Well, it’s that time of the year again! Thousands of people across the country will be flocking to their favorite stores in hopes of getting in on some of greatest deals of the year. Ladies, it’s Black Friday.
Long lines and crowds aside, Black Friday can be very productive for those who choose to spend their time and money wisely. Here are some helpful tips to keep you from an empty wallet and an unsatisfying shopping experience.
1. Plan Ahead
As stores start to open earlier and earlier, many of them will publish ads ahead of time to give people a sneak peek at all the savings and deals. Take advantage of these. If you know where you plan to go and what you want to buy, you can definitely save yourself some time. If you don’t receive a newspaper on a regular basis, here are some websites featuring this year’s Black Friday ads.
http://www.nerdwallet.com/dealfinder/black-friday
http://www.theblackfriday.com/
2. Get Out There Early If You Can
Some of the best deals happen early on, so make sure to jump on those opportunities. As many Black Friday veterans know, things go fast. Getting ahead of the game will give you better deals and more time to sleep off all that turkey! However, it is important that you spend time with your family too. If Thanksgiving dinner is on the table at 5, find some stores that open later on. Trust me, your stomach will reward you. As any college students know, a home-cooked meal is to be savored while you have it.
3. Bring Some Friends and/or Family Along with You
If you want to save yourself from buying unwanted items, nobody should be able help you out more than your friends and family. Even though another Victoria’s Secret PINK hoodie may seem essential to you, these people will likely be the first to tell you that you don’t need it. And if you’re lucky, they might just come back and buy it for you anyways.
4. Set Aside Some Money
One of the worst mistakes a girl can make is bringing her credit card to Black Friday. Hundreds of dollars later, you’ll be stuck trying figure out how you’re going to pay off all of that stuff you bought. To save yourself from this problem, make a quick trip to the ATM and deposit some money. With a set limit of cash, you’ll be less likely to buy unwanted items and only buy the items that you truly need.
5. Take Advantage of Pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
For those who avoid Black Friday at all costs, this is a tip for you. Many stores are now offering deals ahead of time, which means you can avoid all of the long lines. Sometimes items are even cheaper than they would be on Black Friday. Target, for example, has a two-page ad with deals specifically for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
To avoid the lines all together, take part in Cyber Monday. Everything is online now, and lots of stores will be offering special deals on their website. You can get all of your shopping done with just a few clicks of a button. Buying on Cyber Monday can also assure that your packages arrive on time for Christmas, sometimes even sooner. One thing to keep in mind, though: buy your items fast! They sell out online too!
With all of these tips combined, hopefully you feel better equipped for your Black Friday adventures!
Stay safe and happy shopping!
Photos:
http://www.gsmnation.com/blog/2013/04/04/online-shopping-trends-ecommerc…
http://dailysavings.allyou.com/2014/10/03/black-friday-predictions/