Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps like Afterpay allow consumers to get the products they need without having to pay in full for them. Since the cost of living is pretty high nowadays, it’s not surprising that these apps have become so popular. Buy now, pay later is a form of short-form financing that enables… Continue…

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If you’re looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, buying in bulk can be your secret weapon. Amazon offers a wide variety of items that come with bulk discount options, making it easier than ever to save money on essentials. From household staples to pantry must-haves, purchasing these products in larger quantities helps you get more bang for your buck. Here are eight Amazon products you should always consider buying in bulk to maximize your savings.

Household Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are items you’ll always need, so why not take advantage of bulk discounts? Amazon often has great deals on items like paper towels, toilet paper, and multipurpose cleaners. Buying these in bulk not only reduces the per-unit cost but also means fewer trips to the store. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about running out when you need them the most.

Pet Food and Treats

If you have a furry friend at home, you know how quickly pet food and treats can add up. Purchasing these products in bulk on Amazon can help you score significant savings. Brands often offer discounts when you buy larger quantities, and the convenience of having them delivered to your door is a bonus. Your pets will be happy, and so will your wallet.

Pantry Staples

Pantry staples like pasta, rice, and canned goods are perfect for bulk buying on Amazon. These non-perishable items have a long shelf life, making them ideal for stocking up. Buying in larger quantities helps you take advantage of bulk discounts while ensuring your pantry is always full. Plus, it’s a great way to save time and avoid the hassle of frequent grocery store runs.

Baby Essentials

Parents know that baby products like diapers, wipes, and formula can quickly become a major expense. Amazon’s bulk discount options on these items can be a lifesaver for families. You can stock up on essentials without breaking the bank, and the convenience of home delivery makes it even easier. With these savings, you’ll have a little extra room in your budget for other baby needs.

Office Supplies

Office supplies like printer paper, pens, and sticky notes are used constantly, whether you’re working from home or at the office. Buying these items in bulk on Amazon ensures you always have what you need on hand. It also helps you save money by taking advantage of lower prices for larger quantities. The next time you’re running low, consider buying a bulk pack instead of single items.

Coffee and Tea

For those who can’t start the day without their morning cup, buying coffee and tea in bulk is a smart choice. Amazon offers bulk discounts on popular brands, letting you save money on your favorite beverages. Whether you prefer whole beans, ground coffee, or tea bags, you’ll enjoy a better price per unit when you buy in larger quantities. It’s a great way to keep your kitchen stocked and your caffeine cravings satisfied.

Snacks and Beverages

Snacks and drinks are easy to buy in bulk, especially when you’re shopping for a family. Amazon often offers great deals on bulk packs of chips, granola bars, and bottled water. Stocking up on these items can save you time and money, making it easy to grab a quick bite when you’re on the go. Bulk buying means fewer trips to the store and more savings in your pocket.

Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are another category where buying in bulk can lead to big savings. Amazon frequently offers bulk discount options on popular brands, making it easier to stick to your wellness routine without overspending. By purchasing larger bottles or multi-packs, you reduce the overall cost per pill or serving. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out and needing a last-minute trip to the store.

Start Saving with Bulk Buying

Buying in bulk on Amazon isn’t just about convenience; it’s a smart way to save money on the products you use every day. By planning ahead and taking advantage of bulk discount options, you can keep your home stocked and your budget intact. Make a list of your essentials and see how much you can save on your next Amazon haul.

The post 8 Amazon Products You Should Always Buy in Bulk for Big Savings appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.

Living on your own for the first time is an exciting, freeing experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re adjusting to cooking for one, managing household chores, or setting up your space, having the right essentials can make everything smoother. Here are eight Amazon finds to make living on your […]

The post Buy These 8 Items to Make Living On Your Own A Little Easier appeared first on Personal Finance Advice.

Selling on Amazon using FBA is a great way to make money from retail arbitrage. Selling on Amazon lets you reach lots of potential customers and is a great way to start a small business. In this post we are going to explore how to start an Amazon FBA business on a tight budget. Understanding […]

The post How to Start an Amazon FBA Business on a Tight Budget appeared first on Make Money Without A Job.

