Tips for Cyber Monday

Getting geared up for Cyber Monday? Here's my top 10 tips to help you sort through the hype.

1. Know your prices.

Check prices at the store as you do your regular shopping at. This way you'll know if it's really a good deal or just some Cyber hype.

2. Consider sales tax vs. shipping costs.

Sales tax in Utah varies by location it's an average of 6-7%. You have a better chance at holiday time getting FREE shipping and avoiding some if not all sales tax. Remember, as you drive around from store to store you're using gas $$'s as well.

3. Sign-up for Ebates

This is a valuable secret tool. Both offer cash back bonus for 1,000's of retailers. Before you hit “purchase” make sure to check and see if there is a cash back offer. You'll be surprised at how much the savings add up. You can read more about Ebates “Tips & Tricks” page.

4. Check for coupon codes.

I use retailmenot.com and promotionalcodes.com. It's where many of the codes you see on our website come from.

Click here to read more—>>>

5. Check the retailer websites now.

Sign up for email alerts for the stores you like to shop at. Here's a few of my favorites. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohls. And, don't forget to sign up for there frequent buyer rewards programs.  You'll get plenty of email's with special savings. Unsubscribing is easy once the holiday's are over.

6. Know the return policy.

Many online local stores like Kohl's, Target and Walmart allow you to return you purchase if the item is defective or doesn't fit. Amazon has one of the easiest return policy's I've seen. Make sure that return shipping is offered. If the place you're buy from doesn't offer FREE return shipping be careful, it doesn't do any good to get a great price on a $10.00 item if later on you decided to return it and it costs you $7.00 in postage.

7. Decide when shopping fits your budget.

While some retailers are amping up now, and have already started online deals.  Amazon.com has announced they are scouring sales ad's then beating them online. Walmart is offering free online shipping on many products. Plus, in store pick-up at at Walmart is always FREE. If your budget doesn't allow don't panic, stick to your list there will be plenty of huge last minute in store discounts. Keep in mind though that if you have a specific item you want you may not find it on the shelf later.

8- Use just one credit or debit card.

Keep a record of what you have purchased and where. Plus, who it's for. Use a holiday shopping list to make sure you stay on task.  Check off gifts from you holiday list and write down how much you spent on that person.

9. Take advantage of holiday savings by purchasing family necessities.

Every thing for clothes to toothpaste and even toilet paper will be offered at tremendous savings. If you have the money to spare it's a good time to stock-up!

10. Don't forget the Charities.

Big savings like these are the perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand if you have the financial resources. From toys to clothing and even donations for the Utah Food bank. Giving is what the season is all about.