Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the two biggest shopping days of the year. The endless deals and rates are great for customers to buy the things they want cheaper. However, the chaos of in-person shopping and the rush of online orders can be stressful. It can also be easy to overspend on items you don’t need, as well as get lured into deals that aren’t as much of a bargain. In order to make your holiday shopping stress-free, check out the tips below to maximize your savings.
Plan Before You Shop
While this may seem obvious, creating a list of needs versus wants can help you go into these major shopping days with ease. You will need to write down a list of needs and create a budget for each item. This can help you to avoid other tempting purchases that may be beyond your shopping budget.
Research Original Prices and Compare
Researching your planned items and their typical prices can help you spot some good deals. Check out different stores and websites to compare prices and make a note so you remember when you shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Again, this is to benefit you and save as much money as possible.
Avoid Being Reckless with Your Credit Card
During one of these major shopping days, it can be tempting to use your credit card and purchase too many items outside of your original budget. Credit cards make it easy to cover expenses in the moment, but staying within your preplanned list and budget should keep your spending in check. The goal is to save, not to accumulate debt. Be mindful of how much you spend on credit cards and stay focused on what you really need.
Sign Up for Email Newsletters
No one likes a cluttered inbox, but store newsletters can provide important details or even exclusive deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you commit to this strategy, create a separate email folder for all the newsletters you sign up for and organize your inbox.
Don’t Shop at Only One Place
While you may have your favorite store or online retailer, it’s important to look at other places to get the best deals. If that means adding a couple of extra stops to your Black Friday shopping trip or researching other brands online, it may be worth it. In the end, your money is important and finding different deals can help you make smart spending decisions.
Remember What’s Important to You
At Waypoint Bank, we understand that saving money is important to our customers. Anything that you can contribute to a savings account is beneficial to you. The holiday season can be stressful, and we want you to make smart shopping decisions for yourself and loved ones. Consider using the tips above to make your shopping trips this holiday season a success!
