Black Friday - Does it Save You Money?

To shop or not to shop? Black Friday offers all sorts of promises, but can they be trusted? In this episode we explore the pros, cons, and alternatives to Black Friday shopping. Whether you shop for bargains, to maintain tradition, or choose to refrain altogether - we have tips and suggestions for you!

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Notable Notes:

This article from CNET outlines how to decide if a black Friday deal is really worth the money. They give some great tips for deciding if you should purchase, or if you should move on.

What Jen and Jill have to say:

• Ask yourself "is this something I even need!?"
• Check Amazon price history at CamelCamelCamel to see if you can
  anticipate a better deal in the future
• Use Honey as a browser add-in for other retailers' price
  histories, with a cash back component
• Recognize that stores will slash prices on obscure objects to get you
  to buy and assume all other prices are deals - stay focused!
• Compare prices - is it on sale elsewhere?
• Use PriceBlink - another browser add-in that can alert of coupons,
  promo codes, and if an item goes on sale

More from the Internet:

This article from Business Insider outlines 11 Black Friday insights from workers of which you may not be aware. From stores setting out last years deals, to the tricks they use to get you to stay longer and buy more; this article offers a great 'behind the scenes' look at black Friday tactics.

More from Jen and Jill:

Beware of short-run models, do research and look at reviews! These items are not a 'deal'!
Avoid shopping on Thanksgiving - don't feed the beast!
Some stores offer freebies to get you to spend more; although if you don’t spend more, it's always great to get a freebie!!
BILL OF THE WEEK -  Thank you Amarilys for your amazing bill of the week! Enjoy that debt freedom!

If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

Black Friday Alternatives:

• Cyber Monday
• Doorbusters will typically beat cyber monday deals but other than
  that, you can usually find a better deal online.
• Small Business Saturday
• It won’t save you money like it would if you shopped walmart but
  you’ll be keeping more money in your community and minimizing your
  carbon footprint.
• PROFIT: If you drive for Uber or UberEats, Friday will be a good day
  to clock-in. If you run an online store, that weekend is a great time
  to run a sale

Frugal Friends Book Club: It's November and we are reading "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker - head over to our Frugal Friends Community to join the discussion!

AND we are still giving away 1 book for every 5 reviews we get this month! You can get a free copy of December's book: "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley&William D. Danko!
To enter; leave us a review on your podcast listening device (not just Itunes), screenshot the review, and email it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com
We’ll select the winners for this book at the end of the month

Thank you so much for hanging out with us today! Hit the subscribe button wherever you’re listening to this episode and we’ll come at you every Friday with more frugal goodness. Until next week!