Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, offering amazing deals on everything from electronics to clothes. But with so many sales, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or spend more than you planned. With a bit of planning, you can score great bargains, stretch your dollars, and avoid common shopping pitfalls. These eight tips will help you shop smarter, stay on budget, and get the most out of your holiday shopping.

Plan Ahead

Before diving into the deals, take time to map out your game plan. Start with a shopping list and prioritize essential items. Set a budget that works for you and stick to it. Do your homework by checking product reviews and comparing features so you’re confident you’re getting real value that meets your needs.

Shop Early

The best deals often don’t wait for the actual day. Many stores kick off their Black Friday sales days or even weeks in advance. Online deals for Cyber Monday may also pop up early. Keep an eye out and act fast on early-bird specials so you don’t miss out.

Maximize Savings

Every dollar saved adds up, and the opportunities seem unlimited during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Hunt for coupons and promo codes for extra discounts, and sign up for email alerts from your favorite stores to get exclusive offers. Cash back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta can help you earn money back on your purchases. If you shop regularly at a certain store, look into their credit card perks like special financing or rewards points.

Shop Smart

A great deal isn’t great if hidden costs eat into your savings. Factor in shipping fees when comparing prices. Know the return policy before you buy, just in case you need to use it. Some retailers offer price matching; if you find a better deal elsewhere, ask if they’ll match it.

Stay Safe

Shopping online is convenient, but don’t let your guard down. Stick to secure websites, identified with “https” in the URL and a padlock icon. Use strong, unique passwords, and be wary of phishing scams and deals that seem too good to be true. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening emails from unknown senders.

Use Tools to Track and Alert You on Prices

Not every discount is as good as it looks. Use online tools that track price history to see if a sale is actually a deal. Sites like Camelcamelcamel show how prices have changed over time, especially on Amazon. This helps you avoid fake discounts and shop smarter. You can also set price alerts to get notified when an item drops to your target price. Tools like PayPal Honey’s Raw Deal can compare prices across stores, while ShopSavvy lets you scan barcodes in stores to track local deals. These apps save time and help you get the best price without constantly checking.

Get Price Adjustments

Some retailers offer price adjustments even after you’ve made a purchase. If an item you bought goes on sale, contact customer service, and they may refund the difference. This tactic, known as price protection, can boost your savings, but not all stores offer it. Check the store’s return policy and terms for more information.

Watch for Lower-Quality Versions of Products

During major sales, some retailers sell cheaper versions of popular products. These might look the same but could use lower-quality parts or lack certain features. This happens a lot with electronics like TVs, laptops, and kitchen appliances.
Before you buy, consider reviewing the model number and features online to make sure the product meets your expectations. A good deal isn’t worth it if the product won’t last or perform as expected. Knowing what you’re getting helps you avoid surprises and get real value for your money.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer great opportunities to score great deals on items you need. With a smart plan, comparing prices, and shopping safely, you can score sweet deals without breaking your budget.

Curious about cash back options for holiday shopping? Let’s talk about how your spending can work harder for you.