Spending Black Friday on a Budget

Our stomachs are stuffed full of turkey and mashed potatoes, the football games are wrapping up, and I think I hear some holiday music coming from the radio. Thanksgiving is officially over, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time for some Black Friday shopping! Check out our tips to make the most of your Black Friday spending this year.

Make a List and Check It Twice
Avoid the impulse purchases you’ll be tempted to make by drafting a list before your Black Friday outing. Think of each person on your list and brainstorm gift ideas, both general and specific, that they would love. Next, consider how much you’re willing to spend on each person, so you can set your specific budget. Don’t let yourself stray from this list and budget! We know that the awesome deal on a TV seems great but buying something just to buy it is never a good plan.

Do Your Research
Knowing the prices of products you’ve got your eye on before Black Friday will give you a better idea of whether the deal is truly worth your time (and money!). There are apps you can download, both store-specific and third-party, that can alert you of different deals and discounts going on. Don’t forget to keep your phone charged and ready so you can research the product on a couple different sites and figure out whether the deal being advertised is actually as good as it seems. Say goodbye to scouring the web for the best deal and spend more time picking out all the things you love.

Make a Plan! 
We know it might sound crazy, but if you really want to get serious about your Black Friday shopping, making a specific game plan is the best way to go. Spend some time thinking about stores you want to hit, how long you can spend at each one, and which is most important to you. This information can help you make a schedule that will optimize your time while shopping. Maybe you’re in a turkey coma and getting off the couch doesn’t seem like an option. Avoid the lines and commotion altogether by figuring out what you can buy online instead of in-store.

Cash Pass!
Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you hit the mall or department stores, and only bring that allotted amount. You can take the cash out pre-spree, place it in an envelope, and have a better idea of your budget. Having a visual of your funds will make prioritizing products way easier. Once the cash is gone, it’s time to go home!

Pair Up
Black Friday is more fun and more successful with a buddy. One of you can stand in line while the other makes a quick exchange or finds that hot item you’ve both been eyeing. Even better, you can split up and conquer the store in half the time. When your shopping spree is over, go grab a coffee and relish in all the savings you just made!

Black Friday can be exhilarating, but sometimes it’s easy to let the excitement get the best of us. Use these helpful suggestions to keep your budget on track this holiday season, while still crossing everyone off your list!