Let’s face it—who doesn’t love a good deal, especially on Black Friday? This once-a-year shopping event is the perfect chance to grab everything from tech gadgets to clothes at jaw-dropping discounts. But with so many offers flying around, how do you make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck? Sometimes, the little hacks make a big difference in your wallet.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I’d planned this better,” you’re not alone. Shopping smart during Black Friday isn’t just about snagging deals—it’s about having a strategy. We’re here to help you with tips that can make all the difference in your wallet.
- 1. Make a List and Follow It
- 2. Take Advantage of Coupons and Discount Codes
- 3. Know When to Shop
- 4. Price Compare Before You Buy
- 5. Automate with Technology
- 6. Buy in Bulk (If You Can Use It)
- 7. Shop Smart with Cashback Apps
- 8. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
- 9. Shop Secondhand
- 10. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
- Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Shop Around for Services
10 Money-Saving Hacks for the Savvy Shopper
Shopping can be fun, but let’s face it—our wallets don’t always agree. Whether it’s grabbing groceries, buying clothes, or treating yourself to something special, the cost can quickly add up. But what if there was a way to save money on everything you buy without sacrificing quality or convenience?
Here are hacks on how to shop smart.
1. Make a List and Follow It
This might sound basic, but it actually works. One of the easiest ways to overspend is by going into a store (or online) with no plan. When you shop without a list, getting distracted by things you don’t need is so easy. The best way to prevent this is to make a list of exactly what you’re going to buy—and stick to it!
During Black Friday, everything seems like a steal. Everywhere you look, there’s a “50% OFF” or “LIMITED TIME DEAL” screaming at you to click “Add to Cart.” It’s exciting, sure, but here’s the catch: not everything on sale is something you actually need. Retailers know how to grab your attention, and sometimes they use these sales to clear out old stock. You might think you’re getting a bargain, but in reality, you’ve just spent money on something that wasn’t on your radar before.
Now, imagine if you had a list. A simple, well-thought-out list of exactly what you need. Instead of being distracted by deals on things you never planned for, you’d spend your time hunting for the best prices on the items you truly want. That new blender you’ve been eyeing? It’s worth taking the time to find it at the best possible price, instead of wasting your budget on gadgets you don’t even need. A list keeps you focused and stops you from falling into the trap of buying just because “it’s on sale.”
So, before you dive into Black Friday madness, sit down, make a list, and stick to it. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when your budget stays intact, and your cart is filled with things you genuinely need.
Before you head out, take a few minutes to make a list on your phone or in a notebook. Not only will it help you stay focused, but it also keeps you from grabbing impulse items.
For example, when you’re grocery shopping, only add the ingredients you need for your meals. This step can save you tons of money in the long run. If you’re smart shopping online, use your list as a guide, and only add items to your cart that match what’s on it.
2. Take Advantage of Coupons and Discount Codes
Coupons, vouchers, and promo codes are your best friends when it comes to saving money. Don’t let a good discount slip by!
Before hitting the checkout button, take a minute to search for vouchers & promo codes. Our website Discountagent is fantastic for finding discounts on different products and retailers across the UK. We have added around 100K+ deals and vouchers this week specially for black friday season.
Even better, many stores offer coupons if you sign up for their email lists. This is a win-win—you’re getting great deals while also staying in the loop about future discounts and promotions.
3. Know When to Shop
The timing of your purchase can make a big difference in how much you spend.
Black Friday deals are everywhere, and the excitement can be overwhelming. The banners scream “50% OFF” and “LIMITED TIME DEAL,” making you feel like you’re saving a fortune. But here’s the truth: buying something just because it’s on sale isn’t saving money—it’s wasting it. If you don’t actually need the item, what good does the discount do?
Black friday is not a end of discount party, as retailers love to have sales during certain times of the year, and knowing when those times are can save you a lot of money. Here are the best times:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These are the big ones, especially for gadgets and electronics.
- End-of-Season Sales: Shop for outdoor gear, clothing, and home items at the end of the season for discounts.
- Holiday Sales: Stores often have post-holiday sales with amazing discounts on items like furniture and appliances.
