The pumpkins haven’t even withered yet but the malls have already revamped their hallways, stores, lobby’s and even bathrooms with everything Christmas. I love Christmas as much as the next person…but seriously?? However, unlike most people who are counting down the days til Christmas (50 from today if you were curious) I, for one, have begun my countdown to BLACK FRIDAY. Just 21 days people!
BUT, before you hit the pavement running, you should always have a plan of attack. Which means, plan ahead! Set a budget and stick to it. I go as far as to break down, by person, who I am going to shop for and how much I can afford to spend on that individual. I will typically consult with other family members or friends to see what they are planning to purchase for everyone so I can avoid the dreaded return lines the week after the mayhem is over.
By default, I am a tried and true “Black Friday shopper”. To me, the true feeling and spirit of the holidays permeates the air on that day. I wouldn’t miss it! But that doesn’t mean that you have to haul your children out of bed at 3 a.m. to hit up the stores before you’ve had your morning cup of joe to get the best deals. In fact, most of my best buy’s have been made the night before on various retailers websites like Sears, Best Buy and American Eagle. Many stores are offering deep discounts, including free shipping and better-than-Black-Friday deals on many of their popular products just for purchasing online Thanksgiving night. Subscribe early to your favorite store or mall e-mail mailing lists or, if you’re not technically challenged, become a fan of or “like” their official page on Facebook or follow on Twitter. By doing so, you typically become the first to know about their specials, coupons and sales.
I am all about making my money go further. So if you’re an online shopper, sign up for free programs like EBATES, which gives you cash back on purchases (up to 25%) just for linking to your online destination through their website first. Pretty simple! And I never hit “purchase” before looking around online for a coupon or promo code. Sites like RetailMeNot can give you the latest and greatest codes out there, posted by other online bloggers and shoppers.
Whether you shop online or prefer to hit up the stores, see if your bank has a debit or credit card that can earn you points for free things like airline miles or hotel stays. Many banks are now offering Visa or Mastercard debit cards that earn miles the same way interest charging credit cards do. Keep in mind, there is usually a small annual fee associated so weigh out the value.
With these few simple tips, you can spend more time enjoying the holidays than dreading them. More tips and tricks to come. Stay tuned and happy shopping!
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