What do you do when you have unexpected expenses? As you’ll see in our budget below, we try to plan ahead by adding to sinking funds for specific purposes. By adding money to each of these categories every month, we build up sums of money that will come in handy when those expenses come up.

Car maintenance is one of those sinking funds that we add to nearly every month. Most months we don’t need to use any of those saved funds, but when we do need it, having that money keeps future car repairs from becoming financial emergencies. Having sinking funds prevents us from needing to use our emergency fund.

Sometimes, the unexpected expenses are more than what we can cover with our normal budget or our sinking funds. For example, remember back in 2022 when our water bill was suddenly $1,500? We sure didn’t see that coming!

We went to our three-part plan for dealing with unexpected expenses.

1. Change how our money is allocated in the month’s budget
2. Split the cost with next month’s budget
3. Use our emergency fund (then pay it back ASAP)

Thankfully, we were able to handle the sky high water bill with parts one and two of our plan.

I love having an emergency fund, but I also love not having to use it.

In October, we had another chance to use parts one and two of our method to deal with unexpected car maintenance expenses, which I’ll discuss in this update.

Having a plan to handle unexpected expenses makes your budget robust so those unfortunate surprises are less likely to derail your financial progress.

Okay, let’s get to our October’s spending, saving, and earning for our family of eight.

Spending in October

When we first understood the concept of living on last month’s income, it rocked our financial world in the best kind of way. If you have no idea what that means, here’s a video walk-through. Or you can read up on how you can get started.

At the beginning of each month, we start budgeting by first adding up the income we earned the month before. In October, we budget and spend what we earned in September. We knew on October 1st exactly how much money we had to work with during the month.  So on October 1st, we start the October budget by taking everything we earned in September and assigning it to our October budget categories.

We can’t see the future, so on the first of October, these dollar assignments were really just best guesses and goals. We’ve been doing this for years and can make some pretty good guesses, but every month is different. Our dollar assignments at the beginning of the month almost never stay exactly the same because our needs and priorities usually change during a month. And a budget that changes during the month is good!

It’s normal for our spending plan to change as we move through the month. The important thing isn’t spending exactly how much we guessed we might spend in each budget area at the beginning of the month. It would be silly to let our October 1st guesses dictate what we can and can’t do all during the month. The important thing is to not spend more total in October than we earned in September.

If we need to spend more in one budget category than we had originally assigned, that money has to come from some other budget category. We revise the budget categories to meet our priorities during the month, but we can’t just add more money to all of them, because the total amount stays the same all month long. A changed budget is not a failed budget. A budget needs to be flexible in order to be successful!

Here’s our family’s final October spending for all of our budget categories.

Giving

Tithing – $1,144 We start out the month paying a 10% tithe on our income. Like all of our October spending, our tithing is calculated on what we earned in September, which you can see in this  Budget Update. We often get questions about this. You can read our thoughts on tithing here.

Fast Offering – $100 Each month we take one day to go without food and drink (fasting) and contribute to a program that helps people who need it.

Monthly Bills

Mortgage – $3,000  Our escrow account was reassessed and our total mortgage payment went down (from $2,823 to $2,525), but we decided instead to round up about $475 to make our payment an even $3,000. This move shaves two years off of our mortgage and saves us over $4,000 in interest. If you’re new here, we have a 15-year mortgage on our 2200 sq ft house in Northern California. We’re so thankful to have locked in our mortgage interest rate at 2.375% when we refinanced in December of 2020 (all of the details and numbers are here.) We currently have $161,319 remaining on our mortgage.

Electricity – $6 Last year we installed solar panels on our property, a $70,000 investment that we finished paying for recently.  Our electric bill is just the $6 unavoidable fee.

Car Insurance – $376 We have three vehicles with two adult drivers and one teen driver.

Internet – $105 We have cable internet through Comcast. When we bought our home seven years ago, we invested $5,000 to have Comcast extend cable internet to our property. It has been worth it every single day since then, even though the cost for internet service went up recently.

Water – $150 Our water bill comes every other month. We set aside $150, which is about half of what we expect the next bill to be.

