Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’s time to prepare for the holiday shopping season. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer the holiday deals you have been waiting for all year. Even though the one-day sale prices are unbeatable, you may still overspend. According to Balance.com, last year Americans spent more than $600 billion on Black Friday shopping. If you are shopping online or in-store, use these five helpful tips to avoid breaking the bank.
Sign Up for Emails – Prior to Thanksgiving, visit store websites and sign up for their emails and newsletters. This will keep you informed on deals retailers offer and help you plan accordingly.
Stick to a Budget - Calculate how much you can afford to spend this season, and stick to it. Leave your credit cards at home, and only use cash. This will limit your impulsive purchases.
Stay Connected – Follow your favorite brands and stores on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Social media is an easy way for retailers to inform customers of new collections and deals they are offering during the holiday season. Be on the lookout for coupons and promo codes, too!
Price Check – Not everything will be a deal. Check the original sticker price of an item and compare it to the new price, see if the discount is worth it. (You can always Google the item from your phone, while waiting in the aisle.) Some retailers wait closer to December 25 to lower prices.
Use Discounted Gift Cards – Raise.com offers a simpler way to shop and save. You can find hundreds of gift cards from retailers at a discounted price. Imagine buying $500 worth of gift cards for $430, that’s a $70 savings.
Thanksgiving weekend should be a fun time of year. Don’t let Black Friday and Cyber Monday get the best of you. Relax, use these six helpful tips and your holiday shopping will be a walk in the park. Have any other holiday shopping tips or ideas? Share them here.
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Smart Spending
