Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save money on your shopping, and if you’re in the Northland here in Minnesota, you may want to consider the following tips to make the most of the deals and discounts:

Plan Ahead:

Create a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending.
Make a shopping list: List the items you want to buy, including their prices and where you plan to purchase them.
Research Deals:

Research:

Look for Black Friday deals and discounts from retailers in your area. Many stores release their deals ahead of time.
Sign up for newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters or follow the social media pages of your favorite stores to receive updates on their Black Friday deals.

Compare Prices:

Use price comparison websites and apps to compare prices from different retailers.
Check if the Black Friday price is really a deal by researching the regular price of the items you want to buy.

Shop Smart Online:

Many stores offer online deals that are equivalent to or even better than in-store promotions. This is especially true for larger companies.
Shopping online allows you to avoid the crowds and potentially save on gas or transportation costs.

Use Coupons and Promo Codes:

Look for additional coupons or promo codes to apply during checkout for extra discounts.
Some stores offer exclusive discounts for newsletter subscribers or mobile app users.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs:

If you’re a member of loyalty programs or have store credit cards, you may be eligible for exclusive discounts or early access to Black Friday sales.

Early Bird Shopping:

Some stores offer “early bird” deals that are available before regular store hours. Consider taking advantage of these if you’re an early riser.

Check Return Policies:

Be aware of the return policies of the items you purchase, as some Black Friday deals may have different return restrictions.

Safety First:

Always check to make sure the website you are visiting is legit. Never give out your credit card or debit card information without verifying site identity.

Scammers and hackers use pop-up ads and fake Black Friday and Christmas deals in an attempt to steal your private information. Check out the Minnesota Attorney General’s hacker prevention tips.

Stay safe while shopping in-store. Keep your personal belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas.

Support Local Businesses Here in Northern Minnesota:

Consider shopping at local businesses or boutique shops in the Northland. They may have unique deals and a more personalized shopping experience.

The Cloquet, Moose Lake, Floodwood, and surrounding areas have many local shops to choose from. Take advantage this holiday season by checking out a local business near you!

Price Match:

Some retailers offer price matching, so if you find a better deal elsewhere, they may match or beat the price. Don’t forget to ask about price matching with the employee assisting you, too.

Be Patient:

Not all deals are worth pursuing. Be patient and selective in your purchases. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale.

Remember that Black Friday is just one day, and many deals extend through the weekend and into Cyber Monday.

With proper planning and consideration, you can make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday while saving money and avoiding overspending. Always doing your Black Friday or Christmas shopping shopping at the last minute? Read Our Tips For Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

Looking to free up some money this holiday season? Try our skip-a-pay option here at Northwoods Credit Union!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following written content was generated by NCU staff with assistance from an AI-based system