I’m all for a deal. As a personal finance editor — and a naturally frugal person — scoring something I want at a great price is one of my favorite dopamine hits. In the past, I have made a point of black friday shopping sales to check my holiday gift list and from time to time I get a little something for myself. This year, the prospect doesn’t give as much enthusiasm as before, so I’m withdrawing.

Should you do the same? Here’s what influenced my decision and what you should keep in mind if you’re also considering skipping the mega-sales event.

Learn more: CNET Investigation: Holiday Shoppers May Receive $291 in Shipments at Risk of Stolen. How to Keep Porch Pirates at Bay

What to consider before shopping Black Friday sales

Before you grab that credit card this weekend, here’s what personal finance experts suggest.

Don’t assume you’re getting the lowest price

There are plenty of really great Black Friday deals, but that doesn’t mean every deal is the best deal. Some stores may mark up items to make their “sale” prices more attractive.

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“Never take a Black Friday sale at face value,” said Leslie Tayne, financial attorney and Expert reviewer and CNET contributor. “Start by checking an item’s price history to see if the Black Friday price is a good deal (there are apps and browser extensions that can help you quickly find this information). It’s also important to check the price at several retailers.”

You can use browser extensions, cash back apps and price trackers like Camelcamelcamel to monitor price history and changes and find other discounts.

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Plan your purchase correctly

When you’ll find the best deals depends on what you want to buy. According to a Adobe Analytics ForecastHere’s when you’ll get the best prices for specific categories this holiday season:

• Furniture: Thanksgiving Day (November 28)

• Household appliances: Thanksgiving Day (November 28)

• Toys : Thanksgiving Day (November 28)

• Sporting goods: Thanksgiving Day (November 28)

• Televisions: Black Friday (November 29)

• Computers: Saturday (November 30)

• Clothes: Cyber ​​Monday (December 2)

• Electronic: Cyber ​​Monday (December 2)

Compare products before buying

Black Friday deals may cause you to buy a lesser product than you would normally buy. For example, a deeply discounted off-brand TV may cost considerably less than the high-end TV you’re considering, but if the quality is lower, the savings may not be worth it.

“Keep an eye out for merch,” Tayne added. “Make sure you get the same model you find throughout the year.” Be sure to compare product features and prices to find the best item, rather than the one that’s on sale.

Avoid impulse purchases

I’m a fan of sales. I’ve gotten better at it, but there are still times when a discounted price tempts me to waste money on something I don’t need because it seems too good to pass up. Combine that with a limited time window and I could be in real trouble.

Limited time offers are designed to entice you to buy before you fully consider it. If you know a deal is expiring soon, you might be pushed to buy out of fear of missing out. Store the bank on it.

“Many people will buy products they don’t need because they are told these discounts will only last for a limited time, but this is just a classic sales trick that retailers use to push you to make a purchasing decision,” said Daniel Braun. credit card expert And Expert reviewer and CNET contributor. “The truth is that impulse purchases and overspending on non-essential items can actually cost you more money than they save you on Black Friday.”

If you’re overwhelmed by sales, take a break

Black Friday was the day after Thanksgiving and was largely limited to the bargains you saw in newspaper circulars. Now, the deals start as early as October and extend through Cyber ​​Monday.

With a seemingly endless array of retailers offering Black Friday discounts online and in-store, you might feel stressed or overwhelmed by all the deals. Instead of panic buying, take a minute to refocus. Ignore the offers and return your attention to your budget and shopping list.

What I do instead of shopping for Black Friday sales

Skipping Black Friday doesn’t mean I don’t want to save money this holiday season – it just means I use other strategies to do so.

I make a budget and stick to it

It is common knowledge that many consumers spend beyond their means at this time of year. A CNET Money investigation found that nearly two-thirds (72%) of shoppers plan to make financial sacrifices or compromises this year to pay for holiday expenses, and 24% plan to use credit cards or buy now, pay later to cover vacation costs.

To avoid splurging, I create a holiday shopping budget. I start by identifying how much I’d like to spend for the entire season, then divide it into categories, like entertainment and gifts. I then divide my gift budget further by deciding how much I will spend on each person on my list. This budget gives me a framework that I can refer to whenever I make a spending decision.

I find other ways to save

Sales events aren’t the only way to get great deals on your purchases. For example, if you are interested in an expensive item like a television, there are many other ways to reduce your costs.

“Many people forget that buying a used model, certified refurbished or even buying a model from last year is an option,” Braun said. “Sometimes buying products that aren’t the latest and greatest can still land you a great deal at any time of year, not just around Black Friday.”

Just note that while you can save money on refurbished or restored electronics, you should make sure you buy from a reputable retailer and get a warranty if you’re worried.

Also consider buying some of your gifts second hand to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your overall costs. I’ve found some great gifts on Facebook Marketplace, ranging from gently used, high-end kitchen appliances to hard-to-find collectibles. You can even go further and search for your local Buy Nothing group. You might be amazed at how much people are willing to give for free just to declutter their homes.

Getting a Head Start on the Holiday Shopping Season

Scrambling to find last-minute gifts can force you to make less-than-good purchasing decisions. By shopping throughout the year, I’m more likely to find the items I want on sale.

It also helps because it gives me a full year to plan and invest in Christmas gifts, rather than trying to squeeze my budget into a few paychecks at the end of the year. Plus, you save yourself stress by stocking up on gifts before the holiday rush.

If you don’t want to rush your holiday shopping next year, consider create a sinking fund to give you more time to reach your gift goal.

Should you shop on Black Friday?

It depends. If you take the time to do your homework and don’t let your emotions get the best of you, you can score great deals. Stay tuned CNET’s Black Friday coverage for the latest deals and shopping tips.

If you’re like me and find Black Friday both overwhelming and dangerously tempting, you might be better off ignoring it. The important thing is to know the pitfalls to avoid and stay aware of how much you can afford to spend.

“There are some great Black Friday deals to take advantage of,” Braun said, “but people really need to think hard about whether they intend to spend money on certain items in the first place .”

Tayne agrees. “Remember, a good deal is only good if you’re buying something you actually need and is within your budget. If you’re swayed by the hype and pressure of limited-time deals, you might end up starting the new year with debt.”

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