Garbage- $53 Like the water bill, our trash pick-up bill comes every other month, so each month I set aside the money for half of the bill. The cost on this service recently increased, too.

Cell Phones – $175 We pay for eight cell phones: five for our family, and three for the Ukrainian family that we sponsor. Mike is trying out the annual plan, so we now only pay 7 phone bills per month). Our phones are all through Visible. Visible is a Verizon subsidiary that offers no-contract plans with wifi calling, unlimited cell calls, and unlimited data on the Verizon network. We’ve been using them for years. You can’t beat paying just $25 per phone each month with unlimited data.

Everyday Expenses

Food – $763 At the beginning of the month we took a road trip which included getting pizza, but other than that, all of our meals were made at home.  If you need help getting your grocery spending under control, you can learn all about my strategies and method in my Grocery Budget Hero online course.

Fuel – $809 Our fuel spending wasn’t as low as last month because we took a road trip in October. We had some drama with our big van, so we had to drive two cars to Utah.

Household Misc – $493  We had our normal subscriptions like Google Suite ($6), cloud storage ($100), crash plan ($30), Adobe ($20),  Scribd/Everand ($12), and Dropbox ($199 annual). We also bought normal household/toiletry items and various things on Amazon, including

Clothing – $31 – We got a few clothing items for Halloween costumes.

Animals – $53 We got dog and cat food.

Allowances – $130 We give our kids “practice money” as a weekly allowance.  You can read all about why we decided to pay our kids allowance that’s not directly tied to chores, as well as all the details of when and how much in this blog post.

Sinking Funds

For our regular budget categories above, we take out any funds that are still left at the end of the month and send them toward our big financial goal. For example, if we started the month with $600 in our food budget category, but only used $520 of that, the other $80 would go toward our current major financial goal. Focusing all these extra funds from each category into one goal helped us pay off our law school debt much earlier than we thought possible.

In contrast to the regular budget categories above that we zero out each month, we also put money into the categories below. These are our sinking funds. Our sinking funds are categories where we set aside money for periodic expenses each month and let it roll over and build up until we need it.

The amount in bold is the amount we added to the fund this month, followed by spending notes and the current balance of each fund.

To answer a question we often get, we do not have separate bank accounts for these funds. We had separate accounts many years ago when we first started budgeting but we learned that was overkill. Instead, all of the money sits in our checking account. Since we spend according to our budget category balances, not our checking account balance, we’re not worried about getting the money mixed up. We seriously never even look at our checking account balance unless we’re reconciling the account. We track our budget categories and spending in YNAB, a budgeting tool we absolutely adore. Yes, you can adore a budgeting tool. Don’t believe me? Try it out. If you have been using Mint or something similar to manage your finances, you’ll want to read about our switch to budgeting with YNAB.

Medical/Dental – $0 added. We spent $86 on medical and dental in October.  Current category balance is $1,653. 

Car Maintenance – $448 added.  In October we had huge spending on car maintenance. You can read all about the drama with our big van in the most recent Feats, Flops, and Funnies post. In order to manage the $4,054 we spent on car repair this month we had to push one of the charges )$2,553 off to November. I just changed the date of the expense to November 1st. This only works because we are a month ahead. To be clear, we did pay the full repair bill and also paid the credit card bill. We just didn’t have enough funds in our October budget to cover the expenses even though our accounts had plenty of money because we are a month ahead. We could have used our emergency fund, but we knew with just an extra month, we could plan for this unexpected expense. You can read more about how we handle unexpected expenses here.  Current category balance is $53.

Christmas – $200 added. In October, I spent $80 on Christmas 2024. I bought matching Christmas pajamas for the eight of us from The Children’s Place. Current category balance is $1,662.

Disability Insurance- $190 added We set aside money each month for disability insurance so that when the annual premium is due we have the money ready. If Mike is unable to do his work as an attorney due to illness or injury, this disability insurance will replace about 60% of his current income. Since our income potential is our greatest financial asset right now, we want to have disability insurance to help us protect it. Current category balance is $1,420.

