week4-post2 Black Friday. This phrase conjures up images of awesome deals, 3 a.m. store openings and slightly crazy shoppers. For those looking to get a jump on the holiday season, it’s a great opportunity to knock out some of your shopping while saving money. However, Black Friday is not for the faint of heart. It takes solid planning, execution and willpower to pull off. Here are some tips you should put into action if you’re thinking of participating in the madness that is Black Friday this year. Zero in on Your Targets It’s better to have certain items in mind before you storm the stores. This means:
  • Identifying everyone you would need to shop for (family members, friends, coworkers, etc.)
  • A couple of gift ideas for each person on your list
  • Your maximum amount of money you are willing to spend
  • Your maximum amount of credit you are willing to spend (really try to limit this) 
Do Your Research How will you know which stores have the best deals on Black Friday? Research. Specifically, you should check out BlackFriday.com. They highlight deals from retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and more. You should also check the websites for your favorite retailers to see if they have any deals in place for Black Friday. Plan the Day’s Details Planning what you’ll be doing throughout the day is the best approach to take. Your planning should include:
  • A list of the stores you want to hit
  • Opening times for the stores you want to visit
  • What time you need to wake up and leave
  • Any breaks you’ll be taking for food, coffee, etc.
Relax and Stay Positive Black Friday can turn negative quickly if your attitude isn’t in the right place. Expect for some people to be rude, for lines to be long and for inconveniences to happen. Simply remember that it’s all part of the day, smile and move on. Black Friday can be an easy way to save money while getting some, most or, in some cases of savvy shoppers, all of your holiday shopping done. Just be sure to employ these tips to make sure your Black Friday 2015 experience is a good one. Peoples Bank & Trust Co. Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC