financing rather than taking on debt for restricted-time deals.
Participants were also asked to share their expected spending. The majority, 65%, planned to spend up to 20 thousand rubles. A sizable minority, 22%, anticipated expenses in the 20 to 40 thousand ruble range. Around 8% prepared for more than 40 thousand rubles, and the remaining 5% were unsure of their budgets. These figures illustrate a spectrum of shopping strategies, from modest budgeting to riskier, higher-ticket purchases.
Black Friday remains a significant consumer event, prompting many to prepare well in advance. A common behavior is saving specifically for this period so that borrowing becomes unnecessary. The survey notes a broader trend of prudent spending, with many shoppers preferring to keep debt to a minimum and prioritizing self-financed purchases. This cautious mindset aligns with a broader sentiment that paying less with one’s own money is preferable to incurring borrowed funds.
The research was conducted over a five-day period, from November 13 to November 19, 2023, with participation from one thousand individuals aged 18 and over across Russia. The results offer insight into how households plan for major discount events and how they balance enthusiasm for deals with the long-term implications of debt.
Earlier reporting from financial authorities has also explored how to recognize risky sites during Black Friday events, emphasizing careful online shopping practices and verification of seller legitimacy. This context helps consumers navigate both legitimate bargains and potential scams during peak sale times.