The holiday season is almost here, and with it, the chaotic rush of Black Friday shopping! Whether you’re hunting for gifts or treating yourself to a few post-Thanksgiving deals, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on the best offers. WalletHub’s recent holiday reports are here to help you navigate the madness with ease and score the best bargains without breaking the bank. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Black Friday shopping tips for 2024:
🛍️ Top 3 Places to Shop on Black Friday 2024
Ready for some serious savings? JCPenney, Belk, and Macy’s are the top three retailers to check out this Black Friday. These stores are offering massive discounts with an average savings of 57% off regular prices. So if you’re looking to score big on your holiday shopping, these are the spots to hit!
💸 Be Aware: Not All Deals Are Created Equal!
While many retailers boast huge discounts, did you know that 18% of items at major stores will actually be more expensive on Black Friday than their current prices on Amazon? It’s true! So before you dive headfirst into those bargain bins, make sure you’re comparing prices—because sometimes the best deal isn’t where you expect it.
💍 Jewelry Deals That Sparkle!
If you’ve been eyeing a piece of jewelry, 2024’s Black Friday might be the perfect time to grab it. Jewelry is expected to deliver the most value relative to current prices, making it one of the most rewarding categories for holiday shoppers this year. So go ahead, treat yourself or someone special to a stunning gift this season!
📱💻 Tech Deals: Not Always a Steal
On the flip side, computers and phones are expected to have the least rewarding deals this Black Friday. If you’re hoping for a big tech upgrade, be sure to do your research and compare discounts carefully. Sometimes, waiting for post-holiday deals can actually save you more.
🎅 Inflation and Santa’s Budget: What You Need to Know
With inflation still affecting wallets nationwide, a whopping 68% of people say that Santa might be a little more frugal this year. It’s no surprise that shoppers are rethinking their gift-giving strategies, but don’t worry—there are still ways to stretch your holiday budget!
💳 Best Gift Cards to Give & Receive in 2024
Gift cards are always a safe bet, and in 2024, Amazon, Target, and Sephora top the list as the best gift cards. Whether you’re giving or receiving, these gift cards promise to keep on giving with plenty of options for everyone on your list.
💳 Save $200+ with the Best Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping
Looking to maximize your savings? You can save over $200 this holiday season with some of the best credit cards for holiday shopping. These cards offer incredible cash-back rewards and discounts that can help you rack up savings while you’re knocking out your gift list.
💳 Unlock Hidden Credit Card Benefits
Did you know that many credit cards come with hidden benefits that can be a game changer during the holidays? Some offer price-drop protection, while others include coverage for stolen or damaged items—both of which could save you big money if something goes wrong with your purchase. Be sure to check your card’s perks before you head out shopping!
🏦 Store Credit Cards: Big Discounts & No Annual Fees!
Speaking of credit cards, 100% of store credit cards do not charge an annual fee, and many offer huge discounts for new cardholders. On average, you can save 21.19% right off the bat when signing up for a new store card. That’s some serious holiday cheer for your wallet!
⚠️ Avoid Dangerous 0% Financing Deals
While 0% financing might seem like a dream, 38% of retailers offering these deals use a sneaky feature called deferred interest. If you’re not careful, it can end up costing you up to 27.5 times more than you expected! Always read the fine print before committing to any financing offer this Black Friday.
🎉 Happy Shopping & Smart Savings!
This Black Friday, arm yourself with the knowledge from WalletHub’s studies and reports to make the most of the holiday deals. With a little preparation and smart shopping, you can save big on gifts, gadgets, and everything in between—while avoiding those pesky hidden costs that can ruin a good bargain. Happy holidays, and may your shopping be merry and bright (and budget-friendly)!
