Black Friday gets a lot of bad rep, and deservedly so! Americans do tend to overspend on Black Friday, with as many as 60% of Americans saying they will overspend their budget if they find a good deal.
Now, I DO NOT recommend spending more than your budget allows, and I do not endorse spending or shopping as a form of entertainment. I also urge you all to remember that a deal is not a deal if you can’t afford it.
That said, you can take advantage of Black Friday deals by shopping strategically.
Make a plan of action and stick to it.
1. Stock up on Toys for Birthdays
My kids get invited to a lot of birthday parties. I keep an eye out for cheap toys that will make good gifts. If I see something under $5, I buy a few. Not only does it save me money, but it also takes the stress out of buying a gift at the last minute.
2. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
Many stores offer free shipping, so you can get what you want without paying for it. Shopping online instead of going into a store has the added benefit of helping reduce impulse purchases.
3. Stick To Your Gift List and Get What You Need
Write down WHO you are getting gifts for and HOW much you want to spend. Find deals for each person that are on or below budget. It can be a fun game: can you get a good gift for everyone on your list by spending even LESS money than you planned?
Stressed about your gift list? Get the Christmas Budget Planner now!
4. Check the Return Policy
Make sure you only purchase items that have a good return policy (unless you are sure you want the item). That way, if you have buyer’s remorse, you can return it later.
5. Don’t Impulse Buy
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday and buy things you don’t really need. Take a deep breath and think about whether you really need the item before you buy it.
