Probably one of the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Friday turns out shoppers in droves. Don’t get caught lollygagging and miss all of the best deals. These simple strategies can maximize the money you spend.
Sign Up for Rewards & Loyalty Programs
If you’re going to be spending money, you should definitely take advantage of any rewards programs your store offers. Some of my favorite deals every year are at Meijer, simply because I can meet rewards goals through mPerks WHILE I’m getting hot Black Friday prices. Here are the top rewards programs you should sign up for ASAP:
If you know where you will be shopping, investigate any store rewards program NOW so you’re sure your purchases will build that point count.
Snag a Bag
Carts = gridlock and you need to be a mean, lean, shopping machine. Look around your home for reusable shopping bags that you can bring with you on Black Friday. You’ll be able to quickly maneuver through the aisles and find the items you need more quickly.
Phone a Friend
It’s time to call your favorite gal pal or mom or even bring your husband on board (mine always treats Black Friday like a full contact sport). Shopping’s more fun together, but you can also give each other the help you need. One person can hold larger items in cart (ones that won’t fit in your bag) in a less trafficked area of the store while another darts around for deals. Schedule a time to chat about where you’d like to go, which deals you’re hoping to score, and more.
Download the Best Shopping Apps
With everything from weekly ads to store ads to price comparison options, you’ll want to spend some quality time with your smart phone this week. The top 5 shopping apps I couldn’t live without on Black Friday?
- Shopkicks for its store rewards, coupons, and ability to nag gift cards I can use on the spot.
- Amazon to quickly compare prices and make sure you can’t get a better deal online. Use the little camera icon to snap a photo of a barcode and guarantee it’s the best price.
- A Black Friday App is key, but there’s more than one out there. I’d suggest BFads, Black Friday FM, or The Black Friday.
- Discount Calculator Struggle with math? Need to track how much you’re spending? Can’t figure percentages? You need this app downloaded before you shop.
- Your Store’s App many big box retailers offer maps of where the door busters will be located in their store’s app. You can also you coupon functions like Target’s Cartwheel, Meijer’s mPerks, or Walmart’s Savings Catcher, too.
Put Together a Battle Plan
When will the stores open? Are there deals that occur only during specific time periods? Whether you sort this information on your phone or with pen and paper, you need to create a hit list and rank what items are of most importance to you. Don’t forget to jot down the times of those deals, too. For more ideas, read 5 Can’t Miss Black Friday Shopping Strategies.
Look for the Unusual
Everyone else can have the toys, TVs, and clothes, you need to be on the lookout for the unusual items at their lowest price of the year. Check out 5 Surprising Black Friday Purchases to see what I’m always looking for.
Stay Out of the Traps
Black Friday is big business and marketers have our number. Before you leave, resolve to stay out of the traps like using credit instead of debit or cash, not setting a budget, or buying “gifts” for yourself. For what else to avoid, read 5 Christmas Shopping Temptations to Avoid and How to Shop on Black Friday Without Selling Your Soul.
Check out my ebook Keep the Happy in Your Holidays: 21 Ways to Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity This Christmas for more money saving tips!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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