The second wave arrives around Black Friday itself on Nov. 27, with members again getting early access to deal drops starting Nov. 23 and other shoppers a day later until the 29. Cyber Monday closes it out from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.
There’s a version of this sale saga that’s easy on your wallet. Three windows means three chances to find the thing you actually wanted at the price you actually wanted to pay, and more time to think between them.
There’s also a version that isn’t. Three sales means three rounds of urgency and three opportunities to settle for something “close enough” to the real thing because what you really wanted sold out too quickly.
So here are four ways to make sure Black Friday works for you, and not the other way around — regardless of where you’re shopping.
1. Make a list, a budget and a promise to stick to both
There’s a reason Santa makes a list and checks it twice. After all, you never hear about the North Pole running a deficit. If Santa can accurately budget gifts for all the world’s children, you can do the same for your own loved ones.
Most experts will tell you that a Black Friday budget is key to reigning in your spending while ensuring you aren’t tempted by discounts on things you don’t actually need. That means making a list, complete with how much you’re willing to spend on each item, and then sticking to it.
Need extra incentive? Aim to come in under budget with the promise of spending the difference you saved on a little treat for yourself for a job well done.
2. Do your research
With a list, budget and willpower in hand, it’s time to research the best deal.
There are, of course, many strategies for this. Some of the most helpful include price tracking sites, apps or browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Honey, which keep tabs on prices for items on your list from different retailers to alert you to where you can get them cheapest. To that end, BlackFriday.com collects sales ads and flyers from numerous retailers across the country to help you sort the best deals.
Still, however you decide to go about your research, Consumer Reports (CR) says that many stores “have holiday refund and return policies that include partial refunds for items that go on sale for less later in the season.” So if you purchase something now and then find it discounted at the same store closer to Christmas, CR adds that many stores will refund you the difference.
3. Loyalty programs are your friend
CR also notes that store loyalty programs are a great way to help you avoid busting your budget because they “often grant members early access to coupons, sales and promotions, then let them earn rewards for what they buy.” Just be careful not to use loyalty discounts as an excuse to go overboard on items you don’t need. Remember, your list is your guide. Stick to it.