Life Insurance – $100 added. Our life insurance premiums are due each November, so we set aside a portion of the estimated total each month which will go toward next year’s premium. Current category balance is $1,173.

Birthdays & Gifts – $50 added. We October we spent $0. We had a birthday, but already had gifts and had friends over to play instead of a normal party.  Current category balance is $144. 

Car Registration & Smog – $50 added. We spent $0 in October. Current category balance is $452.

Family Fun Fund – $350 added. We took a road trip to Utah and stayed in a motel one night on the way there. We also bought tickets to see a cousin in a theater performance next month.  Current category balance is $0.

Home and Garden – $1,330 added. We spent $1,479 on a new chain saw and new lighting for our bedroom.  Current category balance is $17.

Big Trips – $422 added This sinking fund is to save up for a trip we are taking in 2025. We added $363 of our own money. We added $59 from credit card points and Rakuten. I wrote in detail about how we’re saving for this trip creatively. Current category balance is $5,166.

Investing

Kids’ 529s – $150 added. Investing just $25 per child per month for college isn’t much, but we are okay with that. Neither of us had much college savings when we went to college, but with scholarships, grants, loans, and jobs during school we were able to get our undergraduate degrees without debt. We may contribute more later, but right now we’re happy with small, consistent contributions.  I looked at the balances recently and was pleased to see that this small contribution that is barely noticeable in our monthly budget has added up to over $15,000! If you want to know more you can read about how we decided to start 529s for our kids.

IRA (Steph) – $583 added. With this same amount each month, I will reach my $7,000 IRA contribution for 2024.  Mike has about $1,300 each month deducted directly from his paycheck into the state pension fund for his retirement.

Income Earned in October- $13,463

The categories above show everything we spent and saved in October, which was all the money we had earned in September. At the same time we were also (of course) earning money during October. At the beginning of November, we set up our budget to allocate spending from our October income.

This concept of getting a month ahead, has made such a huge impact on our finances! It takes some work to get to the point where you are living on last month’s income, but the effort is completely worth it!

The income section below shows the money we earned in October, which we will use during November.

Attorney Income – $9,088 Mike works as an attorney for the state of California. This is his take-home pay after taxes, social security, his pension contribution, and health insurance premiums.

Rental Income – $0 For years we rented out a one-bedroom apartment on our property through Airbnb. We gave that up to take in a Ukrainian refugee family for a couple of years. We loved Airbnb and will likely go back to that in the future. If you’re thinking about renting out your space on Airbnb, check out this post where I talk about how much you can make on Airbnb.

Law Firm- $1,600  Before working for the state, Mike did estate planning and business transactional work. Over the last few years he has had a steady stream of potential clients, most of whom he refers to other attorneys, but he still occasionally helps former clients. He doesn’t cut himself a paycheck each month, just a couple of times a year.

Blog – $1,954  I only pay myself a couple times a year now. My blogging income took a major hit when I put the blog on the back burner during Covid to start homeschooling my kids. It is slowly recovering as I put more effort into posting regularly and all of the things I do behind the scenes. Thankfully the income still covers my fixed blogging expenses (which are a lot more than most people would guess) and allows me to pay myself a few times a year.

Child Care – $821 For the past year I have been taking care of the 2-year-old of the Ukrainian family that we sponsor. The state pays for childcare while the mom is at work. It’s much less expensive and more convenient to have her stay with me than to bring her to a standalone child care facility.

Come back next month to see how we used this income to spend and save in November’s budget.

How’s Your Budget Working for YOU!?

That was a lot of words and numbers! Congratulations for making it all the way through our October 2024 family budget update!

Now we would love to hear from you!

Any questions on what or why we spend what we do?

What are your current financial goals?

Do you find that your budget is helping you reach your goals, or is it not working like you wish it was?

Let’s chat in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links for products or services that we love and recommend.

The post October 2024 Family Budget Update appeared first on Six Figures Under.

If you’ve ever watched extreme couponers fill their carts without breaking the bank, you’ve probably wondered how they do it. The secret isn’t just in collecting coupons; it’s also about having smart shopping list ideas that maximize savings. By knowing what to buy and when, you can make the most of every coupon and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are ten savvy shopping list ideas to help you save big on your next haul.

