Smart, Savvy and Rich People Don't Shop Black Friday

Years ago, I decided that I would not set foot in a shopping center or mall anytime between Thansgiving and Christmas. In recent years I have taken this plan one step further and refuse to grocery shop less than ten days before Thanksgiving. It is not that I don't like people. I do like people a lot. I like them so much that I work in the people business. I do not like people in large crowds.

It is not that I think crowds are rude and reckiless, but rather so intent on their purpose, (or should that read purchase) that they are oblivious to others. I have seen people run over by shopping carts and knocked over by revolving doors. I have seen arguments, stampedes, and cinnabons stuck to peoples winter coats. I have seen it enough to the extent that I cannot see it anymore.

Little did I know how much money it would save me by not shopping on Black Friday. Yay! I love saving money.
The steals and deals that retailers would have you believe you are getting on Black Friday are pretty much just lures to get you into the store. Yes, you might get several dollars off a high ticket item (provided yout slept on the sidewalk and are one of the first customers in the door).. The rest of the inventory is the same price it will be on Saturday if not more! Retailers are not smarter than we are but they are quite clever as they get us in the door to spend. The way they do that is to mark off a few items, for a few customers, that will bring in the crowds who will over spend on other items.

Overall, shoppers who shop on Black Friday spend more than those who do not, but yes they get to watch the thrills and spills of throwdowns. I suppose for entertainment value alone that is worth the mark up they pay.

If you want the same items for less money and less entertainment shop Cyber Monday. With a very little bit of honework you can buy the same items whose prices were slashed on Friday at lower prices and all from the comfort of your home.

Best values for Christmas shopping is the week before Christmas when retailers have to move that inventory out the door before sales season. Yep. procastinating has its rewards.

If you are like me though, you like your gifts wrapped and mailed on time for the holiday so stick to these simple time and money saving tips.

1. Save lots of money by not shopping Black Friday.

2. Shop Cyber Monday for big ticket items or wait for the mark downs the week before Christmas at mall shops.

3, After Black Friday, if you must go to the mall, the best times to shop are during the dinner hour or early weekday mornings. You are less likely to encounter crowds during this time.

4. Anything you absolutely do not need for the holiday do not buy. Example, thinking about new sheets for fhe guest bedroom. Wait until January or even the week after Christmas.

5. Pay cash or credit card if you are concerned about returns.

6. We are in a economic recession which means retailers are cutting back on seasonal help. It also means your line waits will be longer and tempers will fray sooner than in years past. Do your homework and see if you can find the same item online saving you a lot of drama and often a lot of cash.

Speaking of an economic recession, it is not the time to be spending money on gifts (yes even for your kids who will still not like you no matter how much you spend on them). Spend wisely and rationally. If your kids sweaters are thread bare, they need sweaters under the tree not x boxes or gold jewelry. Save special gifts for stocking stuffers like a much wanted cd or dvd or a pair of special earrings and in the big boxes spend on needed items.

If you ask your kids what they got for Christmas two years ago they won't be able to tell you. So don't go overboard on gifts your kids wont even remember next year.
Save your money and your sanity and plan a great vacation or spend on a family gift all can enjoy.