Secret Black Friday Tips to Help you Save Money All Year!
I have been participating in “Black Friday” shopping for well over 20 years. For as long as I can remember, after Thanksgiving dinner, my family would discuss what we would like for Christmas. My sister and I would go through the store fliers and circle the items that we wanted. The next morning we would get up at the break of dawn to face the frigid cold in hopes of getting “the best” deals.
These memories resonate with me, and I still continue the “Black Friday” tradition even though I live far away from my family. I enjoy calling my family on Thanksgiving to discuss what we would like for Christmas, and talk about Black Friday deals.
The greatest thing I have learned from participating in Black Friday for all these years is that you can utilize this day to save money all year.
I would like to share with you secret tips I have discovered over the years that have helped me save an enormous amount of money!
Before we go any further I want to state that if shopping gets in the way of family time, it’s not worth it! Family should come first, because memories are way more important than deals.
Tip 1# Create Two Budgets for Black Friday; a Gift Budget, and a Household Budget
Black Friday is a great way to purchase items for your family members and friends, even when you are on a budget. In addition to getting great deals on gifts, you can also get the best deals for household needs. If you need or want something, budget the money for it, and use Black Friday to get the best deals.
Keep the budgets separate. I suggest you even complete two different transactions in order to have separate receipts. Make an envelope for each budget, and put the separate receipts in the appropriate envelope. This way you can easily keep track of what you are spending in each category.
Tip #2 Use Black Friday to Get the Best Deals on Common Household Goods
Traditionally Black Friday is used as a way to get deals on Christmas gifts for others, but you can also get the best deals on regular household items. I have studied the patterns throughout the years and have learned what almost always goes on sale for Black Friday. If I am running low on a particular item, I usually try to “hold out” until Black Friday. I also try to stock up on items that I go through frequently, this saves me money throughout the year.
Here is a list of household items that are usually really discounted on Black Friday:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Coffee Makers
- Pots and Pans
- Knife Sets
- Kitchen Storage Containers (both glass and plastic)
- Rugs
- Slow Cookers
- Kitchen Gadgets
- Blenders
- Mixing Bowls
- Dishes (especially servingware)
- Deep Fryers
- Garbage Cans
- Picture Frames
- Candles
- Vacuums
- Appliances
If you are in need of appliances consider Black Friday. Appliances become deeply discounted usually three times a year; Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, and Black Friday. Do research throughout the year to ensure you are getting the best prices. Last year my husband was able to snag a brand new freezer that retailed at $1,000 for only $399!
If you need any household items consider waiting until Black Friday to purchase them. I also highly recommend taking this opportunity to stock up on things you go through frequently. Having extra bedding and towels is great for “accidents” or unexpected house guests. Just make sure you budget for it!
Tip #3 Consider Quality When Purchasing Items, Not Just Price
I have learned throughout the years that purchasing the cheapest item, does not necessarily mean you are getting the best deal. Investing a little bit more in a better made item that lasts longer is often worth it.
The key is finding a balance between price and longevity of an item. I created a table below to demonstrate comparing prices versus longevity. Now I understand that you can’t always know exactly how long a product will last, but you can get a general idea based on quality of an item.
| Item | Blanket A | Blanket B | Blanket C |
| Price | $5 | $8 | $20 |
| Longevity | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years |
| Cost Per Year | $5 | $2.67 | $4 |
As you can clearly see in this demonstration “Blanket B” was the best choice. Surprisingly, the cheapest item “Blanket A” became the most expensive when compared to cost per year. This is why discount stores and dollar stores thrive. Cheaper quality items need to be replaced more frequently.
Often times on Black Friday multiple brands for similar items will be available on sale. Please take the quality of the item into consideration before purchasing. Don’t necessarily buy the “cheapest” comforter set, quality is important.
Tip #4 Don’t Prioritize Electronics
When I was a young adult, people would wait in line for hours in hopes of getting their hands on a brand new television for super cheap. Everyone in the line would be shivering, while an employee would hand out tickets for items, in order to avoid trampling. I witnessed on several occasions people turning around and selling these “tickets” $20 to those desperate in getting that electronic item.
Although you can still get really good deals on Black Friday, electronics are not as deeply discounted that day as they used to be. I have found that you are now able to get really good deals all year round online if you catch a sale. You also can get the same “door buster” deals online, or wait until Cyber Monday and get even better deals.
If you do see a deal on electronics you must have, try to get the door buster online first. Even if you are waiting in line at the physical store (use your phone). This way you get your item, and you can prioritize the other items you want or need!
Tip #5 Target the Less Popular Items First
As I mentioned earlier, most people love getting electronics on Black Friday. Since similar deals are available online, or on Cyber Monday go for the less desired “door busters” first.
