These Cyber Monday strategies can keep big bucks in your stocking this year. Whether you plan on shopping for gifts, practical needs, or even a little something for yourself (not always the best idea, but it happens), keep your spending in check and your focus clear by thinking through these tips.
1. Avoid the Click Hole
One of Cyber Monday’s biggest pitfalls isn’t wasting money. It’s actually wasting time. Be sure to monitor your time well while shopping. Set a timer. Stay focused. Make a list. Don’t let your day waste away. Narrow in on what you need, not random rabbit trails.
2. Use What You’ve Earned
If you went Black Friday shopping, you may have been enticed by incentives like Kohl’s Cash or extra coupons. It’s very possible that some of those rewards can be used on Cyber Monday. Plus, they’ll be expiring soon. Double check the dates of any coupons you netted and see if you can match those coupons to a Cyber Monday Sale.
3. Shop Practical
I honestly love Cyber Monday for the most mundane of purchases. If you have regular buys like makeup, haircare, skin care, or even household supplies, odds are good you will find a deal on them on Cyber Monday. Don’t just think about big ticket items or gifts, make the most on items that rarely go on sale.
4. Think Subscriptions
A growing trend for Cyber Monday involves subscription based services. For instance, in 2019 Hulu is offering its basic service for $1.99/month for the entire year. This is a $4/month savings which keeps close to $50 in your pocket. Streaming services, magazines, software, music and more – consider where you might be able to pick up a gift that keeps on giving all year long.
5. Look Local
I love Shop Small Saturday. Even better, sometimes local businesses have online offerings for Cyber Monday too. Our local independent gym ran a deal Black Friday – Cyber Monday, discounting annual memberships by 25%. Don’t forget about the local businesses on this day!
6. Use a Cash Back Site
Friends, if you do any online shopping, please promise me you’ll use a site like Rakuten or Swagbucks to get cash back or rewards. If you’re going to make purchases anyway, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.
7. Make One Last Coupon Sweep Before You Order
Some websites make their coupon codes obvious and some don’t. I typically check a couple of different sites (Rakuten and RetailMeNot) before finishing my purchase.
Per usual, I’ll be sharing what I find on Cyber Monday to help you save more money! Follow The Queen of Free’s Favorite Bargains on Facebook and come back here!
The Queen of Free’s Top Cyber Monday Picks
- Hulu: $1.99/month for one year
- Amazon Devices: The prices on these will tick back up until Amazon Prime Day
- DaySpring: I love the deals on the boxed cards and the flat 30% Off everything. Don’t miss the BOGO Mugs that come in at as little as $2.80/mug when you use the code.
- Cents of Style: I LOVE the 4 for $20 sale every year. It works for multiples of 4 and these items make AWESOME affordable gifts.
- ULTA: I’m rarely going to miss an ULTA Cyber Monday Sale. I don’t have hot tips on what will be up, but it’s always one to watch.
- Bath & Body Works: Combine the $10/$30 coupon with the sale prices and you’ll find some of the lowest prices of the year delivered to your door.
- Any Speciality Website You Like: I’m going to be looking at Pick Your Plum and Gone for a Run.
- Any Local Businesses With An Online Presence
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.
