7 Tips to Shop Black Friday Like a Pro

This post has been sponsored by Pepto-Bismol. All opinions are my own. #PinkRelief

If you read this blog then you know that I am an avid shopper. I am constantly looking for ways to save money and get the best deal that I can get. I am not a coupon or deal blogger rather I want to save wherever I can so that I can spend whenever we want. This takes practice.

Every year when Black Friday comes around, I have been planning for weeks. I get copies of all of the ads and figure out which stores I want to go to. I never shop on Thanksgiving but I do head out early in the morning on Black Friday depending on what is on my list.

1. Set a plan.

Like I said above, I get all of the sales ads in paper and online first. Once those are all gathered, I sit down and plan my day. I figure out a route so I am not backtracking around town and I write everything down that I intend to buy. This helps me stick to a budget and not spend more than I want.

2. Dress comfortably.

This seems like a no-brainer but I have stood in line with women wearing heels before. I always dress in layers because you never know how hot or cold a particular store might be plus you have to figure in the temperature outside as well. A big scarf like the one above is perfect for wrapping up in when you are cold plus it can also be put into your purse when not in use.

I also carry a very large handbag that can fit my jacket, planner, water bottle, snacks and anything else I might need for the day. My shoes are something that I can wear for hours and they will never make my feet hurt.

3. Shop the fringe.

There is nothing like the thrill of standing in line for 5 hours to get that $50 tv, right? Wrong. Those big items that people spend hours in line hoping to get aren't always what we think they are and in fact I have purchased several of them only to return them to the store later. Honestly you have to look at the opportunity cost of standing in line for hours versus what you could have been doing with that time. So I always shop the fringe.

This is one of my favorite tips. I call it shopping the fringe because rather than going for those huge doorbuster items, I shop for those little items that many people forget about. I manage to grab video games for next to nothing along with clothing like pajamas, etc. This is one of my favorite things to do because the chances are that someone on your shopping list really wants some of those smaller items.

4. Keep Pepto on hand.

Shopping on Black Friday can make for a very long day without a lot of time to sit down and enjoy a meal or even digest your food. I want to be prepared for whatever happens so I always carry Pepto-Bismol in my purse. 7 Tips to Shop Black Friday Like a Pro

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5. Stay hydrated & pack snacks.

I carry a water bottle around with me everywhere at every moment of every day. I have to stay hydrated or I just don't feel good. This water bottle pictured above keeps ice cold for up to 18 hours. As soon as I arrive at a store, I refill my water bottle if needed and keep it in my purse to drink from whenever I need it. Staying hydrated means that you can shop as long as you want without slowing down.

6. Keep your phone charged and bring a backup battery.

This is especially key for many reasons. Staying charged up means that you can check online for coupons or last minute sales for the store you are going to. It also means that you can check in with your family or friends if needed or even call someone to share a great deal. You wouldn't how many times I have been in line to have someone tell me that they have online coupons for the store that I am in. I find them ASAP.

Finally, I always keep my phone charged because those lines are long. I have waiting in many lines over the years that were an hour or more. I keep several books on my phone that I will read while I am standing in line. This makes the time pass much faster. My charger can charge my phone 2 1/2 times so this means that I will never run out of battery. 7 Tips to Shop Black Friday Like a Pro

7. Only buy things on your list.

I know that this can be hard but I only buy things on my list. I try not to be swayed by what I find in the store no matter how great of deal I think that I am getting. If I am really wanting to buy something, I call my husband and have him research it.

When I shop by a list that means every one gets exactly what they wanted or what I had in mind for them. This also means I only spend what I intended to spend.

Following these tips will help you plan a great Black Friday shopping trip and really maximize your time and budget. Happy Shopping!