Black Friday Shopping Tips

Black Friday shopping tips

The best deals aren't always on Black Friday. Many retailers will have big discounts today, but price breaks may be steeper as it gets closer to Christmas and stores need to unload inventory.

Check out retailers' Web sites ahead of time. You can comparison shop for best prices, order online for in-store pickup, and find coupons for additional savings.

Set a spending limit before shopping. Decide how much you can comfortably afford on gifts. Make a list of all the people you want to give gifts to, and how much you want to spend on them.

If you have to use credit cards, use lower-rate bank cards instead of higher-rate department store cards. Try to charge only what can be paid off within three months.

Avoid "buy now, pay later" offers. Those only encourage shoppers to spend money they don't have, and usually charge high interest rates.

Skip the "skip a payment" offers that credit card issuers extend during the holidays. You'll just pay more interest and face a larger bill the next month.

Sources: Consumer Reports, Myvesta.org, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

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