Thousands of businesses, from large chains to small local businesses, are preparing to participate in the 15th edition of Buen Fin, the most anticipated discount weekend of the year. Millions of people wait for these dates to take advantage of sales, interest-free months and special promotions. In Mexico City alone, the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco) estimates a “historic” economic impact of over 65,000 million pesos. But behind the enthusiasm of consumption there is also a risk: falling into a financial trap if you don’t act strategically.
Personal finance expert Liliana Zamacona explains to EL PAÍS that Buen Fin should not be understood as an invitation to buy more, but as an opportunity to reflect on the relationship with money and consumption. “Every year we see people going into debt to support a lifestyle they can’t afford” or for impromptu purchases, he warns. Zamacona points out that the context works against financial prudence: “The system is for you. You won’t walk into a store and be reminded that you should save for retirement. Everything is designed for you to buy.”
When there is Buen Fin: participating shops and lottery
Buen Fin’s official offers run from November 13 to 17, although some businesses have started them earlier. On the official website of the program you can find participating companies, such as Palacio de Hierro, Liverpool, Inditex, H&M, among others.
In addition to the offers, the Buen Fin 2025 Lottery returns this year, organized by the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Ministry of Economy, which seeks to encourage formal purchases and the use of electronic means of payment. Those who make purchases with credit or debit cards automatically participate. The drawing, which will take place on December 5 at 12pm, will distribute more than 500 million pesos in prizes, including a grand prize of 250,000 pesos for consumers and others for winning businesses.
How to identify a real offer
Zamacona warns that it is common practice for shops and companies to gradually increase prices so that the Buen Fin discount is not real. Therefore, before buying, it is recommended to compare prices in different stores and platforms. The Federal Agency for Consumer Protection (Profeco) has the tool Who’s who in pricingwhich allows you to know the cost history of thousands of products and detect whether the discounts are authentic or apparent.
It is also important to check whether the store participates in the official program. Participating companies usually display the Buen Fin logo and must respect the conditions of sale they offer to the public. If an irregularity is detected, consumers can file a complaint with Profeco or contact the service modules installed during the campaign.
Personal finance tips
Before taking advantage of any Buen Fin offer, the expert recommends making a personal financial diagnosis. This exercise consists of reviewing your income, debts, fixed expenses and small daily expenses or “ant expenses”.
Once this scenario is clear, the next step is to create an action plan for the Good End. This involves identifying all of your annual fixed expenses – insurance, tuition, property taxes or family celebrations – to determine how much money you actually have available to take advantage of the discounts.
Based on this information, explains Zamacona, a specific purchasing budget is prepared. “Many people already have their income tied up in interest-free months and don’t know it. Each new purchase must fit within a realistic monthly limit,” he warns.
But above all he recommends applying a personal filter: asking yourself if you really need it. “That urge you feel (to buy) is not a sign from God, it’s dopamine,” he says wryly. His most convincing advice is simple: use the bonus to pay off debts before buying, or to invest.
“Every conscious financial decision is an affirmation of freedom,” concludes the specialist. “No one will take care of your money like you do.”
