Black Friday and Cyber Monday

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It has come to that time of year again...

Black Friday is only two days away and just after that is Cyber Monday.

Before you go out and blow your bank account on "deals" - there are a few things you should consider.


Having a game plan is an excellent idea before you get to the malls at 4 a.m. Here are the most important things to consider...

• Who are you buying for? Don't load up on gifts for people not on your list just because you think you are getting a great deal.

• What are you buying them? The worst idea is to go not knowing what you are going to get them. You will have a tendency to buy them something more expensive.

• What stores do you need to go to? If you think you are going to get great deals then "get in and get them and then get the heck outta Dodge."

• How much are you going to spend for the entire holiday season? Create a budget for this holiday shopping season and stick to it. Don't rush out and blow your entire budget on Black Friday if you aren't buying for everyone on that day.

The newest craze to many shoppers this holiday season is Cyber Monday. It is the online version of Black Friday. You need to use the same logic and have a similar plan when sitting behind your computer as you would if you were going out to battle the other die hard shoppers at 4 a.m.



There are also a few more things to consider when shopping online...

• Most of us know not to give our credit card information on an unsecured website - http:// - but the point needs to be reinforced. Only give your personal information on secured websites - https://.

• Print out receipts or save them to your computer and always check the return policy of the store you are doing business with.

• If you are uneasy about using your credit card online, I have the best solution ever! Go to your local bank or a store that sells VISA gift cards. They work just like a regular credit card but have a limit that you can set. It is highly unlikely that the card number could be stolen online but if by chance it is, the dirty thief will only be able to use the remaining balance.

Hopefully you will take these ideas to heart and use common sense this holiday season when shopping the old fashion way on Black Friday and the new wave of shopping hysteria on Cyber Monday.