It’s hard to believe that Black Friday 2021 is this week! The sales holiday can be a great time to start (or finish) your Christmas shopping. But it can mean big trouble for your budget. And even if you don’t overspend, it can lead to a day of endless clicking and rabbit holes or wandering stores aimlessly. Whether you plan on shopping online or in store, there are some smart strategies to keep in mind.
Know What You’re Looking For
We’ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating. It’s never wise to shop without a plan. Know how much you can spend – your budget. Know who you’re shopping for – your list. Have a good idea of what’s on sale – the ads. Keep in mind sizes, favorites, and wish list items – your smart list. Don’t forget that many retailers now actually post the locations of doorbusters on their apps and online deals. This helps you avoid aimless wandering. Shopping without a plan always leads to unnecessary overspending and likely a crankier version of yourself.
Take a Friend
If you’re shopping in person and not on the couch this year, consider taking a friend or willing partner with you. Be sure they’re just as excited about Black Friday as you are. Share your list and budget in advance. Make a plan of attack for which stores you’ll hit. And when you are in the store (especially big box retailers), one of you can man the cart in an out of the way place while the other darts in and out snagging the deals. And you can take turns waiting in line while the other finishes last minute shopping if the lines are long.
Look for the Unusual
So I’m not saying wait for a week to buy anything you need, but realize that almost every retailer – both online and in stores will be dropping everything from prices to shipping costs over the next week. If you’re like me and just ran out of your favorite hair care product, it’s smart to hold off a few short days before you purchase it because there will be some sort of deal. From store coupons that cover any item to increased rewards on purchases, even your everyday necessities will likely be at their lowest cost of the year.
In addition, while big screen TVs and hot toys take center stage, items like towels, sheets, small appliances, underwear, pajamas, and even vacuums all hit yearly lows on Black Friday. While you may need to buy gifts, these deals always catch my eye.
Track Your Spending
It’s easy to go overboard when we’re excited about savings. And while Christmas is a time to be generous, you still want to pay your bills in January. Probably the easiest way to do this is by spending cash only because when it’s gone, it’s gone. However, if you’re wary of toting too much cash on Black Friday through the crowds (I don’t blame you), then an app might be a better plan. I recently discovered Santa’s Bag – a free app that helps you track your gift list, budget, and spending. Even if you’re keeping a running total with pencil and paper, you’re better off than blindly spending.
Double Check Shipping Dates
Last but not certainly least, we’ve all heard rumblings for months about slow shipping this holiday season. When you order anything online, you need to check and then double check the dates of arrival. Then go ahead and add 3-5 extra days to ensure you’ll have it on time. If it’s questionable whether or not an item will arrive on time, skip it.
Many deals are rolling out, but some will be last minute. I’ll be sharing my favorite Black Friday finds here on Queen of Free and on the Queen of Free’s Favorite Bargains Group on Facebook. Be sure to follow along to see what I can find! And comment with what you’re looking for so I can help you make the most of every penny.
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.
