If you’ve been living in a cave, you might not know when Black Friday is. If that’s the case, it’s on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving. And, if you’ve ever gone Black Friday shopping online or in a store you know that panic can set in. You want a good bargain. You want to be first to find the best stuff. But since there are so many people, it can be stressful. It’s no surprise that stressed-out shoppers don’t always make the best decisions. So… avoid Black Friday shopping pitfalls to keep savings intact.
Key Factors
- Black Friday kicks off holiday shopping in a big way
- During 2021’s Black Friday businesses made between $30 – $40 billion in sales
- Between Black Friday and Christmas almost 13% of all retail sales happen
- Americans are expected to spend an average of $441 during Black Friday weekend
Plan Ahead and Stay Organized to Avoid Black Friday Impulse Buys
If you’ve been putting money aside each month to have a cushion in case of an emergency, you don’t want to wipe out your savings on a Black Friday shopping trip. You still want to be ready in case of a surprise car repair, new boiler or last-minute trip to the emergency room.
Black Friday shopping can really bite into savings. That’s why it pays to plan ahead when you head out the door for Black Friday shopping. Same goes for shopping online. You may want to read Should I Take Out a Loan for Holiday Gift Shopping?
When it comes to impulse buying, a little advance planning can go a long way. Knowing what you need (and what you can live without) can help you resist the temptation to overspend when you’re out shopping. So next time you’re tempted to splurge on that Black Friday special gadget or pair of shoes, take a moment to consider whether it’s really worth it. A little planning now can save you a lot of money (and headache) down the road.
Stick To a Budget to Only Purchase the Important Things
It’s important to stick to a budget, especially during Black Friday and holiday shopping. There are so many tempting sales and it’s easy to overspend. Only buy what you need and be mindful of emergency spending.
When it comes to gifts, try to be creative and personalize them instead of buying something expensive. The holidays are also a time when many people travel. If you’re planning on traveling, start saving early so you’re not stressed about it later. Overall, just be mindful of your spending and don’t let the holidays break your budget!
Compare Prices Online Before Buying Anything
When it comes to making purchase decisions, it pays to do your homework. With the advent of the internet, it has become easier than ever to compare prices and find the best deals on everything from clothing to cars. As you know, prices can vary so greatly from site to site and shop to shop. The listing or tag may ays they’ve made a 50% discount. But unless you’ve done your homework you don’t know if they doubled the price before they slashed it by 50%.
However, it is important to be aware of some of the pitfalls of online shopping. For example, you may come across overpriced items or scams. But if you take the time to research your purchase and read reviews, you can avoid these pitfalls and get the best possible deal. So next time you’re thinking of making a purchase, remember to compare prices online first. This little trick can help you keep more of your savings intact.
Avoid Black Friday Crowds by Shopping Online or At Off-Peak Hours
One of the best ways to avoid crowds when shopping is to shop online or at off-peak store hours. Shopping online is efficient because you can do it from the comfort of your own home and have your purchases delivered right to your door.
Shopping at off-peak hours is also a great way to avoid crowds. Many stores are less busy early in the morning or late at night, so you can browse at your leisure without having to jostle with other shoppers. Shopping at off-peak times can also help you save money, as many stores offer discounts during these periods. Either way, shopping online or at off-peak times is a great way to avoid crowds and get the items you need without stress.
Beware Of Black Friday Scams – Only Shop Reputable Websites
Scams are becoming more and more common. It can be hard to know how to protect yourself from scams. One of the most important things you can do is to only shop on reputable websites. This may seem like common sense, but money sites are often created for the sole purpose of stealing your information. Once they have your credit card number, they can run up charges in your name and ruin your credit.
In addition, these sites may sell fake or counterfeit items. So not only will you be out of money, but you’ll also have a fake product that is worth far less than what you paid for it. Finally, always be sure to check the URL before you enter any personal information. A reputable site will always start with “https://” which means it is using a secure connection. These tips are easy to follow and can keep you and your identity out of trouble!
Browse Sales Racks to Find the Best Black Friday Deals
Sale shopping can be a great way to score some amazing deals on clothing and other items. However, it can also be frustrating if you’re not patient. Many people make the mistake of rushing through sale racks, grabbing whatever catches their eye without taking the time to try it on or inspect it for damage.
As a result, they end up with items that are the wrong size or have damages that they didn’t notice at the time. So, if you’re planning on hitting up some sales, be sure to take your time and carefully browse through the racks. You might just find some great deals!
Debt Consolidation to Help Savings After Overspends
Even with the best planning, you can end up spending more than planned. If you’ve maxed out your credit cards you may find yourself in credit card hell. After the holidays when bills start piling up and your debt is out of control there are some things you can do.
- Get back to your savings plan
- Put a hold on unnecessary spending
- Cut up your credit cards
- Consolidate your debts
If you find that you need to get a consolidation loan, that means taking out a payday loan or personal loan. When shopping around for a consolidation loan you want to find one that has a lower interest rate than your credit cards. This type of loan allows you to pay off all your credit cards leaving you with one payment at a lower rate. This will help you see the full extent of your debt and get a handle on it at the same time.
Bottom Line
There you have it, some helpful tips to avoid going broke this holiday season. By planning your purchases ahead of time and sticking to a budget, you can stay on track and avoid overspending. And by comparison shopping online, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal on everything you buy. So, use these smart shopper tactics to save money and have a joyous holiday season!
