Strategize, Save and Survive: The Black Friday Survival Guide

- Shopping

It is Thanksgiving week, or if you enjoy Black Friday as much as I do, than it is officially BLACK FRIDAY WEEK! I have been Black Friday shopping since I was in high school and done it all… from waiting in line for over three hours in the cold to waiting in line in store for over three hours just to get a better price. I’ve slept and then shopped as early as 4 a.m. and waited on multiple retailers websites until the very moment I could grab the best deals online. Most years, I have about 85% of my Christmas shopping done by the end of the day on Black Friday. Might seem crazy, but it allows me to enjoy the rest of the holiday season without fretting about what to get my loved ones.

Anyway, so today I’m sharing with you my best tips to strategize, save and survive the 2014 Black Friday. Here is a list of some of my tips for budgeting and surviving Black Friday:

  • Set an overall budget based on the budget you set for gifts for others and your own budget
  • Make a list of gifts you need to get for others and your own needs
  • Make a list of wants
  • Make a game plan of what stores to start at and end with depending on the gift needs/your needs list (don’t forget to factor in online shopping and deals)
  • Start with your needs list, move onto the wants list if you have room in your budget

Also, look at the infographic below for more information and Black Friday tips. Another good tip is to not charge more than what you can pay off in 3 months and also using your lowest interest credit card (or one that will actually provide best cash back/perks). When making your game plan, consider driving to an area with stores that has less foot traffic, even if it means driving a bit further to go there! Less chaos and more selection will be worth the drive.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Office Depot OfficeMax’s lowest prices ever, and check out their deal center (some early Black Friday deals are happening now).  And with all the planning going on right now, if you need a break from it all, make sure to “Elf” yourself, your friends, your family or even your boss on Office Depot!

blackfriday_survival_v5

 

Remember to have some fun and Elf yourself, I did, and well I could only dream of having amazing dance moves like that:

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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6 Comments

  • Reply
    KizzyDoll
    November 26, 2014 at 6:10 AM

    These are great tips doll…have a sweet day xx

  • Reply
    Gina @ On the Daily Express
    November 26, 2014 at 7:59 AM

    I am such a nerd for stats like this!! So interesting to see how consumer spending has grown over the years and also the top 5 online shopping cities! I guess they aren’t too surprising but still. Fun to see!
    Gina- On the Daily Express

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 26, 2014 at 8:01 AM

      Definitely! I really enjoyed this infographic 🙂 Happy Black Friday shopping to you — can’t wait to see your Express picks! 🙂

  • Reply
    Chelsea
    November 26, 2014 at 10:42 AM

    I love all of the detailed info, I love black Friday shopping and I usually never have a plan so this really helps! I may or may not go this year but at least I can revert back to your post and maybe do some online shopping.

    XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com

  • Reply
    Amy Fashion Blog
    November 26, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Thanks for sharing these tips. Have a great Thanksgiving

  • Reply
    Ashley
    November 27, 2014 at 6:42 AM

    Great Black Friday tips, doll!
    Hope you and the family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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