Thanksgiving is an anticipatory holiday for a number of reasons. People look for to the holiday for a chance to prepare a large meal and sit around to eat with loved ones. It is a time for family gatherings and having a good time with each other. Also, Thanksgiving brings about a special day called Black Friday, a day full of deals in retail where individuals can take advantage of discounted merchandise. This is the best time to purchase televisions, computers, Christmas gifts, and anything that stores sell at regular high prices. So there is no question that people save money to spend during Black Friday events. Here are some ways to save money for Black Friday. You will be surprised at the amount of money you can save when utilizing the following tips.
Ways to Save Money
Instead of spending your paycheck to cover the expenses of a black Friday shopping trip, consider these ways to save money instead.
· Pack a lunch.
One way to save money is to choose packing a lunch for work or school instead of buying lunch every day. It may seem more convenient to eat at the cafeteria of your job, but if the lunches that are served are not free, the convenience is only in the location and not in the costs. You will find it less expensive to make your own lunch instead of order food at work or eating from the cafeteria. Packing a lunch also allows you to choose what you want to eat versus choosing from the cafeteria menu or eating fast food every day.
· Dollar Store Shopping.
Grocery shopping can take a big chunk of money from your paycheck each week. Another way to save money is to shop for groceries at discounted stores. Dollar stores offer a grocery section that is full of the same or similar items that can be found in regular grocery stores, but at discounted prices. You can also use dollar stores as the source for shopping for cleaning materials, housing merchandise, and other things for your car, personal hygiene, baby needs, and clothing. You can also buy snacks at low prices.
· No More Dry Cleaners
There are some items in your closet that require dry cleaning instead of putting it in the washer and dryer. However, another way to save money is to eliminate you dry cleaning expense for at least 2 months. You will find that the money you save from not using a dry cleaning service will increase your savings by a hefty amount. If you come across a piece of clothing that you need dry cleaned, consider waiting to put it in the cleaners or attempt at hand washing the garment yourself.
· Stay in on the Weekends
You may be the type to work all week and party on the weekends. Let’s be honest, going out every weekend could take a toll on your finances. Although you can afford the weekend life, you will save a lot of money if you choose to stay in on the weekends for at least a month leading up to black Friday. Another way to save money is to find alternatives to going out on the weekends. Invite friends over or do an activity that does not involve spending money at all, like going to the park or visiting a friend.
· Save Your Gas
This could go along with staying in on the weekends. Another way to save money is to conserve your gas and only use it when you need to. Ways to do that is to carpool to and from work or take advantage of public transportation. Also, if your job or wherever you need to go is in walking distance, walk there.
· Stay Home for Thanksgiving
Another way to save money is to not travel for the holiday. It may be tempting to leave your home to spend time with family during the holiday, but staying at home could add to your savings. Your folks will understand your need to not travel so that you can afford the television you have been waiting all year to buy on Black Friday.
· Sell Unneeded Things
If you have any unwanted things, another way to save money is to sell those things. You can either sell them at a yard sale or online at your own costs. Depending on what you have to sell, you could be a lot of money.
· Cash in Reward Points
If you have a credit card, another way to save money is to redeem those points and turn them into gift cards to spend at your favorite stores.
Expected Savings
Here are your expected savings if you take advantage of the ways to save money.
Saving Tactic Expected Savings
Packing a Lunch $100-$150
Dollar Store Shopping $60-$75
No Dry Cleaning $30-$50
Staying in on Weekends $100-$150
Saving your Gas $80-$100
Not Traveling $300-$500
Selling Things $50-$300
Cashing in Points $20-$500
The amounts of money you save may encourage you to make purchases you do not need or to over spend. Read up on some tips to not spend too much on black Friday.
Your personal circumstances will affect your ability to save money. You may not be able to incorporate all of these ways to save money into your life. Just as long as you are able to do one of the tips, you will be able to save money to spend on black Friday. Just remember to be safe and still be wise in your spending.