Stock Up on Non-Perishable Essentials

When it comes to extreme couponing, non-perishable items are your best friend. Products like pasta, canned goods, and rice have long shelf lives and are often included in coupon promotions. Keep an eye out for deals and stock up when you can combine coupons with a store sale. Having these pantry staples on hand not only saves you money but also cuts down on last-minute trips to the grocery store.

Hunt for Household Cleaning Products

Household cleaning products can eat up a big chunk of your budget if you’re not careful. Brands frequently offer coupons for items like dish soap, laundry detergent, and disinfecting wipes. Add these to your shopping list ideas when planning your extreme couponing haul. By stacking store promotions with manufacturer coupons, you can often score these products for next to nothing.

Don’t Forget Personal Care Items

Personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are often the stars of extreme couponing. These products frequently have high-value coupons that can be paired with store sales for huge savings. Make sure to add these essentials to your list, especially when you see a “buy one, get one free” deal. With the right coupons, you might even get them for free or just pay the sales tax.

Look for Snacks and Breakfast Foods

Snacks and breakfast foods are another category where couponing can really shine. Cereals, granola bars, and chips often come with generous discounts, making them perfect shopping list ideas for couponers. Watch for store specials that coincide with national promotions for even deeper discounts. It’s a great way to keep the pantry stocked without overspending, especially if you have kids.

Include Frozen Foods on Your List

Frozen foods can be a lifesaver for busy families, and they’re often included in coupon promotions. Items like frozen vegetables, pizza, and ready-made meals are great to add to your list when they’re on sale. Check your coupon apps and flyers for matching offers to maximize your savings. Stocking up on these items can help you prepare quick meals without breaking your budget.

Be on the Lookout for Baby Supplies

If you have a baby at home, you know how quickly diapers and formula can drain your wallet. Adding these items to your couponing shopping list ideas can lead to massive savings. Look for store rewards programs and manufacturer coupons that give you the best deals. By planning ahead, you can stockpile these essentials and save big over time.

Add Pet Supplies to Your List

Pet supplies like dog food, cat litter, and treats can also be costly, but they often come with valuable coupons. Keep an eye out for offers on your favorite brands and include these items on your extreme couponing list. Stores frequently run promotions on pet products that can be combined with coupons. Saving on these essentials means more room in your budget for other needs.

Remember to Check for Seasonal Items

Seasonal items like holiday decorations, sunscreen, and back-to-school supplies often go on sale with big discounts. This is where you can get creative with your shopping list ideas and stack up on these deals. By using coupons on already reduced seasonal products, you can score incredible savings. It’s a smart way to get ready for the next season without paying full price.

Buy in Bulk When Possible

Buying in bulk can be intimidating, but it’s a key strategy for extreme couponers looking to save. Items like toilet paper, paper towels, and canned goods are great to buy in larger quantities when you have the right coupons. Bulk purchases reduce the per-unit cost, especially when combined with promotions. Just make sure you have the storage space at home to handle your haul.

Consider Including Organic Products

Many people assume that extreme couponing doesn’t work for organic products, but that’s not true. Brands are increasingly offering coupons for organic and natural items like snacks, cleaning products, and even produce. Add these to your shopping list ideas when planning your next couponing trip. You can save money while still sticking to your preferred lifestyle and dietary choices.

Make the Most of Your Next Haul

With these shopping list ideas, you can approach your next couponing trip with confidence and a plan. It’s all about finding the right deals, using your coupons wisely, and stocking up on essentials. Happy shopping and get ready to watch those savings add up!

The post 10 Extreme Couponing Shopping List Ideas to Save Big on Your Next Haul appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by Black Friday sales already? Learning how to budget for Black Friday shopping is your key to scoring amazing deals without breaking the bank. Each year, more shoppers are discovering that a solid budget plan is crucial for success.

Smart shoppers know that with the right tools and strategies, you can save hundreds while staying completely debt-free. Imagine walking away from Black Friday with everything on your list and zero financial regrets.

