So as we all know black Friday is a very big day for shopping and spending money. It’s full of long lines, crowded spaces and shopping bags. Sometimes many of us don’t know how to navigate exactly what we are going out to shop for and the budget we set for ourselves so here are some tips on how to work through black Friday successfully.
Making a list of things that you need to purchase so that you can be organized and not overspend or buy things just because there are sales.
-Make a list of all the things that you have been wanting throughout the year or gifts that you need to purchase for people and it may be helpful to put next to them which stores you can get them from. Making lists makes everything so much better and easier to navigate.
Set a Budget for yourself.
-Setting a budget based off of your list and what you need to get will help you maintain the fact that you don’t want to go broke shopping just because. I’m a firm person on not spending money if you don’t have to and creating a budget.
-Set a realistic budget and make sure that you’re only spending what you can afford. Try as hard as you can to not go over your budget or even set a budget that gives you a little wiggle room outside of the things on your list so you can have just a little bit of leisure spending.
Get things done early
-I know that it’s hard to avoid the crowds but going out to the malls or store maybe around 9 am you may avoid the long lines at 5 and 6am and you may be able to move more quickly and get what you need and get out.
Dress Comfortably
-When you’re out in these black Friday streets you want to make sure that you are dressed comfortable from clothing to shoes. You can be cute but make sure you’re able to wear something that you can move around in such as some cute sweats and gym shoes or some stretchy clothes that aren’t tight and constricting to your body. Carry a small crossbody purse as well to cut down the amount of things you have to carry.
Time Management
-Cut down the amount of time that you spend in each store. Get what you need and go, once you get what’s on your list don’t spend too much extra time in that store because then you start to look at things you don’t need and just start making impulse purchases.
-You don’t want to spend all day shopping so be strategic, be concise and be quick.
Other Things:
Participate in small business Saturday. I know that we get caught up in spending money at the big box stores, but we need to make it our duty to participate in small business Saturday and put that money back into our communities like we would these bigger companies. I know that I will personally be supporting some black owned businesses.
Participate in Cyber Monday!! All the stores that you go to for Black Friday will 9 times out of 10 be having a Cyber Monday sale and many of these stores may actually be doing sales this entire weekend. For your favorite online stores Cyber Monday is their time to shine so be ready!! Places like Amazon are especially great during Cyber Monday. This is the time for you to be in your bed and not have to leave home.
Overall I wish you all a great shopping weekend. Have fun and be smart with your money, also be safe. Good luck and great shopping this weekend fashionistas!