The holiday season is a time for joy but can also be stressful, especially when managing holiday shopping. Working together as a team can make this experience smoother, more efficient, and even enjoyable for couples.
Here are ten tips to help you and your spouse prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, maximize your savings, and minimize stress.
1. Set a Budget Together
Before diving into the sales, discuss how much you’re comfortable spending. Creating a budget will help you stay on track and avoid impulsive purchases. Decide on how much you want to allocate for each category, such as gifts for family, friends, or each other, home decor, or personal items.
Don’t forget to include costs for wrapping, shipping, or any last-minute items.
2. Make a Priority List
With your budget set, work together to list the items you’d like to buy, prioritizing essentials or higher-value items. Write down who you need to buy gifts for and the main things you both want to focus on during the sales (electronics, household items, clothing, etc.).
This list will be a helpful guide during the sales and prevent both of you from getting distracted by deals outside of your priorities.
3. Research Deals in Advance
Spend time with your spouse researching online to find out what deals will be available. Many retailers post their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals well in advance.
Compare prices across multiple retailers. Tools like price comparison websites or Chrome extensions can help you find the best deals.
Check for any pre-Black Friday deals or "early access" sales, which can sometimes have prices just as good, if not better, than those on Black Friday or Cyber Monday itself.
4. Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer exclusive discounts to members or email subscribers. By signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs ahead of time, you may receive coupons or early access to deals.
Consider creating a shared email account specifically for deal notifications so both of you can keep track of offers without overwhelming your personal inboxes.
Look into any credit card reward programs that offer cash back, points, or discounts for shopping at specific stores on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
5. Map Out Your Shopping Day(s)
Black Friday can be chaotic, especially if you’re heading to physical stores. Decide which stores you’ll visit in what order to make the most of your time.
If shopping online, determine which sites you’ll prioritize and note when their deals go live. Consider dividing tasks: one of you could focus on online deals, while the other handles in-store purchases.
Teaming up will help you get more done in less time.
6. Set Boundaries on Impulse Buys
During major sales, it’s easy to get tempted by deals that aren’t on your priority list. To keep things in check, decide on a strategy for impulse buys.
For example, each of you might agree on a dollar amount for non-priority purchases or decide to check in with each other before adding extra items to the cart.
Staying on the same page about unplanned purchases helps keep your spending aligned with your goals.
7. Use Digital Tools to Stay Organized
Shared digital tools can help you and your spouse stay organized and efficient. Use a shared shopping list app or Google Sheets to keep track of your budget, gift list, and deals.
Try using a countdown timer or reminder apps for deals that go live at specific times.
Bookmark your favorite deal pages or create a shared folder on your browser for quick access during the shopping frenzy.
8. Consider Using Price Protection and Cashback Apps
Some credit cards offer price protection, which refunds the difference if an item’s price drops after you’ve bought it. Check if yours has this benefit.
Cashback apps give you a percentage back on purchases from specific retailers, potentially saving you more. Discuss which apps and credit cards to use to make the most of these benefits, as combining them can significantly add up.
9. Plan for Post-Holiday Shopping
Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only days for holiday shopping. Discuss with your spouse if you want to take advantage of post-Christmas or end-of-year sales, especially for items like holiday decor or seasonal clothing.
Often, some of the best deals on specific items happen after the major holiday rush, so think about spreading out certain purchases if possible.
10. Remember Self-Care and Have Fun
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget that the season is also about connection and togetherness. Take breaks, make time for holiday activities, and celebrate small wins in your shopping journey.
Try making an event out of it: grab a hot cocoa together, play festive music, and keep the experience light-hearted. Remember that while deals are great, the holiday season is ultimately about spending time together and showing appreciation for those you love.
Wrapping it Up
Working as a team on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can make holiday shopping more efficient, affordable, and even enjoyable.
By setting a budget, researching deals, and staying organized, you and your spouse can tackle holiday shopping together, strengthening your partnership in the process.
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