Ready to become a Black Friday budgeting pro? Let’s dive into the strategies that will help you make the most of your holiday shopping budget!

Key Takeaways

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• Create a detailed Black Friday shopping budget by listing essential purchases and setting spending limits for each category
• Use cash-back apps and tools like Rakuten to earn up to $30 bonus on your Black Friday purchases
• Track your holiday spending with budgeting apps like YNAB and Rocket Money to avoid overspending
• Plan your shopping strategy in advance by researching deals and comparing prices across retailers
• Take advantage of early sales and online shopping to get the best deals while staying within budget

Why You Need a Black Friday Shopping Budget

Black Friday can be overwhelming, with retailers competing for your attention and endless “deals” promising massive savings. Without a proper budget, it’s easy to overspend and start the holiday season in debt.

The combination of time-limited offers, doorbusters, and marketing tactics can lead to impulse purchases that derail your financial goals.

How to Create Your Black Friday Shopping Budget

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

Before diving into Black Friday shopping, take a close look at your finances:

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• Review your monthly income and expenses
• Check your savings and emergency fund
• Calculate how much disposable income you can allocate to Black Friday shopping
• Consider any upcoming bills or financial obligations

2. Make a Priority Shopping List

Create a detailed list of items you want to purchase:

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• Essential items you’ve been waiting to buy
• Holiday gifts for family and friends
• Replacement items for household necessities
• Nice-to-have items (if budget allows)

3. Research Prices and Set Category Limits

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• Look up regular prices for items on your list
• Research historical Black Friday prices
• Set maximum spending limits for each category
• Add a 10% buffer for unexpected deals

Understanding Black Friday Shopping Psychology

The Science Behind Sales and Spending

Black Friday creates a perfect storm of psychological triggers that can lead to overspending:

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• Scarcity mindset from limited-time deals
• Fear of missing out (FOMO) on exclusive offers
• Social proof when seeing others shop
• Dopamine rush from finding deals

How to Stay Focused and Avoid Impulse Buys

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• Create a “cooling off” period before large purchases
• Use price tracking tools to verify actual savings
• Set phone reminders of your budget limits
• Shop with an accountability partner

Tools to Help You Stay on Budget

Rakuten: Earn Cash Back While You Shop

One of the smartest ways to stretch your Black Friday budget is by using Rakuten. Here’s why:

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• Get a $30 bonus when you sign up and spend $30 within 90 days
• Earn cash back at over 3,500 stores
• Automatic savings with the browser extension
• Quarterly payouts via check or PayPal

Pro Tip: Install the Rakuten browser extension before Black Friday to automatically activate cash back at participating online retailers.

YNAB (You Need A Budget): Master Your Holiday Spending

YNAB‘s four-rule method is perfect for Black Friday budgeting:

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1. Give every dollar a job: Allocate specific amounts for each shopping category
2. Embrace your true expenses: Plan for both Black Friday and upcoming holiday expenses
3. Roll with the punches: Adjust your budget as deals become available
4. Age your money: Use last month’s income for Black Friday shopping

The average YNAB user saves $600 in their first two months – imagine what you could save during Black Friday!

Rocket Money: Track and Control Your Holiday Spending

Keep your Black Friday budget in check with Rocket Money:

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• Monitor all your spending in one place
• Track Black Friday purchases across multiple stores
• Identify and cancel unnecessary subscriptions
• Save up to $720 annually on subscription costs

Sequin: Smart Rewards for Self-Care Purchases

If your Black Friday shopping includes self-care items or beauty products:

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• Earn up to 6% cashback on beauty and wellness purchases
• No credit card debt – uses debit to help you stick to your budget
• High-yield checking account (up to 3.06% APY) for your shopping fund
• Access to financial education resources and community support

Making the Most of Your Budgeting Tools

Maximizing Rakuten for Black Friday

Before Shopping:

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• Install the browser extension
• Review special Black Friday bonus offers
• Compare cash back rates across stores
• Add items to wish lists at participating retailers

During Shopping:

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• Verify cash back activation before checkout
• Stack store coupons with cash back
• Screenshot cash back confirmations
• Track pending cash back amounts

