PREPARE FOR BLACK FRIDAY

This year, 2017, Black Friday is going to start the 24th of November, but you have probably seen on TV commercials that many stores and on-line merchants are starting their sales before Friday, continuing several days past as well. We know, for many, Black Friday is the start of Christmas gift shopping but, at the same time, people are just waiting for this time of the year to make some deals. Obviously, for some, it can be an exciting time of the year, for others, not too much attention is paid to these sales. I can say I'm probably one of those individuals who don't care too much about doing my shopping in-store, I prefer doing on-line shopping.
So, let's take a look and see how to be prepared for this upcoming weekend.

1. INFO - First of all, I suggest choosing the stores, beforehand, that you are interested in and making sure you know exactly when they open and close. Being inquire is the best way to start, especially since many are agitated during that time of the year.

2. BUDGET - You have to be sure of how much money you have available for Friday and, subsequently, of how much you can afford for gifts for others, or just for yourself. Make sure you do not go over-budget because if you do...you will shed some tears later :-)

3. MAKE A LIST - I think the best way to spend what you have been saving is to make a list of all the stuff you are going to need or the presents you'll need to buy. On the right of every item listed, you can put the maximum amount you can afford. This way, you can have a running total of everything and MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GO OVER.

4. ON-LINE SHOPPING - Some people are afraid of shopping on-line, especially on Black Friday, because of the fear of getting caught up in some kind of credit-card fraud; so, most people prefer their shopping physically in store. You can safely consider on-line shopping the alternative as long as you make sure the site you are using are good ones. Read the reviews and look out for anything that appears unusual. I normally prefer reading all reviews just to see if I there is anything suspect. If there is, I just go to another site.

5. PREPARE TO STAND IN LINE - No matter how much you think or hope that there will not be too many people at the stores you have chosen, be prepared with some games on your phone or stuff to do on your tablet cause you WILL stand in line for sure...some snacks might help you sanity too :-) Or you can also check the on line discounts and be ready for any opportunities that might arise online instead.

6. STAY AWAY FROM IMPULSE PURCHASES - There's a variety of items to avoid on this day. The impulse is going to be high so when you feel you want something but don't actually need it, just walking away without giving it much thought can help you to not buy said object.

7. LEAVE THE CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS AT HOME - Better if you are able to bring cash with you...this way for sure you are not going to go over your budget.

8. BE KIND - Store employees have to face long lines, temperamental customers and coworkers who have no desire to work that day. You will not be able to control the people acting like maniacs around you, but you can make the difference and be kind...if all people were to think this way, maybe Black Friday day would not be stressful for anyone.