It's 10pm on Thanksgiving night which means some of you are ready to head out to stand in line for door buster items. This year Black Friday is beginning even earlier and the deals are better than ever. It's easy to get sucked in to the chaos of the early morning rush and just buy everything in sight. Here are some tips so you stay on budget:
2. Don't just buy something because it's cheap. When I was looking at laptops, I was tempted to buy anything with a great price, but instead, I made a list of the qualities I really wanted in a laptop. This way, I didn't just hit "buy" or grab something when an item in my price range came up. For instance, I wanted a laptop that got great reviews, had a long battery life, and had at least a 10 inch screen. I refused to buy anything unless it met those qualifications.
1. Unless you're already in line, you won't get that flat screen on the cover of Best Buy's ad. People camp out, sometimes for days, to get those big ticket items. Read the fine print, most big ticket items are only available in small quantities, but so many people show up at midnight expecting to get one. Then once they get you in the door, you'll feel obligated to buy stuff cause you made the trip. Don't fall prey to these tricks. Many times you can find similar great deals online from the comfort of your home.
2. Don't just buy something because it's cheap. When I was looking at laptops, I was tempted to buy anything with a great price, but instead, I made a list of the qualities I really wanted in a laptop. This way, I didn't just hit "buy" or grab something when an item in my price range came up. For instance, I wanted a laptop that got great reviews, had a long battery life, and had at least a 10 inch screen. I refused to buy anything unless it met those qualifications.
3. Consider shopping local first. Skip the big chain stores and support your small businesses and mom and pop shops. Did you know small businesses are much more likely to invest in the community? In the hustle and bustle of the big shopping holidays, it's easy to forget the importance of supporting local businesses, but this holiday, make it a priority.
