Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Buy Now. Anyone else feel overwhelmed by all the offers of must-have deals this time of year? You can’t escape them. Ads are everywhere, from email to television to social media. The bargains this time of year can certainly offer a huge financial opportunity, but they can also lead to financial mistakes. In attempt to approach this holiday season smartly and to make it stress-free, I’m doing 3 simple things. I’m sharing them today.
Turtleneck (also love this) | Jacket (similar) | Jeans | Shoes (30% off today) | Lip
Smart Holiday Shopping
1. Plan ahead
Make a list. At the beginning of the holiday season, I made a personal wish list of items. It includes merchandise that fills a specific need (or want in some cases) in my life or someone else’s. And, I’ve been sticking to it. Over the big holiday shopping weekend, I took advantage of 2 sales that made it possible for me to cross a couple items off that list at a discount. Furthermore, shopping with a strict shopping list prevented me from being lured into buying other stuff just because it was 60% off.
2. Comparison Shop In-Store And Online
The good thing about the shopping season is everyone is competing to get your dollars. So, retailers are willing to slash prices, match prices, and adjust prices more than ever. Comparison shopping ensures you’re getting the best prices. I’ve written about an app that could make this process easier by making sure you have the best available coupons/offers for your favorite retailer (read more here).
3. Strategize Shopping Trips
Aimlessly wandering through a mall or shopping district can be overwhelming and exhausting. So many stores, so many offers, so many people! Argh. These days, I try to go shopping with a strategy, for example, I’m going into Sephora to pick up a new brow pencil or I’m heading into J.Crew Factory to pick up the red City Coat. That’s it. Having a mission takes the stress out of shopping and keeps me focused.
Curious about what I shopped during the holiday weekend? I bought the Tory Burch Minnie Travel Flats in King Cobra that I’m wearing and some Tory Burch snake print flip flops. Both items are 30% off (sale ends today). I also bought my hubby a Samsonite hardside luggage set (this 20″ bag and this 24″ bag). The Thanksgiving sale prices were even better than they are right now.
How are you managing holiday shopping this season?
