Black Friday Shopping

I know by now some of you may have bought things on Black Friday Sale. And that's okay! This is not a "don't spend this weekend" blog post. It's a "let's make sure you leave this weekend behind with only purchasing things you meant to" post.

Here are some of my tips to navigate all the marketing that will be targeting you this weekend.

1.Make that list!!

Let's be real! Christmas and Kwanza are a month away, and Hanukkah is even sooner than that, if you haven't started you will probably need to start checking off your lists. If you have a list of items there is less of a chance that you will impulse purchase unnecessary items. Weather is a list of items or even just of people you have to buy for, either will help keep you on track.

2.Track everything you buy

I know this seems basic but this weekend is a time where cash and cards are just swiped and spent much faster than usual. If you keep a running tally on a piece of paper or in your notes app, it may help keep you on track so you don't accidentally overspend.

3.Follow the 24/48 hour rule

I will link another blog that goes a bit more in depth about it here. But basically, as you add things to your cart, if they weren't on your lists then wait 24-48 hours to see if

You still feel so inclined to buy them. I know you may want to secure that Black Friday price, but they don't do Black Friday how they used too, it's not just one day anymore. Most sales will last the weekend, so do not feel rushed.

4.Ask yourself why you are buying this item

before you check out.

Is this item for you or someone else? If it's for you, do you have a specific need for it? Or is this item something that will bring you joy? If not, then why are you getting it? If it's for someone else, is it in the price point you set out to spend on them?

5.Do a price history check.

Don't let the appeal of this being the "best deal of the year" bamboozle you! There are websites and apps that's sole purpose is the track prices of items on various websites including Amazon. You'd be surprised how many items were lower in price. And then rose in September/October and are now that same lower price they were in the summer.

All that to say, it's not that you shouldn't shop this weekend. Just make sure it makes sense for you!!! Make sure you truly are getting the best value for your hard earned money.