Black Friday generates significant excitement each year, despite its somewhat disheartening background. If proper strategies are not applied, however, shoppers could fall into common traps set by retailers, leading to overspending rather than saving. To enhance your shopping savvy this November 29, here are some proactive measures you can adopt.

Establish Your Budget First

It’s simple to become enticed by seemingly irresistible bargains that feel too good to pass up. However, making purchases driven by emotions often results in regret and a swollen credit card bill later. It’s crucial to have a predetermined spending limit. Determine what you can realistically allocate for Black Friday purchases. This beforehand planning allows you to spend more judiciously and steer clear of impulse acquisitions. If you’re unsure where to begin, various budgeting applications exist to align with your financial objectives, complemented by numerous budgeting strategies designed to simplify the process.

Clarify Your Needs and Desires

Understanding exactly what you require or desire is essential for maintaining focus and avoiding impulse buys. Create a detailed list of items you genuinely seek. If you’re shopping on Amazon, make use of their tools from Prime Day to set price notifications or compile a wish list for the products you want to monitor. You can even use Alexa devices to alert you when items you are interested in go on sale. While not everything may be discounted, being prepared will help you make informed purchases when they are available.

Utilize Available Tools

Numerous applications can enhance your shopping strategies. A popular suggestion is Honey. This handy tool allows you to compile a list of products you wish to purchase on Black Friday through Honey’s droplist. There are multiple advantages to this: it helps organize your desired items, while also tracking their prices and notifying you when any are on sale at major retailers. You can evaluate historical pricing to ascertain whether deals are genuinely favorable or merely a gimmick by retailers, as well as compare prices across retailers to identify the best offers. More information on setting up your droplist can be found here. Plus, you will receive timely updates on the best verified Black Friday offers once the sales commence.

Incorporating additional price-tracking tools is equally beneficial. These resources allow users to gauge whether they are securing a historically competitive price on any given item. Being able to view price trends will equip you with the knowledge to make wise purchasing choices, particularly if past discounts suggest that waiting may be worthwhile.

Opt for Early and Online Shopping

Each year, Black Friday sales often kick off well ahead of the actual day, with many retailers releasing promotions early. By shopping in advance, you can claim sought-after items that may quickly disappear, as past patterns indicate that high-demand products that run out may not always be restocked. If you find a particularly attractive discount on a popular item, it’s wise to secure it early (Honey’s pricing history will reflect the depth of the discount).

To sidestep the chaotic crowds and potential hazards of in-store shopping, consider embracing online shopping. As noted by the National Retail Federation, a substantial number of shoppers favor in-person experiences during Black Friday. However, many retailers are aware that a significant portion still prefer online options. Consequently, numerous retailers provide competitive deals online alongside in-store options, making it a versatile shopping event, with widespread free shipping typically available through loyalty programs.

Above all, keep this essential piece of advice in mind for your Black Friday endeavors: Only purchase items that you genuinely intended to buy.