For the past 5 years, I have been able to get almost every deal I targeted, simply by avoiding the electronics and going for the household items first.
Since there are so many people targeting electronics, by the time they get their one electronic item, I can get 7 or 8 other “door busters”.
Tip #6 Get Items to Gift Year Round
I have a storage room that contains really nice brand new items that I have gotten for really great deals. If something comes up and I need a nice wedding, birthday, or housewarming gift, I have a few on hand.
Nice glassware, kitchen storage sets, and serving ware make great gifts. Plus it is something everyone can have a use for. These items are significantly discounted on Black Friday, so if you get a good deal stock up. It will help you save money in the future.
Tip #7 Buy Gift Cards for Yourself
Often times on Black Friday, stores will discount gift cards. I have seen up to 20% off certain gift cards. If the gift card is for an establishment that you use frequently consider purchasing gift cards to use later.
Last year, Target giftcards were 10% discounted. I ended up buying $100 gift card that I used 6 months later. It was like getting an extra 10% off the deals I was already getting.
The great thing about gift cards is that most never expire (as long as the store is still open). Just make sure that you stick within a budget, and the giftcard is used for something you really need.
Tip #8 Consider Using Plastic
This tip is only for those responsible using credit cards.
I mentioned in This Article how I make $50 to $75 extra a month simply by using credit cards. If you budget correctly, you can earn a lot of extra money by purchasing Christmas gifts on credit cards. Some credit cards such as Discover offer 5% cash back when you shop at department stores.
Some stores also offer huge discounts if you open a store credit card. Keep in mind having too many new cards WILL affect your credit score. Most of the time it isn’t worth it!
Please do research and be educated before applying for a credit card. I found a really good article about this subject on CreditKarma.com
Any time you purchase Black Friday items on credit cards you must have the money set aside in cash or your bank account so you can pay the balance in full!
Tip #9 Make a Detailed Plan
Lastly, coming up with a great plan and being prepared is the best way to save money on Black Friday!
In order to get the best deals on Black Friday, you have to have a plan! I hate organizing things, but I do enjoy spending time with my husband figuring out how to get the best deals. Here is how we always get the best deals.
Step One: Know the Deals
The first step is to know the deals offered this year. In order to know the deals, it is best if you get the Thursday newspaper. If you really want to avoid purchasing the paper, you can find black friday circulars online. I have found it easier to have a physical paper, because sometimes there are special coupons. Once you have the circulars, identify the items you would like.
Step Two: Figure Out What You Want
The second step is to figure out what items you want or need. I usually go through each ad, and in a separate notepad I will write the store name, the items I want, and the prices. Figuring out what I want helps me prioritize where I need to shop.
Step Three: Plan Your Trip
Once you have a list of what you want, and where to go, plan your trip. Focus on stores that have the most items you want, for the best prices. Also, prioritize your trip according to opening time. For instance, Store A has 10 items that I want but it doesn’t open until 5 am Friday morning. Store B only has 2 items I want, but they open at 8 pm the night before. I will go to store B first because it doesn’t conflict with store A. However, if store A and store B both opened at 5 am, I would go to store A first.
Step Four: Know the Store Layout
Knowing the store layout can help you get to your item faster. Many stores will now hand out maps with the location of the door busters on these maps. Orient yourself to the layout, this will help things go faster. If you are able to wait in the store, ask an associate where a particular item is before the madness starts. Employees are often really helpful, especially before the event begins.
Step Five: Download Store Apps
If you know you are going to a specific store, download the store app. Sometimes there will be special Black Friday deals that you can only get from using the app. Some apps also include detailed maps of the store which will also help you learn the layout more quickly.
Step Six: Be Prepared For a Long Night
Make sure you are physically prepared for the long night of shopping. Please dress warmly and have extra sweaters, coats, hats, blankets, and gloves on hand. Stay hydrated and make sure you pack extra snacks and plenty of water.
I also highly recommend avoiding energy drinks. Energy drinks will boost your energy at first, but will cause you to “crash” later. If you want Black Friday stamina, take B or C vitamins with a lot of water, instead of drinking an energy drinks.
Step Seven: Have Fun!
The holidays are supposed to be fun, so if Black Friday becomes too stressful, go home! Enjoy your time with your shopping family or friends.
Being Prepared Really Makes a Difference
By preparing for Black Friday, and sticking with your budget, you will be able to get the best deals. It is important not to get caught up in overspending.
Also, remember that no item is worth fighting over. I have had people steal things out of my cart before. Instead of getting mad, I just let it go. It is not worth arguing over. Don’t get caught up in the Black Friday drama, enjoy yourself!
Have you shopped on Black Friday? Have I missed any great tips? Do you have any crazy Black Friday Stories?
