Black Friday Done Right!
 
You guys!! How is Black Friday already happening NEXT WEEK! Does it feel like it has come a little earlier than normal this year? Or is it just me??
 
I have chatted with a few of you after the coupon classes about my best secrets and tips for getting the most out of Black Friday deals. Well… I decided it was time to share these tips with EVERYONE!
 
First thing you need to know is that not everything you see advertised for Black Friday is a good deal! Remember… those ads are ADVERTISING! If you are super excited to go buy something in the ad that means those marketers have done their job and done it well!
 
Decorations!
Do not buy decorations on Black Friday unless the store does like what Target did last year where you got a $25 gift card for spending $75 on holiday decor. Otherwise… wait until AFTER the holidays and scoop up goodies for next year at up to 75% off! Such a better deal if you wait a bit.
 
Winter Clothing!
I know it seems like a perfect time to snag a nice big puffy jacket, but the best deals will arrive in JANUARY! If you NEED to get jackets for the kiddos, you might save about 50% off Black Friday which isn’t a TERRIBLE deal, but if you hang tight until after the first of the year you can grab some even better deals!
 
Fitness Equipment!
You may be tempted to get a jump on your New Year’s Resolutions, but really the big sales hit AFTER New Year’s. Don’t get sucked in just yet. Take advantage of the extra few weeks and fill up on all the sweet things!! You have my permission. 🙂
 
Furniture!
Just to keep with the theme here… New furniture is released in February, so in January furniture stores will be looking to clear some floor space. That’s a great time to pop into your favorite furniture store place and then… ask to see the old floor models or the items that have a slight flaw or imperfection. If you know your kids are going to chew the legs of a dining room table anyway, why not get one pre-chewed for a song!?
 
Toys!
Yes, toys! These are some of the most advertised items on Black Friday, but typically stores put these items on deeper discounts closer to Christmas. Again… they need to clear those shelves. You DO run the risk of stores running out of “THE” toy of the season, but hey… kids need to learn about disappointment sometime, right?! HAHA! I’m only half kidding. Plus, if you were really planning ahead, you would have scooped up some major clearance items back in July!! What? You didn’t… well… now you know how to plan for next year. 

 

Anything Outdoors-ey!
I’m not sure that’s a word, but you know what I mean. Patio furniture, grills and those sort of items. Those best deals happen around Labor Day or as soon as summer is over. Same theory as getting Christmas decorations AFTER the holiday. Summer is just one long holiday, so next summer if you want to gift a grill, buy it early and try and keep it a secret for 4 months. Good luck.
 

 

Want some great tips for snagging those best deals??
 
#1 – Do your homework!
Most retailers have their Black Friday ads out right now! Look up your favorites, Kohls, Target, Walmart, GameStop, JCPenny, Amazon, and start making your Christmas list right away! Some of these stores are offering their BF Deals right NOW! Avoid the crazy and still start saving.
 
#2 – Get there early!
Some stores may be offering an extra bonus for their first few shoppers. If you are willing to stand in line, you could snag some extra cash, rewards, or even high end products. Throw on an extra layer of clothes and you may come home with a bonus!
 
#3 – Bring a friend…or 2…or 3!
My most successful Black Friday was when I went out with four of my friends. We each had copies of each other’s lists. We started at one store, and two of us stood in line while the others quickly gathered everyone’s items. When they were brought to the front of the store, we traded places! Two of us went on to the next store even to get a head start on deals down the street. We leapfrogged our way through a fun night of savings! We were extremely tired, and cold, but all our Christmas shopping was done in one day! This is CRAZY fun, but make sure the friends you bring along have the same eye for deals that you do! 🙂
 
#4 – Bring your coupons!
Did you know that some retailers offer coupons for non-food items for Black Friday?! Check the Coupon Database for items before you head to the store.
 
#5 – Stick to your BUDGET!

 

There may be some other items that catch your eye. Beware! These items could end up breaking your budget. If you are typically an impulse shopper, then go ahead and add a few extra bucks to your budget just in case. Make sure you have planned ahead for this special day.
 
GREAT BUDGET TIP… Plan out the stores you want to shop and plan the amount you will spend at each of them. THEN check your local grocery store and see if they sell gift cards for those stores! If you have a set limit to spend at the store, then you can easily make decisions to buy or cut back. ANNNDDD…. if your grocery store offers a rewards program or gas reward program, then you can double dip on the savings!! Whoot whoot!!
 
 
SHAMELESS PIG… I mean PLUG…
If you want more fun budgeting tips like this one… tune in to my Webinar tomorrow night, November 15th at 7:00PM (eastern time) for even MORE ways to get control of your spending!

 
With your registration you will automatically receive my Ultimate Budget Planning Kit that way we can walk through it together on Thursday! Fun, right?! I will ALSO open the webinar up for a live Q&A after we have discussed the REALLY coooooolll budgeting tool I’m sending you for the low, low cost of $10 :). Not bad, right!?
This kit will be sold in my Saving Shop after the webinar, but it NOT be this low of a price!
 
 
Have fun this Black Friday!!
But remember that while these deals may be spectacular, they may not be worth giving up valuable family time. You can always find another deal, but time with loved ones is priceless!
 
I hope you have a very happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday!!

 

 

Sources: 

Dealnews.com | Nerd Wallet | My Own Crazy Experiences