We have 39 more days until Christmas! If you have been using Banktivity, you have set aside money each month and know how much is in your budget to spend on Christmas presents. Remember the days of Black Friday shopping, still being full from Turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie and heading over to Best Buy to camp out in the cold to be first in line to get that big TV? Or fighting with the lady in Target over the last Tickle Me Elmo? Black Friday shopping has evolved and is a great way to get some of those gifts crossed off your list. Use our Black Friday shopping tips to stay in budget and not be swayed but that incredibly cheap foot massager your aunt is just going to put in the back of her closet unused for years to come.
Tip #1
Have a plan and have a plan B. All the Black Friday ads will be leaked online prior to Black Friday. Spend plenty of time going through them. Keep track of the things you would like to get and at which store. List them in order of importance and then make a decision of which store you would like to start at. Keep in mind that the items with the biggest Your plan B should be a flexible list. The item you wanted may be sold out before you can get to it so have an alternate item if you need to.
Tip #2
Research, research, research. The item you find in the ad may seem like a good deal, but is it really? If you are already following Tip #1, you will have plenty of time to price check online prior to Black Friday. Also, make sure your phone is charged up so you can price check at the store on the go.
Tip #3
Stay home! Many stores will have Doorbuster items that you will need to go to the store to purchase, these are usually the best of the best deals and the biggest money savers. But don’t forget that retailers often have great sales that are also available online. The store ads Weill specify what items need to be bought in store. You might be able to get all your shopping done online from the comfort of your couch in your pajamas.
Tip #4
Remember to stay within your budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shopping when you are all hopped up on caffeine and Christmas music at 5 am. Keep your list handy of who you are shopping for and what gift you are hoping to get and stay within your price range. Don’t be tempted by the Door-busters if they are not on your list.
