A quick inventory of the house lets me know we don’t NEED anything but something inside me says I MUST BUY ALL THE THINGS. This can only mean one thing :: Black Friday is right around the corner. Every year around this time I get twinge of anxiousness as I eagerly await all the deals to roll in. This year on MY list :: a new laptop, as the one I’m currently typing this on is limping towards death.
My mom, sisters and I have been doing this black Friday thing for going on 18 years and things have changed A LOT in that time. We used to have to wake up and hit the stores at 5 am armed with our sales paper and a plan if we wanted anything on our list. Now, if you’re so inclined, you can get all your shopping done from the convenience of your computer. The only problem we have now is TOO much information. But don’t fret, I am here to help you sort through it all and figure out how to make your plan and save tons of money!
How to find the deals
The ads are already out there, but why waste time searching each store individually? There are quite a few websites that compile everything for you. My favorite ones are Bfadsnet and Deal News Black Friday. Both websites post all the ad scans from your favorite stores, as well as list each deal separately with links. They also have helpful guides like Hot Holiday Toys 2018 and 10 things NOT to buy on Black Friday.
For Target exclusive deals {for all you Target moms out there} the Cartwheel app is offering a kids daily deal that runs 11/1 through Thanksgiving. You can snag up to 40% off a new deal every day! Another big player in the black Friday scene in Kohls. When you factor in Kohls cash, you can typically find the best deals on big ticket items. Lastly, my FAVORITE tool for shopping online during Black Friday :: Ebates. It’s a great way to get cash back on your purchases {sometimes 10% or more}. It can be a bit confusing for newbies so visit their website for the low down.
Shop online and shop EARLY
If you keep an eye on the websites I mentioned above, they will let you know when the deals go live and spoiler alert :: they are often before Thanksgiving {some even as early as Sunday}. Most years I have all of my Black Friday shopping done before we even cut the turkey.
Hold out for Free shipping {if you can}
This year Target and Walmart are offering free two day shipping. To get the free two day shipping at Wal-Mart, you will have to spend $35, while Target offers that service for free. Most of your favorite stores will also offer free shipping {though it may take a bit longer to get to you} coupled with amazing deals during the holidays. Sign up for alerts and newsletters from all your favorite stores. You can always deactivate them after the holidays are over.
Make a List and STICK to it
It’s easy to get excited and overspend. Figure out early what Christmas presents you need to buy, make a list and stick to it. If you can, set aside some extra money for the holidays for when you find an amazing deal that you just can’t pass up {trust me there will be some}.
Will you be shopping in store or online for Black Friday ? What is on your Christmas list? What are your Black Friday tips?
