It’s that time of year again. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up fast. If you’re a savvy shopper, you’re getting ready to get the best deals – meaning you’ve got to move fast. Regardless of if you’re planning on storming the doors at midnight or refreshing your screen on repeat, there are some tricks of the trade we’re ready to share to make sure you save the most on all your holiday shopping this year.
Do your homework first
If you’re not looking to rack up significant debt this season, setting a budget for yourself is essential. If you’re shopping for your loved ones, make sure you budget enough to cover as many gifts as you need (and even get a little something for yourself!) Setting a limit for each gift is generally a good idea. All the hot deals can be very tempting so having a list on hand can help you control those impulses.
Another part of your homework is to compare the best prices on the same items from different retailers. Those Calvin Kline sheets may be significantly reduced at Nordstrom's but half the price at Macy's. Tools like Google Shopping and PriceGrabber have amazing comparison tools that make this research easier than ever before.
Deals are already starting - Shop Now
With the start date of Black Friday perpetually moving up, you can get started… well right now! Products with the highest demand will often sell out so start browsing sooner rather than later (but only after you’ve made your budget.)
Many retailers have apps now that can allow you to get even better deals than you’d typically find online so don’t forget to visit the app store!
Don’t underestimate the power of the off-brand.
Buying the off-brand doesn’t always mean you get worse quality. Many off-brands are made by the exact same manufacturer and sold at a fraction of the price as the ones with the name-brand label on them. It can be the difference between maxing out your budget with a single purchase and having extra for things on your wishlist. Make sure to read the reviews and ensure you’re making a quality purchase.
Look for free shipping and consider payment options.
Payment options are a great way to make your budget more flexible without maxing out your credit card. This is not a good idea if you cannot pay off the purchase in full within the time frame offered. Klarna, Pay Pal, and Afterpay are all reasonable options. Another way to save is by taking advantage of free shipping. Even if an item only offers a small discount, getting free shipping that would otherwise have been nearly $30, well we’d call that a pretty good offer! Remember when free shipping is not offered, you could be adding that $30 back on to your purchase price, thus nullifying any savings you make have had on the item to begin with.
With these tricks in your pocket, you should be ready to make the most of those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, without putting yourself into debt. If you are concerned about money due to a considerable amount of debt, there is help available. Here at Madison Monroe & Associates, we act as a partner to help you eliminate debt and get back on the path to financial freedom. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Madison Monroe & Associates at help@madisonandmonroe.com or call us at (877) 346-2797.