Saving during Black Friday/Cyber Monday

I just posted this on my main blog, but I figured this would actually be a more appropriate place to post. So here it goes... Since Today is Black Friday, I figured I'd make a post about how I go about saving money and getting really great deals during this time of year.

First of all, I don't go stand in line for hours on Black Friday. Of course, if you're into that type of thing, just check out any stores website to see what deals they will be having and to double check their policies for said deals. BUT! If you're like me and do most of your shopping online, hopefully these tips will help:

1. Get cash back for all of your online purchases!

If you're going to shop online at all you should try to use a third party website that will track your purchases and give you cash back for them. It sounds a bit taunting at first, but just reassure yourself - these 3rd party sites are are only tracking your purchases to collect data and improve your shopping experience in the long run. 

• My favorite site to use to get cash back is Ebates. This is a double-wammy because you not only get cash back for your purchases, but you can also access hundreds of coupon codes for discounts, free shipping, and even free samples. I wrote a post about this one back in August. I just can't stop:

• You can also get cash back through "GPT" sites like InboxDollars. You can earn money a lot of other ways on this website also, but one option is through shopping online.

• Also, check your personal banking website to see if they offer a similar service. I know that Bank of America offers cash back for certain online purchases through their BankAmeriDeals program. 

2. Comparison shop!
The process of finding the best deal doesn't have to be strenuous. I always check at least 3 top retailers for the product that I want before deciding. If you don't want to go to each individual site, you can check out a site like bizrate that will comparison shop for you. Just search for the item you want and bizrate will search for the best deal. You can also find product reviews on this site.

3. Use a "deals database" site
My final (and perhaps most useful) tip for Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings is to find a website that does all the footwork for you. During this stressful time of year, take shortcuts when you can. There are plenty of websites that search the internet high and low for excellent deals and compile them all in one place.

• My favorite site to use during this time of year is Raining Hot Coupons! The site is full of fresh posts about deals going on everywhere online and in stores... and it's constantly updated. This amazing site is run by a sweet girl named Sarah. She gives away hundreds of amazon gift cards each year on Thanksgiving weekend. It is so fun to try and find the hidden code before anyone else.
  

• Another great site for this is Hip2save! Once again, you can find deals from all over in one place on this website. Let Collin and her team do all the work finding all the deals and hidden gems, but still reap the benefits!

Alright, So those are my 3 top tips for saving during Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Let me know in the comments if you've scored any really awesome deals this season.

*Spoe*

Save Money while Shopping

These are some of my favorite tips to save money while shopping:

1. Write a list and stay focused. 

Don't let store merchandising and product placement distract you from getting what you need when you're at the store. Before you go shopping, get a clear picture of exactly what you need and write it down. When you stick to your list you leave with everything you came for and nothing you didn't. 

2. Use Coupons Responsibly

Coupons are extremely accessible these days, so take advantage of them when you can. However, don't buy everything just because you have a coupon it. Only use coupons that are for items on your pre-determined list of things to buy or else you may end up spending way more money than you intended to and not saving any at all.

3. Be Economical

Do the math when it comes to buying it bulk. Sometimes buying large sizes and bulk quantities are worth your money; other times it's not. For instance: When I buy contact solution, it makes sense to buy the pack of two bottles instead of one. Not only does this cut cost on each bottle, but the 2-pack often comes with a free contact case and occasionally a bonus travel sized bottle or coupons for your next purchase. However, when I buy laundry detergent, because I shop the sales and use coupons, it usually is more cost effective to buy a few smaller bottles instead of one huge jug. It only takes a few extra seconds to calculate, but doing the math can save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. Shop Weekly and Seasonal Sales

Take a moment each week to check store ads and research deals going on in your area. If already have a list of things you want, check around to see where you can get the best deals for those items. You would think that your local stores would want to keep costs similar to be competitive; but in some cases you'd be surprised that two stores near each other offer very different sale prices on the same item. 

5. Price Match

There are several stores that price match competitors' sale prices. If you find a good deal at one of your local stores but you don't want to make a special trip just for that one sale item, try a store like Walmart that will price match with competitors. This site gives an easy to follow comparison chart of popular stores that off price matching.

Remember to do your research, get creative, and be frugal so you can save the most out of your trip. I hope these tips help to save you some money from now on when you go shopping!

*Spoe*