It seems like almost every holiday has its respective sale in stores. If consumers have time off, they’re certain to shop right? But are these sales really any better price wise? And should you take advantage of them or guard your wallet? This holiday weekend, here are the tips for what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to Labor Day Sales 2021.
Don’t
Buy Things You Don’t Need
It goes without saying that you should shop smart when it comes to merely browsing or shopping mindlessly. You’ll purchase 100% of the things you don’t need if you should without a plan. Instead, keep a list of potential needs on a regular basis. That way when your needs intersect with a discount, you’re prepared.
Buy Things You Don’t Love
Life is short. In fact, it’s way too short to ever purchase something you don’t absolutely love the way you look in it or how it might look in your home. You’re better off waiting for something that makes you feel great than settling for something that works for now.
Skip Looking for Coupons
Even when there’s a sale, you need to go the extra mile to look for accompanying coupons. It literally takes seconds but can translate to thousands of dollars in your lifetime. Scour the store website. Sometimes the codes are literally in front of your face but the store requires you to add them to the order.
Shop Hungry
Never make a decision when your physical needs aren’t met. We’re at our weakest when it comes to decision making when we’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Before you begin to browse online or hit the aisles, take a nap and have a snack.
Do
Take Advantage of End of Season Clearance
Even though it won’t officially be fall for a few weeks, Labor Day marks the end of one major season and the start of another. Stores are already placing Halloween and fall items front and center. That means all of the summer fun has got to go. Be on the lookout for steep discounts for next summer. And some things like yard games and furniture, last many months into the fall as well.
Checkout the Home Improvement Big Box Store
If you’re looking to squeeze one more outdoor living project in this summer, it’s a good idea to check out deals at places like Menard’s or Home Depot. I’d recommend going early in the morning as these will likely be busy stores during the long weekend. Gas Grills, lawn equipment, and lawn decor will all be dropping in price. Maximize those discounts by pairing them with rebate deals like the 11% at Menard’s or special discounts for those in military service at Lowe’s if you qualify.
Shop for Christmas
This is a 2021, we live in a pandemic state of mind sort of tip. I wouldn’t normally suggest using Labor Day as a Christmas shopping holiday, but especially if you’re ordering anything online, it might be a smart idea this year. I’m hearing plenty of rumblings about slow shipping and a lack of availability. You may want to begin much earlier this year.
Join Rewards Programs
If you do any shopping at all, and the rewards program is free to join, the answer is always yes. Stretch deals and sales further by gaining points toward money off your next purchase which you’ll likely need in the months ahead. The same goes for cash back programs or apps like Rakuten or Fetch!. Be sure you set up a special email account to use in conjunction with these types of programs so you don’t clog your primary inbox with offers.
Any time you shop, you should only spend what you have. Using a credit card on a sale isn’t a sale. It’s paying more than you would retail by the time interest is added in. Be smart about having a place to put everything you buy, too. Don’t just snag a good deal because of the price. Be ready to get rid of something else and put it away in its own home.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.