Black Friday Strategies

Black Friday is a day we anticipate all year. It’s the day we will get all of our Holiday shopping done and save money doing it. But before you head out for the big sales, here are a few proven strategies to successfully get you through the day without derailing any financial progress you’ve made.

1.    Make a List. Stores study impulse shopping and Black Friday is an easy day for us to impulse shop. There are so many sales and everyone is snatching up an item we might need. With all of the chaos, it’s easy to go over your budget. The way to avoid that is to make a list and stick to it. Your list doesn’t necessarily need to have the exact item you’re looking for. It could just simply have the amount you wish to spend on each person. But definitely make a list and do your best to stick to it.

2.    Double check that it’s really a deal. All stores publish what their sales are so you can strategically plan your shopping adventure. Sometimes you can find a better deal somewhere else. So double check the sales prices. And remember Cyber Monday. You may find a better deal on that day for the same item or you may find that it’s really not any cheaper than you could find at another retailer at regular price. Also, be careful that you’re comparing apples to apples. That toaster may be $2 and it may even look like the $40 one you saw last week but it may just be a cheap imitation of a better model. And of course, if the item in question isn’t a deal and doesn’t fit into the budget, you have to ask yourself if it’s really necessary at all.

3.    Know your boundaries before you go Black Friday shopping. Don’t get caught trying to figure it out in the middle of the frenzy of the sale. You’ve set a budget. You’ve made a list. Make it a goal to stick to them.

4.    Don’t get caught up in the Thrill of the Hunt. This is so easy to do in the frenzy that is Black Friday shopping. Nearly everything is on sale and everyone around you is going crazy grabbing the item you’re sure you need to have. This is why your list is so important. 

With all of the Black Friday frenzy stores have successfully created, we sometimes forget the focus of this Holiday is Thanksgiving, Giving Thanks. Let’s slow down and take a minute to remember how we got to where we are and simply be thankful for everything we have. As you’re out there, strategically grabbing up the true bargains, remember to stay grateful for who you are and what you’ve accomplished this year.