Gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Don’t shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday without reading these three essential tips on how to score the best deals:

1. Make a list, check it twice.

When you shop during the bargain bonanza that is Thanksgiving weekend, remember that it’s about quality, not quantity. It’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll complete your holiday gift buying on the biggest shopping day of the year, so instead focus on nabbing a few must have items for your family.

2. Be in the know.

Research your must have items and start looking out for Black Friday deals that are beginning to be released. Think about the big picture – store location, return policy and deals on other in demand items – when deciding which retailer to visit first. Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target and Best Buy will be opening at 12am Black Friday, while Walmart’s doors will be open at 10pm Thanksgiving night, so you may decide to split your list among both days. Bring along your ads, because both JCPenney and Walmart will match competitors’ prices, which could mean more savings.

3. Shop in your PJs.

If you are not up for pushing through a crowded store, just stay at home and skip the whole thing. Online retailers are banking that people will not want to shop while recovering from their Mom's famous Thanksgiving meal, so Cyber Monday specials are going to be better than ever.  Before you buy, come prepared with coupon codes and an understanding of the shipping and return policies of a few select websites. Plus, don’t forget to check with your credit card companies to see if there are extra rewards or points you can earn if you choose to use one credit card over another while shopping online.

While we still cannot divulge our top secret Black Friday and Cyber Monday spoilers, you can always sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook to be the first to find out when the red tape has been removed and we are allowed to spill the beans.