- Green Monday Sales: Typically the second Monday in December, offering discounts on electronics, toys and clothing.
- Free Shipping Day: Mid-December, providing free shipping with no minimum purchase.
- Prime Day: Exclusive to Amazon Prime members, offering discounts on various products.
- Back-to-School Sales: July to September, featuring discounts on school supplies, laptops and clothing.
- Presidents’ Day Sales: February, offering discounts on home appliances, furniture and mattresses.
- Labor Day Sales: September, providing discounts on outdoor gear, home items and appliances.
- Memorial Day Sales: May, offering discounts on summer products, outdoor gear and home decor.
- Tax-Free Weekends: Varying dates, exempting certain items from sales tax.
- Semi-Annual Sales: January and July, offering discounts on clothing, shoes and accessories.
- Overstock Sales: Throughout the year, clearing out excess inventory at discounted prices.
- Memorial Day Sale: May, offering discounts on outdoor gear, home items and summer products.
- Independence Day Sale: July, featuring discounts on patriotic items, outdoor gear and summer essentials.
- Valentine’s Day Sale: February, providing discounts on jewelry, chocolates and romantic getaways.
- Mother’s Day Sale: May, offering discounts on flowers, jewelry and home decor.
- Father’s Day Sale: June, featuring discounts on electronics, outdoor gear and personalized gifts.
- Halloween Sale: October, providing discounts on costumes, decorations and candy.
- Thanksgiving Day Sale: November, offering discounts on electronics, home appliances and Black Friday previews.
- Christmas Sale: December, featuring discounts on toys, electronics and holiday decorations.
- New Year’s Sale: January, providing discounts on fitness equipment, self-improvement products and organization tools.
If you don’t need something right away, waiting for one of these sale periods can help you get a much better deal. If you’re eyeing an item that doesn’t go on sale often, track its price for a couple of weeks to see when it dips. Set a price alert if possible!
4. Price Compare Before You Buy
You’ve found the perfect item—but is it the best price?
Before you pull the trigger on a purchase, take a minute to compare prices across different stores. Many major retailers offer price matching, which means they’ll match a competitor’s price if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere. This is especially good for big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or appliances.
Let’s paint a picture: you’re scrolling through deals and come across a “30% OFF” banner on that pair of sneakers you’ve wanted. You’re tempted to click “Buy Now” because it feels like you’re winning. But hold on—how do you know it’s actually a good deal? Some stores increase their prices just before the season and slap on a discount label to make it seem like you’re getting a bargain. Without checking, you could be paying more than you should.
Here’s where a little effort goes a long way. Open another tab and search for that exact same product on other sites. Compare the prices across a few retailers. If you see a consistent discount, then it’s likely legit. But if one store’s price is way off compared to others, you’ve just avoided overpaying.
Price comparison only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a good chunk of money. Why settle for one store’s offer when a better deal could be waiting just a click away? Make it a habit, especially during Black Friday. Retailers want to rush you into thinking the deal will disappear if you don’t act fast. Don’t fall for it—take a moment to compare prices and make sure you’re actually saving. After all, the goal isn’t just to buy something; it’s to buy it at the best possible price.
Pro Tip If You’re In a Store: Use apps to scan barcodes and compare prices while you’re in the store.
5. Automate with Technology
Technology can be your best friend during Black Friday shopping. With the right tools, you can automate price tracking, uncover hidden deals, and ensure you’re getting the best prices—all without spending hours glued to your screen. Technology isn’t just for entertainment—it can also help you save money! From budgeting apps to deal-finding tools, the right technology can help you shop better. Consider using tools that automatically track your spending and offer alerts when prices drop.
- Some extensions, like CamelCamelCamel (Camelizer for Chrome) or PriceBlink, even compare prices across different sites. For example, if you’re looking at a laptop on one site, these tools can show you whether it’s cheaper somewhere else. This kind of automation ensures you’re always getting the best deal.
- Another smart move is using price trackers like Keepa or Slickdeals. These tools let you monitor the price history of items so you can see if the Black Friday deal is truly a discount or just a marketing trick. If the price was the same last week, you know it’s not as special as the store claims.
