1. Get a discount.
Use an online price tracker, such as Pricepinx or CamelCamelCamel. Paribus automatically refunds price drops on purchases made at nearly 30 major retailers. Honey automatically applies coupon codes.
2. Get in line on Thanksgiving for Black Friday deals.
Hot items go fast, so plan on having an early Thanksgiving dinner and shopping on Thursday evening. Review Black Friday ads to see what’s on sale—store circulars may feature extra coupons.
3. Or wait for Cyber Monday specials.
Load up your online shopping carts during Black Friday weekend. Popular products sell fast, so be ready to click “purchase” as soon as the deal goes live, and have coupon codes ready.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
4. Get free shipping.
December 15 is Free Shipping Day, but it’s not the only day you can avoid shipping charges. FreeShippingDay.com, RetailMeNot.com and BradsDeals.com list retailers that offer free shipping, often with no minimum purchase.
5. Let Alexa do the shopping for you.
Amazon Prime users can ask the Echo digital assistant to find deals. Last year’s savings ranged from $15 to $130 on a variety of products, from Samsung TVs to Lego box sets. (Google Assistant may tip you off to similar deals.) Worried about porch thieves? Ask Alexa if there’s an Amazon locker near you. No extra charge.
6. Get a last-minute deal.
Kohl’s and Target, among other retailers, offer doorbusters and extended hours until Christmas Eve. Check online for last-minute discounts and free or discounted rush shipping. Christmas is on a Monday, and many online retailers will guarantee delivery if you order by Thursday, December 21, and choose overnight delivery.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
