How To Survive Black Friday

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Maybe you aren’t a Black Friday shopper. Maybe the thoughts of stepping out of your house on this day brings your blood pressure to a whole new level. Maybe for some, you have been counting down the days and have been planning for weeks, how you were going to “survive.”

When I started to actually enjoy shopping (within reason), I started to enjoy Black Friday. It is a little bit of an adrenaline rush. Yet I am never found without my list! I always go with my family, which it ends up being family time together more than anything. We are usually done by lunchtime, which is okay too because we are pretty exhausted by then anyways.

How about you? Do you step foot out of the door on Black Friday? Or do you avoid it like the plague? Whatever the case may be, I decided to share a few ideas with you on:

HOW TO SURVIVE BLACK FRIDAY: (check out the printable at the bottom too)
1. Buy the newspaper if you do not already get it. This is where you will find your coupons and sales ads.

2. Research, research, research (if you have the time). We can fall into the trap of “it’s on sale, it must be the best deal.” Do price comparisons. The sheer hassle of going to another store may stop you, which is fine. Just be aware of what you are spending your money on. Some stores may even allow you to purchase the item online and allow you to pick it up in the store, later (to avoid the rush of the Black Friday crowd).

3. Have a game plan. Write down, in order, the stores you want to hit. If possible, make sure you aren’t driving across town, to get from store to store.

4. Don’t forget your ads and list! That is the worst! Bringing the ads gives you a visual for what you are looking for, instead of “a black bedspread for $25.00” (when there are 20 options!) Also, STICK TO YOUR LIST and NO MORE!

5. Bring food and water. It sounds like you are planning for Y2K, doesn’t it? Well, hustling around the stores and going from place to place, you are bound to burn some calories (woohoo!). That means though, you need to replenish – take water, granola bars, fruit, or whatever you eat to get energy.

6. Don’t take too big of a purse because remember, you have to carry it all day! Keep your food and water in the car if you have to. You don’t want to cause a backache or shoulder problems and then have to pay for a chiropractor, just because you wanted to save some money (which you now haven’t because of the doctor bill!)

7. Dress appropriately. Dress in what is comfortable to you. I wouldn’t suggest wearing your new 5 inch heels.

8. Know what the return policy is for the item and/or store. Some items are non-returnable and some items only have a 15 day return policy. Be in the know.

9. Know what your credit cards deals are. I get a little leery with this because it sounds like I am promoting the idea to have a credit card for every store. I am only saying this for those who HAVE credit cards already for these stores. If you can save an extra 20%, it may be worth it to put the purchase on that credit card. Just be careful.

10. Divide and conquer. Sounds like a battle! It may help for some to go to one store and some another, so that you can accomplish much, in a little time (if that is your goal).

11. Be friendly, kind, smile, and don’t be greedy. If you want to see one of the worst sides of the American society, shop on Black Friday. Why does it always seem like there are some who just “ruin” the fun? They are pushing, shoving, yelling at the cashier, you name it. On the news Friday night, there are some who are just too greedy and end up hurting someone, commit a crime, and really, it is sad. VERY sad. What if we all went into the day with an extra dose of patience and a Christ-like attitude?

12. Lunch. Maybe you brought enough food to eat for lunch, but maybe you want a treat – to go out. Try going an hour before or an hour after the noon rush to prevent the crowds.

13. When enough is enough, stop. If you feel you are starting to lose it, stop. If you question whether you have spent too much, you probably have. Just stop.

14. When you get home (or before if you can), check your receipts. Make sure all the discounts were taken off and you were charged the right amount.

15. Organize your purchases and make sure you have a good reason as to WHY you bought the item. If you don’t, put it in a pile to return it (though don’t go on Saturday or Monday – wait a few days!)

16. JUST HAVE FUN. This is supposed to be a fun time – spend time with your family and friends. And remember what the day before was – THANKSGIVING. Be thankful for what you have (even if you weren’t able to get all you wanted to). We all have an overabundance and just remember to

BE THANKFUL!

Here is a printable that will hopefully help your Black Friday shopping go a little more smooth: