Let’s talk Black Friday Strategy for 2019! Many deals have leaked and I’m shaking down the ads to pull together a price comparison for you. But before we begin, let me remind you of a few essential shopping hacks.
1. Begin Early
Blind shopping on Black Friday is bad news. You buy 100% of the things you don’t need and quite possibly end up spending more money. Long gone are the days of not knowing what will be on sale until Thursday afternoon. Most stores want you to know what will be available. There may be a few last minute additions but you can begin looking at ads today. Either go to the store’s website directly (my preference) or check out ad scans on a site like BFAds.net or TheBlackFriday.com.
2. Set a Budget
Please friends, promise me that you won’t shop if you don’t at least have a spitball monetary figure in your head. You need to know your approximate budget for the big day so you don’t purchase things you can’t afford. Avoid using credit cards at all costs. Only spend the money you have.
3. Know the Specifics
If you’re shopping Black Friday in a brick and mortar store, you need to know the specifics. What time do deals begin? Can you go inside or will you need to wait outdoors? Some big box retailers even have maps of the specific deals on their apps or websites. Get this information locked into your plan before you hit the aisles.
4. Have a Targeted List
Again, before you begin shopping on Black Friday or anytime during the holiday season, you need a targeted gift list. Create a list either on paper or on your phone with sizes and pertinent information.
5. Think Practical
Personally I think Black Friday is the perfect time of the year to shop for things you need all year long. I’m less about the TVs and big ticket items and more about the towels and small appliances. Think through what needs replacing and create that wishlist.
6. Watch the Bundle Details
Video game consoles, cameras, technology devices – we’re going to see lots of options with special bundles this year. Sometimes, these particular deals are only associated with one retailer and they can vary from store to store. One may include a particular game or a carrying case, others don’t. But the prices are all about the same. It’s tricky! Be sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
7. See If the It’s on Sale Online
We know Cyber Monday is the big online push; however, I’m seeing many retailers starting their Black Friday sales online on Wednesday and sometimes even Monday of the week this year. This is a new trend to me for sure. And if you can get the same deal and still be in your jammies, bonus. Not all deals will work this way but you have options, friends.
And now what you’ve been really wanting to see. The Queen of Free’s top picks for this year! Join The Queen of Free’s Favorite Bargains on Facebook for the best place to share your favorite deals and ask for help.
TVs
- Walmart: onn. 50″ Class 4K Roku Smart TV $148
- Costco: VIZIO 70″ Class (69.5″ Diag.) – V Series – 4K UHD LED LCD TV – online only 9/28 $549
- Sam’s Club: SAMSUNG 65″ Class 7-Series Curved 4K Ultra HD Smart HDR TV $599
- Meijer: Element 55″ Smart Roku 4K UHD TV $179.99
Kitchen Appliances
- Overall Pick: Kohl’s especially when you use the coupon and get the Kohl’s Cash back.
- Walmart: Instant Pot 6-Qt. Duo $49
- Sam’s Club: Ninja Professional Blender & Nutri Ninja Cups $69.98
- JC Penney: $4.99 Crockpots and Mini Food Choppers after Rebate
Household Basics
- Sam’s Club: Bamboo-Polyfill Pillows, Jumbo (2-pack) $10.98
- Walmart: $1.60 Bath Towels and 6 Pack Wash Cloths
- Target: Room Essentials 2-pk. plush standard/queen-size pillows $3.50
- Target: All CHI hair styling tools 40% Off
Toys & Games
- Overall Pick: Walmart
- Walmart: $98 Ride On Toys (Power Wheels styled)
- Target: Buy 2 Disney Frozen, Get 1 FREE
- Target: 40% Off Strategy Games
Electronics
- Overall Pick: Meijer because of mPerks and coupons
- Meijer: Apple AirPods® Gen 2 with Charging Case $159 AND get a $50 Coupon Back
- Target:Only on PlayStation PS4 1TB bundle $199.99
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
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, 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.
