Who is Black Friday shopping this year? Maybe you are looking to score the latest iPhone or get a bargain on a flat-screen TV. No matter what you are searching for, chances are you will want to make sure you are financially prepared for your big day of shopping. Read our 5 financial tips for Black Friday to make your experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
What is Black Friday?
The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. Black Friday is the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The name Black Friday was given because many retailers reported some of their highest profits on Black Friday. Almost every store will have their Doorbuster and early bird specials to attract customers to shop early. This is the holiday season’s biggest shopping event for bargain hunters. Today, Black Friday has inspired new holiday shopping days to pop-up such as Green Monday and Cyber Monday.
Black Friday Financial Tips
- Do your research: Stores start posting their Black Friday ads as soon as they become available. If you are searching for a particular item, check comparison sites such as Shopping.com to make sure that you are getting the best deal. View all Black Friday deals at BlackFriday.com.
- Make sure your wallet is ready to go: Yes, Black Friday is filled with great deals. With great deals, however, comes long lines and crowded stores. You don’t want to wait in those long lines and get to the register and realize that you have not cashed your check or that your Pre-Paid Visa card is out of money.
- Shop safely: Malls and stores are busier than normal during Black Friday shopping. Make sure that you are carrying a closed purse at all times
- Stay within your budget: Before shopping make sure that you have sat down and planned a budget for your Black Friday shopping. Having a set budget will help you to not overspend. Create a list of who you are buying gifts for and how much you will be spending on each person. A great way to stay within your budget and not over swipe – carry cash! Click here to find a WSCE location near your Black Friday stops.
- Ask about the return policy: Often times, shoppers are so excited about the deal they are getting they forget to ask about the return policy. Today, some return policies have become so complex, you will want to make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you purchase.
Don’t let the bank hours keep you from scoring this year’s biggest Black Friday deals. At WSCE, we are open evenings and weekends to meet your financial needs. Find out the Friday hours at the WSCE nearest you here.
