The holidays bring festive cheer, family time, and, of course, the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. But with great deals come great temptations to overspend. Velocity Community Credit Union is here to help you make smart spending decisions so you can enjoy the season without stretching your budget. Follow our holiday savings guide on how to shop wisely:

Make a Shopping List

Sales can make even the smallest items seem essential, so avoid impulse buys by creating a list of what you need before you start shopping. Write down items and gift ideas for each person on your list to stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Tip: Prioritize must-haves and stick to your list. This way, you won’t be swayed by enticing (but unplanned) deals.

Set a Spending Limit

Having a clear budget is the most important step. Decide what you can comfortably spend without impacting your monthly obligations. This will keep you from overspending and prevent any post-holiday financial stress.

Tip: Use our financial tool, Goal Builder, to help track your savings goals for this season and beyond!

Research Prices Beforehand

Not every Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal is as good as it seems. Some stores mark up original prices to make discounts look larger. Spend some time researching and comparing prices in advance to be sure you’re getting genuine discounts.

Tip: Many retailers offer price-matching. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you might be able to get it matched at your preferred store.

Track Your Spending

Keeping track of your purchases is important so you don’t go over budget. Use a budgeting app, spreadsheet, or simple notebook to monitor how much you’ve spent so far.

Tip: Once you’ve hit your spending cap, stop shopping. Staying aware of your total spending will help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

Shop Online for Savings and Convenience

Cyber Monday offers many great deals, often on items you’ll find on Black Friday. Shopping online lets you skip crowds, save on transportation, and avoid impulse purchases. You can also take your time and find better deals online.

Tip: Sign up for retailers’ newsletters or download their apps for exclusive online offers or early access to discounts.

Don’t Fall for Every Deal

Retailers create urgency with limited-time offers and countdowns. While some deals are worth grabbing, take a moment to ask if the purchase is something you genuinely need or want. Avoid getting caught up in the hype of flash sales.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a big purchase, wait 24 hours. If you still feel good about it the next day, go ahead.

Use Rewards Programs and Cashback Apps

Maximize your holiday savings by leveraging rewards programs and cashback apps. Some credit cards offer extra cashback during the holidays, and apps like Rakuten or Fetch Rewards let you earn money back on purchases.

Tip: Only buy what you need—chasing rewards by spending extra can lead to overspending.

Consider Shipping Costs

If shopping online, keep an eye on shipping fees. A great discount can lose its appeal if shipping is high. Look for retailers offering free shipping when you meet a spending threshold or consider in-store pickup.

Tip: If you plan to make multiple purchases, consider a free trial of Amazon Prime or Walmart+ for free shipping, and remember to cancel if you don’t want to continue the subscription.

Be Mindful of Return Policies

Return policies often change during the holiday season. Before making a large purchase, check if the store offers a refund or store credit. Some items may have limited return windows, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.

Tip: Keep receipts and request gift receipts when buying gifts to make returns easier.

Shop Securely

Holiday sales can attract scammers, so be cautious when shopping online. Purchase only from reputable websites and avoid unfamiliar links. Use secure payment options like PayPal or credit cards for added protection.

Tip: Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized charges, and be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers.

By following these steps, you can keep your holiday shopping joyful and within budget. Happy shopping and happy holidays from Velocity Community Credit Union!