While Black Friday is well-known for its big sales and budget-friendly deals, it’s not the only time you can save money. My experiences with Black Friday have been quite a journey. Year after year, I used to get up at dawn and stand in long lines, excited to snag great deals.
Recently, I started enjoying a more relaxed approach, heading to the stores later in the day to catch some discounts. One year, I skipped Black Friday shopping altogether and felt a bit of regret for potentially missing out on deals. To my surprise, I found out that wasn’t really the case.
Even beyond Black Friday, there are plenty of significant sales to be found. While Black Friday does have some of the year’s best bargains, retailers continue to offer sales throughout the holiday season to boost their sales.
For instance, a few years ago, I bought a TV from Walmart on Black Friday for my son’s room. I was happy with my purchase until I saw the same TV at the same “Black Friday” price weeks later. It made me wonder why I rushed in the first place.
If you miss a Black Friday deal, don’t worry. Often, the product will still be available at a discounted price later on. Remember, many retailers offer price matching, so you can still get a good deal.
Shopping smarter can often mean skipping Black Friday altogether. People often overspend during the festive season, not because of a lack of deals, but due to impulse buying. On Black Friday, you might end up with a cart full of items you don’t need, pushing you over your budget. Rather than relying on one big day, spreading out your shopping over a few weeks can help you save more in the long run.
Online coupons are another great way to save. Many online stores offer free shipping once you spend a certain amount, and you can find valid coupons to save even more. One method I use is Ebates, which not only gives you cashback for shopping but also finds valid coupons for the site you’re on.
Consider making holiday shopping a year-round event. I have a friend who shops for gifts throughout the year, which allows her to take advantage of various sales and enjoy the holiday season without stress. Setting aside small amounts of money throughout the year to fund your holiday shopping can also help you avoid the financial strain of December spending.
Moreover, Black Friday shopping has started to creep into Thanksgiving Day, making retail workers miss out on family time. Skipping Black Friday can give you more time to spend with your loved ones, playing board games, watching movies, or enjoying a leisurely breakfast. These memories are often more valuable than any deal you might find at a mall.
Remember, Black Friday isn’t the only chance to land great deals. If you miss it, there’s no need to panic. You can still achieve your shopping goals while focusing on what’s truly important.
So, do you participate in Black Friday shopping? Why or why not?