Ah, Black Friday. The day after the best meal of your life and the kick-off to the most wonderful time of the year…or the most stressful, if shopping and gifting isn’t your thing. But before you brave the crowded malls, or the vast interwebs, here are a few helpful ways to come out with a little extra green this Black Friday. So you can get back to all that leftover pumpkin pie.
Plan Ahead
- Start early. Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Um, no. Planning out gifts before Thanksgiving? Not only acceptable, but super smart. Plus, since Thanksgiving is a week later this year, there may be sales kicking off before Black Friday that are even
- Make a list and check it twice. Sticking to a plan will help you manage your budget and keep you from all the tempting sales and
- Research Is that deal really a deal? Keep tabs on which stores have the best prices, best coupons, and best return policies, just in case.
Get Tech-y
- Use apps. Check your list, look up sales and download coupons on-the-go using Slickdeals, ShopSavvy, Retail Me Not and store-specific
- Follow brands on social media. You’ll be among the first to know about deals, promotions, and exclusives. And don’t forget to check your email spam folder for deals,
- Trick your online shopping cart. Head to an online retailer you know you’ll use, fill up the cart, then clear it as Black Friday approaches. Most likely, the site will email discount codes (some up to 30% off) so you can complete your order at a
Come Prepared
- Work as a team. Bring family members or friends to help divide and conquer your shopping list. The welcome company will help keep Black Friday fatigue at bay and keep you closer to your
- Dress comfortably. You’ll be on your feet for a good chunk of the day, so break out those comfy walking
- Bring ads along. Keep clippings or screenshots of deals you like. Retail workers (and your wallet) will thank you for the extra effort. Some stores will even price
- Relax and enjoy. Stress will only make the experience harder, both on your mood and on your plan. If you start to feel tense, take some time to people-watch or admire the beautiful holiday
Avoid the Mall (If Necessary)
- Shop small. With the boom of online shopping and big-name retailers, local stores will try to compete with deals of their
- Stick it out for Cyber Monday. Why not just ditch the crowds altogether? That must-have gift may come at a much better price online than in-store.
While the day may seem stressful, having a plan and sticking to it can help to take the strain off you and your wallet this Black Friday. Just be sure to do your homework. Whether you manage to snag only one deal or knock out your entire list, we hope these tips will help you save some cash this holiday season.
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