Black Friday shopping tips

 

Black Friday Shopping Tips from the Gift Therapist

 

1.  Get organized! Clean out your wallet to include only the cash, credit cards and photo identification that you will need to make your purchases. Leave all unnecessary items at home to lighten your load, resist the urge to overspend, and protect against loss or identity theft. Creating a separate shopping wallet is a simple and effective way to keep your lists, cash, cards, and receipts organized throughout the holiday shopping season.

2.  Play it safe!  Keep a detailed list of the credit/debit cards that you keep in your shopping wallet in a safe place at your home. Be sure to include the card name, account number and customer service phone number. Should you lose your wallet or have it stolen, having quick access to this information will save you valuable time and stress should this unfortunate experience happen to you.

3.  Pack a snack!  The old rule "never go shopping hungry" still rings true, especially while holiday shopping. During a long day of shopping, keep your blood glucose balanced by nibbling on a granola snacks, protein bar, or homemade trail mix. These are healthy and filling treats that will boost your stamina, mood, and budget!

4.  Dress for success! Minimize your morning primping and select your most comfortable clothes and sneakers to get the job done! Leave your bulky coat in the car and rely on a fleece pull-over or hoodie to shield you during your long walk to and from the parking lot. You can always tie your hoodie around your waist later and still have two hands to manage all of your shopping bags!

5.  Prioritize your list and shop backwards! Buy the small gifts first and big gifts last. Find great bargains by taking 10 minutes to browse the clearance racks irst. Challenge yourself to come in under budget. Applying your savings toward the bigger purchases on your list, next year's gift budget or your favorite charity!

 

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Jennifer Melnick Carota (a.k.a. the Gift Therapist) is an expert gift giver and bargain shopper featured nationally in major market gift guides, personal finance websites, and lifestyle columns throughout the US and Canada. Check out her new free holiday gift giving survival guide, ‘Giveology’ and learn how to spend less but give more!