Deck the Malls: Black Friday Survival Guide

source: digitaltrends.com

Ready, Set, Shop. The dishes aren't even cleared from the Thanksgiving table and shoppers are off to the mall to get the season started with a cha-ching. Black Friday has become a sporting event that some savvy shoppers look forward to all year. So before you find yourself among the elbow throwing crazies, here are a few simple tips to make the day both economical and enjoyable.

Black Friday 101:

-Do your homework. My basic rule for saving money and time is to shop prepared. Make your list ahead and preview the items that are on sale. Most large retailers like, Target, JCPenney and Kohls have already released their Black Friday circular online. You can even use a site like theBlackFriday.com to see all the ads available in one place.

-Load up on apps. Make sure your phone is loaded and updated with all the apps you need for your shopping day. Apps can be helpful to price compare and even provide additional discounts. My favorites are Target Cartwheel and Brad's Black Friday.

-Map it. Driving around is not where you want to spend your day. Map your route ahead to maximize time, parking and gas. 

-Shop with a buddy. Everything is more fun with a pal. There is a practical reason to shopping with a friend on BF. Parking will be an issue everywhere, so consolidating cars is both courteous and efficient. Also, split up and tackle different departments or shops for each other. If you do shop with a buddy, make sure you both have a game plan before you head out. Know how much time you both have, where you want to go and how you will divide and conquer.

-Take regular "rest" breaks. Seems like an obvious one, but getting caught up in the pace of power shopping can sometimes leave you in an uncomfortable situations. Take bathroom breaks regularly even if its not urgent. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in line for 30 minutes or trying to get out of a crowded parking lot and realizing you waited too long.

-Stay powered up and refreshed. Keep some power snacks in your purse and drink plenty of water. Getting overly hungry can make you edgy, but be courteous and do not take drinks or snacks in the stores. Crowded aisles and loaded carts may result in you or the merchandise wearing your Snickers bar.

-Layer up. It may be quite chilly outside, but often the inside of a store can be quite warm. Wear clothing that is comfortable and not bulky. Carrying around a big puffy coat through a crowded store will not make you happy or popular.

-You may be shopping but they are working. Finally, keep in mind that you may be in the store for 45 minutes, but the folks behind the register are looking at 8 hours ahead starting at the crack of dawn. Be respectful and polite to employees who are likely spread way too thin.

Have fun. Enjoy the festive vibe and be patient. Don't plan on a quick trip to any retailer on BF. If you are in a hurry you will only find yourself frustrated. Instead, raise your peppermint mocha and wish your fellow shoppers a Happy Black Friday! 

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Target Coupons, Cartwheel and Deals

Well, its no secret that I have a love affair with Target. What a lot of shoppers don't know is that they have several ways to earn additional savings in store and online. I am still surprised by how many of my friends and family are not using these resources to save. Therefore, I decided that I needed to devote an entire post in my "Couponing For Mere Mortals" series. Here's the breakdown:

Coupons: Target has accepted manufacturer coupons for years, but many shoppers are still unaware of the store coupons that Target offers on its website. By clicking on the Coupon link on the Target Website, you can print store specific coupons to use at the register. You will have to go through an initial set up for the printer software with your first use of the site. These are not just store brand products either. This is where it gets really good. Did you know that you can combine manufacturer coupons with Target store coupons? Yes, you can double up the discount with one of each, unless restricted by the manufacturer. Most of the Target store coupons are for in-store purchases, but occasionally they offer an online code as well.  Here is their complete coupon policy.

Mobile Coupons: Another variation of the Target store coupon promotion. Text COUPONS to 827-438 (Target) you will receive a link to sign up. Then you will receive a text message containing your coupons. When you check out just hand your phone to the cashier to scan the bar code and any coupons for items you are purchasing will be applied.

Daily Deals Online:  Everyday Target has select items that are on sale for 24 hours only or until they are sold out whichever comes first. These are exclusive online deals. You can see some of the items coming up as daily deals for the next five days, but you won't know the sale price until the item goes live. Go to the Target website and clink on Daily Deals, then scroll to the bottom to see what's next. This is great for big items that are on your wish list.

Cartwheel: This is the newest way to save at Target. Cartwheel is a completely separate app from the Target website and Mobile Coupons.  Cartwheel is Target's social network based savings app. Its easy to use and the more willing you are to promote the app the more you earn in Cartwheel. Here's the way it works. Go to the Target website and click on the Cartwheel link in the left side menu and download the app to your phone. Create an account by logging in using your Facebook sign in. Now this is what turns some people away, but don't worry. Once you sign in using the Facebook, you can opt to share your activity or not share. Basically, your account is set up like, obviously enough, a shopping cart. You get a limited number of spots in your Cartwheel. Click on the browse option and add the deals you want to use. When you check out, hand the cashier your phone, they will scan your barcode and any discounts you have loaded into your Cartwheel will be added. There are a lot of discounts available and you can use them several times until they expire, but you have to select them into your spots to activate them. The benefit of using the share feature on your Facebook is to promote the app to your friends, the more friends you have join the more spaces and badges you earn to activate deals. I have used this app along with coupons and it works great.

REDcard: Now, advocating a store credit card is not my usual preference.  The Target RedCard is a good addition to your savings routine, if you use it appropriately. The rules apply the same as signing up for any credit card. Keep a low balance limit, pay it off regularly before adding additional charges, and of course pay on time. What I like about the REDcard is the additional 5% off every purchase and the free shipping on all purchases. If you are a regular shopper at Target, 5% off your bill can be a benefit, especially when you stack it with other discounts like Cartwheel and coupons. The savings can really add up. Be careful not to let it lead you to impulse buy. Stick to your list and your pre-planned discounts.

I think Target hit the "Bullseye" with these great deals and discounts. Please feel free to share your great finds and deals with me! Happy Target-ing!

Happy Alert! Chicago, Its Divine Consign Time

Feb. 8-17: Divine Consign’s Designer Furniture Warehouse Event

Its time to go where no non-designer has gone before...well, at least since last year. Chicago,you are in for  super deep discounts on high-end furniture and accessories but it won't go on for long.

"Divine Consign, working with the finest showrooms and studios at the mart and throughout Chicagoland, has compiled one-half million dollars of high-end designer showroom inventory to be sold at 50-90% off “Mart” prices. From showrooms such as C.A.I. Designs, Martin-Wood, Kenneth Ludwig, Anacara, Treasure Garden, Lily Jack, Dana Creath, Park Place Interiors and others, this warehouse event will make these designer items available to the public for 10 days only – February 8-17, 2013."

Share you finds with us!

Wanted: Panera Rewards

If you have not already signed up, you are missing out. Panera Bread recently launched their My Panera Rewards Program. You can earn free drinks, smoothies, pastries and discounts. They are also creating in-store events and other specials for members, including birthday rewards. Stop in at your local store and ask for a card, go online and activate your membership and you earn a freebie, just for signing up. Keep up with your offers on the website to watch for their expiration dates. Its the greatest thing since sliced bread!