How to Plan Ahead for Big Sales and Save Money

If you're a savvy shopper, you know that planning ahead for big sales can save you a lot of money. From Black Friday and Cyber Monday to end-of-season clearances, there are plenty of opportunities to score great deals if you know how to plan ahead. In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to plan ahead for big sales and save money.

Make a List

Before any big sale, make a list of the items you need or want to buy. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. If you have a specific budget, make sure to allocate the funds accordingly. Use a note-taking app or a spreadsheet to keep track of the items you need to buy.

Research Deals

Leading up to the sale, research the deals that will be available. Look at the ads, browse websites, and check social media accounts for special promotions. Make a note of the deals that interest you and keep track of their expiration dates. Some websites, like DealNews or Slickdeals, offer early access to sales ads and alerts on the best deals.

Set Reminders

Once you have identified the deals you want to take advantage of, set reminders for yourself. This could be a calendar reminder, a to-do list, or a note on your phone. Set reminders a few days in advance of the sale so that you have time to prepare. If you're shopping online, make sure to add items to your shopping cart in advance so that you're ready to checkout as soon as the sale starts.

Shop Early

Many retailers will offer early access to their sales for their email subscribers or loyalty members. Sign up for email newsletters and join loyalty programs to get access to these early deals. This can give you an advantage over other shoppers and help you secure the items you want before they sell out. Additionally, shopping early can help you avoid the crowds and long lines that often come with big sales events.

Compare Prices

Just because something is on sale doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Before making a purchase, compare prices across different websites and retailers to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. You can use price comparison websites such as PriceGrabber, Google Shopping, or Shopzilla to help you find the best prices. Additionally, some retailers may offer price matching policies that allow you to get the sale price from a competitor.

Use Coupon Codes

Even during big sales, retailers may offer additional discounts through coupon codes. Look for coupon codes online or through the retailer's email newsletter. These codes can often be combined with sale prices for even greater savings. Websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, or Groupon can help you find coupon codes for your favorite retailers.

Don't Forget Cashback

During big sales, many cashback websites will offer increased cashback rates. Be sure to use these websites when making your purchases to get the most cashback possible. Some popular cashback websites include Ebates, Honey, and Rakuten. Additionally, some credit cards offer cashback or rewards points for online purchases, so check if your credit card has any special promotions for the sale.

Use Keep Card to Store Loyalty Cards

Keep Card is an app that allows you to store all your loyalty cards digitally. Instead of carrying a bulky wallet full of plastic cards, you can easily store them in the Keep Card app. During big sales, many retailers offer additional discounts or perks for loyalty members. By having all your loyalty cards stored in one place, you can easily take advantage of these deals without worrying about forgetting or losing a physical card.

In conclusion, planning ahead for big sales is a great way to save money on the items you need or want. By making a list, researching deals, setting reminders, shopping early, comparing prices, using coupon codes, and using cashback websites, you can maximize your savings and get the most out of your shopping experience. So next time a big sale is approaching, be sure to use these tips to plan ahead and save money!