One week and counting until Black Friday, and if you’re one of the millions who plan to shop, it’s best to arm yourself with some helpful tips. You’ll need it!
I’m more of a Cyber Monday shopper myself, but I’ve gotten some great deals on Black Friday from computer monitors, to a flatscreen TV, to washer and dryer.
My husband and I still talk about how great those deals were, and to this day we haven’t seen the price as low as we paid on those items.
So, in most cases, Black Friday can be a total score. But like the way most people feel, I can definitely do without the crazy crowds, the pushing, shoving, waiting in a long line outside in the cold. But, even still, if the deal is good, and it’s something I feel won’t be cheaper any other day, I’ll be there prepared and on a mission.
Tips for navigating Black Friday deals, doorbusters and bargains:
* Make a list. Take a list with you of who you’re buying for and what you’re buying.
* Set a limit. Look at what you can afford to spend in total and then set limits you will spend on each person, otherwise you could end up spending more than you planned!
* Do your research. Research which retailer is selling the product(s) you want for less. Check out blackfriday.info and bfads.net for up to date sale information.
* Check a store’s online website. A lot of online stores will offer free shipping to compete with retailers and that may save you a trip!
The BBB has a great Holiday Planning Calculator, which helps you compartmentalize your holiday budget into categories like gifts, travel and food. You set the overall budget, and adjust it depending on your needs and plans for the holiday season.
I just tried the calculator and it said my recommended holiday budget is 1.5% of my annual income. Pretty interesting.
Will you shop on Black Friday? Or do you plan to wait for Cyber Monday?
I went shopping on Black Friday last year, but I’ll wait a little this year. I plan to do lots of online shopping.
I’m hoping I can get 90% of my shopping done on Cyber Monday. Fingers crossed we all score some great deals!
Cyber Monday!!! I hate shopping in crowds 🙂
I’m with you!
Cyber Monday!! I am NOT a shopping in crowds type of gal!
Looks like we all might make some websites crash on Monday from all the traffic we’ll be bringing them! haha
I am definitely a Cyber Monday shopper, I can’t stand crowds!
I hear that!
I wasn’t ready before, but thanks to you – (should I decide to venture out with relatives and go beyond PJs and leftovers on Black Friday), I will be! Thanks so much!
Jackie, you’re too kind! 🙂 Glad it was helpful!
😉 Good luck you’re in the final stretch!!!!!
I am SO SO SO READY!!!! I can’t wait!!!! xo
Audrey
I knew you would be! 🙂
I wouldn’t mind fighting the crowds on Black Friday – it’s getting up at the crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving that I can’t do! I need to sleep in! I’ll do some Cyber Monday shopping, but – I hate to admit it – I’m more of a very-last-minute Christmas shopper.
The getting up early part is def the hardest! On my day off I hate to get up as early as I would for work. 🙂
I have never shopped on black friday…but I kind of want to!!! Great tips if I decide to brave it this year 🙂
no black friday or cyber monday shopping planned for me. Kids’ gifts are done, so mostly just handmade presents left!
That’s great! You’re going to have a nice stress-free holiday weekend. 🙂 I love doing the homemade gifts too. I save those for my co-workers.
I’m a cyber Monday gal. I can’t stand crowds and have zero tolerance for rude people or poor customer service. Laptop and credit card baby!
I will def be doing more damage on Cyber Monday! Plus, I love getting mail! haha
Wahoo! I am so ready for black friday! I am so excited! These tips are great. Thanks so much!
I’m just starting to make my last now, I’m hoping I can do get at least half my shopping done! 🙂