- Most major retailers allow you to create wish lists. Add the items you want before Black Friday and let the store notify you when they go on sale. This way, you’re not scrambling to find deals last minute, and you can focus on the things you truly need.
If you run an online business, automated webinar selling can be a huge time-saver, too. With automated webinars, you can promote and sell your products to customers without having to constantly host live sessions. Once set up, these webinars run on autopilot, allowing you to generate sales even while you relax.
Not only does this save you time, but it also eliminates the need for continuous marketing efforts. This can help you avoid spending money in the future.
6. Buy in Bulk (If You Can Use It)
Buying in bulk is one of those age-old money-saving tricks that actually works—when it’s done right. Items that you use often, like paper towels, cleaning supplies, or pantry staples, can often be much cheaper per unit when bought in larger quantities. Plus, you’ll spend less time running out to buy more.
But here’s the catch—bulk buying only works if you’re actually going to use the items before they expire. So, always check expiration dates on items. If you’re buying non-perishable goods, go ahead and stock up. But for things like fresh produce, only buy in bulk and avoid impulse purchases.
7. Shop Smart with Cashback Apps
Cashback apps are like getting paid to shop. Sounds pretty awesome, right?
Many retailers, both online and in-store, offer cashback deals on purchases. The trick is to check the app before you make your purchase so you don’t miss out on any cashback opportunities.
Chrome extensions like Honey, Rakuten, can automatically apply coupons and discounts at checkout. These tools scan the web for the best promo codes, saving you the hassle of hunting for them yourself. Imagine adding something to your cart, and the extension does the rest—it’s like having a personal shopping assistant.
Pro Tip: Combine cashback apps with other deals to maximize your savings. For example, a cashback app can be used for an online purchase while also applying a promo code to get even more money back.
8. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Signing up for loyalty programs is a great way if you shop at the same stores regularly. Many retailers offer points for every purchase, and once you get enough points, you can redeem them for discounts or free items.
Think about it: If you’re going to buy from the same store anyway, you might as well earn rewards while you’re at it. Loyalty vouchers often come with perks like early access to sales, discounts, or birthday rewards.
9. Shop Secondhand
Second-hand shopping is a goldmine to save and avoid overspending. Whether you’re looking for furniture, clothes, or electronics, there are websites and stores that sell used items at a fraction of the cost.
When buying second-hand, just make sure to check the condition and ask the seller any questions you might have. Many times, you can find items that are nearly new but cost a lot less than buying new.
Pro Tip: Look for items that are in “like-new” condition, and check if the seller offers a return policy in case something goes wrong.
10. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
If you do online shopping, free shipping is a big win. Shipping fees can quickly add up, sometimes even making a small purchase feel like a splurge. To avoid these extra costs, look for stores that offer free shipping either as a standard perk or if you meet a minimum purchase threshold.
Some stores offer free shipping if you sign up for their email newsletter. Others offer it during special promotions or limited-time offers, so it’s worth watching out for these deals.
During Black Friday, many stores offer free shipping as part of their promotions. Use sites like FreeShipping.com to find stores that won’t charge extra for delivery. It’s a small saving, but every bit adds up.
Pro Tip: If you’re only a few dollars short of getting free shipping, consider adding a small item to your cart to meet the minimum requirement.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Shop Around for Services
When it comes to services—whether it’s insurance, internet, or even your phone plan—a shopping trip can save you big bucks. Many people don’t realize that switching to a different service provider or negotiating your current contract can lower your monthly bills. It’s a great way to trim down your expenses.
Call your current service providers and ask for discounts. Sometimes, a simple conversation can lower your rate.
Shop Smarter, Save Bigger
And there you have it—ten simple but effective ways to spend money every time you shop. You can keep more money in your pocket by making a few small changes, like sticking to a shopping list, using vouchers, or taking advantage of cashback programs.
The key to shopping smart is knowing when and where to look for deals and using technology to your advantage. So next time you’re out shopping, whether online or in person, remember these shopping tips and watch your savings add up.