Advanced Tips:

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• Use the mobile app for in-store cash back
• Check for increased rates on specific categories
• Combine with store loyalty programs
• Watch for limited-time bonus offers

YNAB Strategies for Holiday Shopping

Setting Up Your Budget:

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• Create specific Black Friday categories
• Set up “wish farm” categories for large purchases
• Track historical spending patterns
• Build in buffer categories for unexpected deals

Using YNAB’s Four Rules Effectively:

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• Rule 1: Allocate specific amounts for each store
• Rule 2: Break down large purchases into monthly amounts
• Rule 3: Adjust categories as deals become available
• Rule 4: Save throughout the year for Black Friday

Rocket Money’s Budget Tracking Features

Before Black Friday:

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• Review current subscriptions
• Cancel unnecessary services
• Set up spending alerts
• Create custom budget categories

During Shopping Season:

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• Track real-time spending across accounts
• Set up merchant-specific alerts
• Monitor for duplicate charges
• Track shipping and return deadlines

Sequin’s Smart Shopping Benefits

Maximizing Cash Back:

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• Plan beauty and wellness purchases
• Stack rewards with store promotions
• Time purchases for maximum returns
• Use high-yield checking for shopping funds

Creating a Month-by-Month Black Friday Preparation Plan

Three Months Before (September)

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• Start saving in a dedicated account
• Research historical prices
• Sign up for retailer newsletters
• Install shopping tools and extensions

Two Months Before (October)

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• Create an initial shopping list
• Set up budget categories
• Compare prices across retailers
• Join store loyalty programs

One Month Before (November)

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• Finalize shopping list
• Set spending limits
• Research early bird deals
• Create store-specific strategy

Advanced Black Friday Shopping Strategies

Deal Stacking Techniques

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• Combine store coupons with cash back
• Use discount gift cards
• Apply loyalty points
• Stack manufacturer and store rebates

Price Protection Strategies

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• Know store price match policies
• Save receipts and price screenshots
• Monitor post-purchase price drops
• Understand return policies

Technology Tips for Better Deals

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• Use multiple devices for checkout
• Set up auto-fill information
• Create wishlist alerts
• Use price-comparison extensions

Special Considerations for Different Types of Purchases

Electronics and Appliances

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• Research model numbers carefully
• Compare warranty options
• Consider extended protection plans
• Factor in installation costs

Clothing and Accessories

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• Check size charts carefully
• Understand return policies
• Factor in shipping costs
• Consider seasonal timing

Home Goods and Furniture

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• Measure spaces accurately
• Calculate delivery fees
• Check assembly requirements
• Verify stock availability

In-Store Shopping Strategies for Black Friday

Planning Your Store Visits

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• Research store opening times and special hours
• Map out store locations and optimal route
• Check store-specific policies and rules
• Plan parking strategies for busy locations

Managing Door-Buster Deals

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• Prioritize highest-value items
• Get store layout maps in advance
• Know item locations within stores
• Have backup plans for sold-out items

Safety and Comfort Tips

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• Dress comfortably for long lines
• Bring water and snacks
• Keep valuables secure
• Maintain social distancing when possible

Store Navigation Tactics

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• Start from the back of the store
• Use less crowded entrances
• Know alternative checkout locations
• Use store apps for inventory checking

Expanded Electronics and Tech Purchases Guide

Research and Preparation

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• Verify model numbers and specifications
• Compare features across different versions
• Check professional review sites
• Monitor pre-Black Friday price trends

Understanding Tech Deals

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• Identify previous-generation models
• Compare bundle values
• Research store-specific variants
• Check included accessories

Protection and Support

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• Compare warranty options across retailers
• Understand manufacturer coverage
• Research extended warranty value
• Check technical support availability

Installation and Setup

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• Calculate professional installation costs
• Research DIY installation requirements
• Consider mounting or furniture needs
• Plan for software setup time

Long-Term Considerations

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• Check upgrade possibilities
• Research repair options
• Consider future compatibility
• Calculate operating costs

Post-Black Friday Financial Recovery

Assessing Your Shopping Success

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• Calculate actual vs. planned spending
• Track pending cash back and rewards
• Document lessons learned
• Update budget categories

