As I look out my window at my garden, I can definitely tell that the seasons are changing. The leaves are falling, the days are shorter, and there is a noticeable chill in the air.

The holidays are almost upon us. Just because this year’s outdoor growing season may be over, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any work to get done. My checklist is far from over.

I still have bulbs to plant, measures that need to be taken to winterize my garden and, most importantly, presents to buy for friends and family.

I’ve already made a promise to myself that I’m not waiting until the last minute to get holiday shopping done. (I’ve made that fatal error one too many times.)

My plan is to utilize all the savings potentials Black Friday has to offer. These tips are too good to keep to myself so I thought I would share!

1

Make A Game Plan: Try to plan out ahead of time where you will be shopping. Many of the items I'm looking for are available at The Home Depot, so they are at the top of my list of retail stores I will be purchasing from.

Once you know where you will be shopping, it's time to focus on specific items. To take the stress out of the holiday season, list out all of the items you will be looking for in one place. Being organized will make it so much easier on you, trust me!

2

Scope Out The Best Deals: Since we are all prepared with our game plan, it's time to focus on our most important goal: saving as much money as possible on Black Friday and getting the best deals possible.

I've already zoned in on home improvement items, popular tools and holiday lighting. 

When I'm looking for the best prices possible, I use Slickdeals! They are the number 1 deal sharing website in the US! Slickdeals does all the work for you by finding you the best deals and coupons.

They show you deal alerts for your favorite stores and even have an app you can download so you won't miss any opportunities to save.

Since most items on my list are home improvement related, Slickdeals took me straight to what I needed! Click the link to see more. Home Depot Black Friday with Slickdeals Planning ahead really pays off!

3

Prioritize Your List: Make sure to put those targeted items you really want right at the top of your list. Since you've zoned in on what you are looking for, you can nab all the hot deals.

Most of what I'm looking for can be found at Home Depot! I will also be checking Amazon too.

Here's my list: 

• • Tools & ladders for dad
  • Home decor & kitchen appliances for mom
  • Power equipment & storage for the fiancé
  • Camping equipment & electronic items for friends
  • Holiday decor & seasonal lighting for family
  • Garden related items & outdoor decor (I had to throw a few bargains in for myself!)

4

Shop Online: Since the pandemic is still making shopping more difficult in person, my plan is to get as much shopping done online as possible. Now that you have all the Black Friday Deals mapped out, get cozy on the couch under a fuzzy blanket with some cocoa and start shopping!

Places like The Home Depot are opting to do sales starting on November 8th through December 2nd. This means you have a longer window to get those deals you are looking for and save big!

The best part about shopping online is that you save money on travel costs and you save time. You'll have more time to spend relaxing and enjoying the holiday season.

5 

Stick To Your Budget: I cannot stress this enough. When I first started working full time, I figured I'd just spend as I go and I'd be fine. WRONG!

Don't make the same mistake I did. I realize now that If I had utilized websites like Slickdeals to save money and paid attention to shipping costs ahead of time, I would have been so much better off both financially and mentally.

Target those items you want, pay attention to deals and stick to that budget. You've got this!

I hope my tips help you navigate through Black Friday successfully and save big. I'm feeling confident about my plan, and I'm ready to enjoy the holidays.

Do you have any tips and tricks? Anything on the top of your wishlist? Share with me in the comments below!

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