• As an hourly worker, saving ahead and planning your budget can help you make the most of Black Friday.
• You can avoid expensive impulse purchases by making a shopping list and sticking to it.
• Taking the time to research the best deals before Black Friday ensures you maximize your savings.
• Shopping early or late may help you get the best prices on the items you want to buy.
• Don’t forget to use rewards, coupons, and cash back apps to save money when you shop on Black Friday.

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year. Massive sales and discounts can make it the perfect time to snag deals. However, for hourly workers who need to make every dollar count, it’s essential to shop strategically. 

Here’s how to take advantage of the deals without stretching your budget too thin this Black Friday.

1. Save Ahead and Plan Your Budget

Before the holiday shopping season, set aside a little money each payday specifically for Black Friday and other holiday shopping. Saving as little as $5 to $20 per pay period all year can add up to a significant shopping budget when the deals start rolling in.

If you want to save ahead:

• Automate your savings: Set up an automatic transfer to a dedicated savings account for Black Friday deals. This way, you’ll gradually build up your shopping budget without thinking about it.
• Cut back on non-essentials: Reduce spending on small daily expenses, like coffee or fast food, and put the extra money into your savings.
• Use spare change apps: Consider using apps that round up your purchases and save the spare change. This is an easy way to boost your savings without even noticing.

2. Make a Shopping List and Stick To It

The biggest Black Friday mistake is going in without a plan and buying things you don’t need just because they’re on sale. Before Black Friday, list the specific items you plan to purchase and set a target price for each. This will help you avoid impulse buys and stay on budget.

To create a smart shopping list:

• Prioritize needs over wants: Start with essential items you’ve been planning to buy anyway, like a new pair of shoes for work or a replacement for a worn-out appliance.
• Include gifts you need to buy: If you’re shopping for holiday gifts, make a detailed list and budget for each person.
• Set price limits: Check the regular prices for the items on your list to determine if the Black Friday deal is truly a bargain. Write down a target price next to each item and stick to it. This can help you avoid purchases that are not actually good deals.

3. Find the Best Deals

You must do prep work to get the most out of Black Friday. Retailers start advertising deals weeks in advance, so you can use that time to research the best prices and plan where to shop. 

Comparing deals will help you avoid stores that inflate prices right before Black Friday just to mark them down again. Some Amazon sellers are notorious for this.

To find the best deals:

• Sign up for email alerts: Join mailing lists for your favorite stores so you’re among the first to know about exclusive deals. You may also get access to coupons, special offers, or presales that aren’t available to the general public.
• Use deal comparison sites: Websites like CamelCamelCamel and Slickdeals can help you find the best deals. They track prices over time so you can see if the sale price is actually the lowest it’s been.
• Download retailer apps: Many stores offer additional discounts or early access to Black Friday deals for app users. Plus, these apps make it easier to track sales and see if items are in stock.
• Follow stores on social media: Retailers sometimes post flash sales or special discounts on their social media channels, so following your favorite stores can help you catch deals you might miss otherwise.

4. Shop Early or Late for the Best Deals

While most Black Friday sales start early on the morning after Thanksgiving, many retailers offer deals earlier, sometimes starting the week of Thanksgiving or the beginning of November. Shopping earlier in the month helps you beat the crowds and find great discounts. 

If you missed out on the best deals, don’t worry. There are often more sales during Cyber Monday and the weeks before Christmas.

Some of the best times to shop include:

• Early online: Many retailers release early deals online, allowing you to shop from home without battling the in-store crowds. Plus, you might find better deals on pre-Black Friday sales.
• Taking advantage of “doorbusters” online: If you prefer in-store shopping, plan to be there when the doors open. However, some of the best deals (known as “doorbusters”) are also available online.
• Cyber Monday: If you didn’t find what you wanted on Black Friday, check back on Cyber Monday. Many retailers extend their Black Friday deals or offer new online-exclusive discounts.

5. Use Rewards, Coupons, and Cash Back Apps

You can combine Black Friday deals with rewards points, coupons, and cash back offers for even more savings. If you’re a member of a store’s loyalty program, see if you can stack discounts. Cashback apps can also give you money back on purchases, lowering the final cost.

To maximize your savings with rewards:

• Check for store coupons: Even on Black Friday, some stores allow you to use coupons on top of sale prices. Check your email, apps, or coupon websites for any additional discounts you can apply.
• Use cash back apps: Apps like Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta offer cash back for shopping through their platforms. This is a simple way to earn back some of your spending.
• Redeem loyalty points: If you’re part of a store’s loyalty program, Black Friday is the perfect time to cash in your points for additional savings. Make sure to use them before they expire.

Final Word

Black Friday can be an excellent time to save money on needed items, but only if you approach it with a plan. For hourly workers focused on maximizing savings, it’s all about preparation, budgeting, and sticking to the essentials. 

By saving ahead, making a list, finding the best deals, timing your shopping, and using rewards, you can stretch your budget further and make the most of this shopping event without overspending. Happy shopping!

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