Planning for Future Sales

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• Create a year-round savings plan
• Set up dedicated shopping funds
• Build a shopping emergency fund
• Track annual sales cycles

Managing Returns and Exchanges

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• Know return deadlines
• Track shipping labels
• Monitor refund processing
• Update budget allocations

Building Long-Term Shopping Habits

Year-Round Savings Strategies

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• Use cash back tools consistently
• Monitor price trends
• Build an emergency shopping fund
• Track seasonal sales

Developing Smart Shopping Skills

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• Research before buying
• Compare prices regularly
• Read reviews carefully
• Understand store policies

Final Thoughts: How to Budget for Black Friday Shopping

Successfully budgeting for Black Friday shopping requires planning, discipline, and the right tools.

By using resources like Rakuten for cash back, YNAB for budgeting, Rocket Money for spending tracking, and Sequin for smart rewards, you can make the most of Black Friday deals while staying within your budget. Remember, the best deals are only worth it if they fit into your overall financial plan.

Start preparing your Black Friday budget today by signing up for these helpful tools:

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• Join Rakuten for your $30 welcome bonus
• Try YNAB’s 34-day free trial
• Download Rocket Money to track your spending
• Open a Sequin account for cash back on self-care purchases

Happy shopping, and remember – the best Black Friday deals are the ones that don’t break your budget!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and tools we trust and use ourselves. Thank you for supporting The Budgetnista!

The post How to Budget for Black Friday Shopping | Save More in 2024 appeared first on The Budgetnista.

 

The forecast is calling for heavy precipitation in the next few days, right in time for the new year. Most of us are still in vacation mode, and parents with children are probably wondering how they’ll entertain their children while school is still out. Unfortunately, the cold means there’s no garden to tend to, and unless you’ve installed cold frames and planned for a winter harvest, there’s nothing to pick from the ground. On fair days, when the weather has calmed and the sun is out, it’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like tobogganing, hiking, and skating. What happens when the snow falls fast and fills the streets and yards to the brim, though? Some stay holed up inside with a good book. Others play games or enjoy binge-watching Netflix. On days like those, there’s no opportunity to dig in the dirt. But whether you’re a parent wanting to entertain the kids or an adult looking for something different to do, there is one thing you can harvest after a winter storm. Snow!

My mother was, once upon a time, a preschool teacher. She still works with children and is a true kid-at-heart. I was recently reminded of an activity she used to do with her students and one that we would do at home. When the snow was fresh, we’d pop outside and find an undisturbed mound of the stuff and ‘harvest’ it for baking.

Yes. You heard that correctly. We’d bake a snow cake. The texture is dense, like a pound cake, and the taste was never really it’s shining attribute. But the fact that we were baking with snow was the real spectacle. I asked my mother to share her recipe with me so I could share it with you today on this New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun recipe to try with kids, and it sure beats feeling bummed about the lack of warm gardening-ready weather. 

Snow Cake

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of butter (margarine can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup of milk 
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of snow**

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Mix all ingredients until the batter is smooth
• Pour into a baking pan of your choice
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes 
• Remove from oven and let cool
• Add your favorite icing 

**Make sure to scoop up fresh, clean snow. 

Please feel free to share photos of your snow cake or stories of making this recipe with your kids I’d love to see and hear them. 

The post Frugal Family Activity: Snow Cake  appeared first on Frugal Gardening.

🎙️Episode #369 – Trying to decide between buying more rentals or paying down debt to reach financial freedom? I’ll share my own story of facing…

The post Should I Buy More Rentals or Pay Off Debt? (Here’s What I Did) appeared first on Coach Carson.

In recent months, Syfe made two announcements that piqued my interest as an investor who has been actively using their products and services for the past few years. In 2019, Syfe raised S$5.2 million, one of the largest seed rounds in Southeast Asia. This was followed by Series A Funding Round (US$18.6 million) in 2020 and Series […]

The post Syfe (Singapore) Is Profitable, Launches Early Employee Share Buyback appeared first on Turtle Investor.