Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a great time to get your holiday shopping started. Many of us wait in anticipation all year to take advantage of the significant discounts and deals retailers offer during this weekend.
Before you start swiping your card, here are a few shopping tips to help you find the best offers, safeguard your personal information, and keep you from overspending.
Create and Stick to a Budget
Review your finances and accounts to determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to that amount. Talk to your family and friends about setting a spring limit on gifts to keep costs low.
Make a List
Write down a list of individuals you’re shopping for, next to each person’s name you can include the item or gift you’re hoping to purchase for them. This way you can make a game plan of what stores and departments you need to focus on.
Sign Up for Alerts
Scope out the stores you’re most interested in shopping at and sign up for their email communications. This will save you time and money by being able to see their Black Friday ads and exclusive offers early. These offers may even be able to be combined with other promotions or loyalty programs.
Compare Offers
Now that you’re signed up to receive communications from particular shops and brands, you’ll be able to compare prices at various locations without having to drive all over town.
Consider Different Payment Methods
Using cash for in-person shopping is a great way to stick to your budget. However, using a credit card for holiday purchases also has its perks. Some of these include the ease of reporting fraudulent charges, and receiving exclusive offers the credit card company may have during the holiday season.
This can also be the best time to use any cashback rewards. If you’ve accumulated rewards points from your credit card or cash back on purchases made with your debit card, you may want to redeem those rewards for holiday purchases. Check with your financial institution to see how their redemption process works. Some common redemption options include gift cards, statement credit, merchandise and travel expenses.
AFFCU offers members the opportunity to earn while they spend. The Rewards Checking Account allows you to earn 12 cents Cashback* on all qualifying purchases made with your Visa® Debit Card. Visa Platinum Credit cardholders enjoy the CURewards Program where you have the ability to earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent.
Keep Your Receipts
Store your receipts in a secure place or have a copy emailed or texted to you. This will make it easier to keep track of what you’ve spent, return an item and even dispute an incorrect charge.
Protect Your Information
Set up alerts for your credit and debit cards to keep your funds safe. You can easily lock or report the cards lost or stolen. Consider adding your cards to the digital wallet on your smartphone. You can make secure purchases online and in-store with this amazing feature, so your card’s information is never compromised. If you’re shopping online, don’t use public WiFi and verify the site you’re on is legitimate to avoid a potential scam.
AFFCU members can easily set up card controls and travel notices within Digital Banking to keep their money safe. You can also digitize your wallet to streamline the checkout process with Digital Wallet to enjoy a safer and faster checkout process.
Black Friday shopping features unbeatable deals but can be overwhelming. We hope these tips can make your experience easier, safer, and cheaper. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, take breaks between stores to relax or eat a snack, and don’t leave personal belongings in your vehicle.
