Black Friday

It's that time of year again, Christmas is creeping up on us so of course the world of retail reel us in with the promise of amazing deals. Love it or hate it, Black Friday is coming. 

Organisation is key and a strong will is essential to navigate through the mayhem of what Black Friday can bring.

Hopefully these tips will save you time, money and arguably most importantly, your sanity. 

If you know your going to be purchasing items during Black Friday, the first and possibly the most important step to do is make a list of everything you plan on buying. Then research the current prices of each item and compare them across 4 or 5 retailers. So when Black Friday hits you know exactly what the prices were beforehand and who is offering the best price during the event. That way you aren't been sold a false economy and parting with more of your hard earned money than you need too.

Only buy the items you have planned for. Don't be lead to believe you need that new television or coffee machine just because there is an offer on. Nowadays there are always bargains, deals and sales to be had all through the year. So that fancy coffee machine you have been lusting after, two words - January sales. The sales after Christmas are usually the best time to get an investment piece such as household items.

Setting a budget is crucial. We have all been there in the 'but it's such a bargain, I can't leave it' dilemma. It is only a bargain if you had planned on purchasing it, it is on the list and you have budgeted for it. Retailers are genius at making us believe we need something because it's on sale. You don't. We end up in debt, giving gifts that may not be needed or wanted and end up with a house full of stuff.

If you have any points on loyalty cards or gift cards that need using up, make the most of them now to maximise your savings. Don't leave them sat in your purse, make the most of them and take advantage of their benefits.

So you have set your budget, wrote your list, compared prices at full price across a range of retailers and checked for any gift cards that may be tucked away in your purse. All you need to do now is to decide to brave the crowds and the chaos or shop online in your pyjamas with a drink and a mince pie. Me? I'd choose the latter. You want to make it as stress free as possible, no one wants to get trampled on over an LOL Doll.

To see some of my tips featured in Plum Savings Black Friday Survival Guide, head over to http://plum-blog.ghost.io/black-friday-survival-guide/ and http://plum-blog.ghost.io/black-friday-survival-guide-part-2/