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Many people choose to do their shopping on Black Friday to get great deals for the holiday season. It’s one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and consumers make Black Friday purchases both in-store and online. According to research compiled by Adobe Analytics, shoppers spent $7.4 billion on online purchases alone on Black Friday in 2019.
But many people might be wondering if Black Friday will happen in 2020. Read on to find out how COVID-19 might affect this holiday shopping day.
Black Friday Shopping Is Not Canceled: Great Deals Will Be Available Online
You might be wondering if Black Friday will be happening as usual this year. Though it’s not canceled, expect some changes to your typical Black Friday shopping experience.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ shopping and spending habits are changing. For 2020, it’s recommended that consumers take advantage of online Black Friday deals to avoid visiting crowded stores for safety and health reasons.
The CDC recently issued guidance for Thanksgiving-related holidays. It notes that shopping in-person around the holidays is a higher-risk activity. But don’t worry–it’s pretty likely that your favorite stores are making online accommodations for Black Friday shoppers.
Yahoo! Finance notes that the more traditional Black Friday shopping experience won’t likely happen in 2020. Consumers can expect online sales to begin weeks before Black Friday to be more spread out over time.
As Black Friday approaches, you can also start thinking about how to save and spend when planning your Black Friday shopping. This year, Black Friday weekend will happen on November 27 and will be followed by Cyber Monday on November 30. You’ll be able to take advantage of a number of Black Friday deals both days.
Tips for Smart Black Friday Spending
Even if money is tight because of coronavirus budget cuts and layoffs, you probably still hope to do some shopping during the holidays. Planning carefully can help you save even more money and keep your holiday spending within your means, even during the excitement of Black Friday. Follow some of the following tips for smart Black Friday shopping.
Set a Budget
Having a budget in place helps ensure you spend only what you can afford. Look at your finances and savings to determine how much you can afford to spend on Black Friday deals.
Not sure where to begin? These budgeting tips can help you set and stick to a realistic budget.
Make a Shopping List
When you don’t work from a list when shopping, it can be easy to make mistakes and forget to buy what you need. Take some time to outline a list of your must-have Black Friday shopping items.
Don’t forget to include gifts for the holidays and essentials you’ve wanted to buy, such as kitchen appliances and electronics. That way, you get everything you need and you maximize your spending.
Don’t Stray From Your List
You made a shopping list for a reason. Be sure to stick to it while you shop. It’s also a smart idea to tally up the purchase amounts of your list to make sure the total fits your budget. Refer to your list while you shop.
Compare Sales
Some retailers might offer better deals on products than others, so do your research before Black Friday. This makes it easier to shop at the stores with the best deals and maximize your Black Friday savings. Check your favorite stores to see what Black Friday discounts they’re offering. You can even view Black Friday sales for major retailers on their websites or on sites such as Slickdeals and TechRadar.
If you plan to do your shopping online because of COVID-19, don’t forget to take a look at each retailer’s shipping costs. Ensure the total purchase price, including taxes and shipping costs, fits within your budget.
Use Your Rewards Card Responsibly and Strategically
It’s never a good idea to go into debt over shopping habits. This is true during Black Friday shopping too. When using credit cards to shop, use them responsibly. Don’t spend more than you can afford, and stay within your credit limit.
You might also want to use your credit cards strategically. Choosing to use the right credit cards when buying can help you rack up more rewards points and miles or earn more cash back. Be sure to take a look at the cards in your wallet well before Black Friday, and check each card’s terms and policies before you shop.
Look Into Store Credit Card Options
Another option is to take out a store credit card. Many retailers offer this option, sometimes with a special 0% interest promotion. That means you can make credit purchases on Black Friday without paying interest on them as long as you pay off the total within the introductory period.
Montgomery Ward Credit Card
- Buy Now, Pay Later on 1000s of items with Wards Credit
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Review Your Purchases Before You Check Out
Before you check out, it’s smart to review your purchases. Ensure you know exactly how much you’re spending and that you’re staying within your budget. This can help you avoid last-minute and unnecessary purchases. Remember not to ignore shipping costs when you’re buying online.
Pay Off Your Credit Card Statements in Full
Carrying a balance results in interest charges if you don’t have a 0% APR offer. Credit card interest can be very costly, especially over long periods of time. It can also add up, making it easy for you to find yourself in a difficult financial situation.
Instead, consider paying your credit card statements in full every month. After you do your Black Friday shopping, pay off the cards you use. This helps keep your finances on track and set you up for continued success. If you struggle with carrying a credit card balance, other tips can help you use your credit cards more responsibly.
Be Smart When Shopping Black Friday Deals
If you’re ready to get some major deals this Black Friday, get ready to do a ton of online shopping. Following the above tips can help you reduce overspending risks and save money on Black Friday shopping. Familiarize yourself with your current financial situation and credit score before making purchases.
You can monitor your credit scores and keep track of your credit history by using Credit.com’s free Credit Report Card tool. If COVID-19 has affected your finances, there are financial resources available. If you plan to apply for a new rewards credit card, Credit.com can help you choose the right one.
Sign up now.
Source: credit.com