Sometimes BlackFriday can be a little stressful. Trying to find the best deals and planning out your shopping strategy is sometimes easier than it looks. With Black Friday just three days away, Local Financial Advice is here to help you get the most out of the deals.
For all you North Carolina Black Friday shoppers, here are five smart shopping tips. Our goal is to help you have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience during the holiday season.
1. Stick To Your Budget
Shopping for sales can be dangerous. Deals can tempt you into spending more than you can afford or on items you don’t need. Set a budget and a shopping list before you go on a shopping spree to avoid temptation. This will help you a ton on Black Friday!
2. Compare Prices
You can save time, energy, and money by shopping online. You can easily compare prices from different retailers with Google Shopping. You may be able to get a mainstream retailer to match the price of a bargain you find from a retailer you’ve never heard of before. This can work in your favor!
3. Shop Incognito
Online retailers often offer dynamic pricing based on your browsing history. If you are an ‘old’ customer, the prices will increase accordingly. By shopping incognito or clearing your cookies you show the retailer that you are a ‘new customer’, which may lead to discounts and rewards.
4. Earn Cashback When You Spend
To maximize your savings whilst shopping, use cashback and voucher sites that will help you earn back some pennies from the high street and online purchases. I always use a credit card when I do my holiday shopping in North Carolina! This allows me to get some serious cash back in the New Year!
5. Pay Safely
It is important to protect yourself when making payments. You may lose some money if you buy from a fake seller, but you can lose even more if your information is stolen. Shop online with extreme caution and never communicate with anyone outside the site from which you are purchasing.
Here are 8 Ways to Spend Your Winter Days in Charlotte
1. Take a Brewery Tour
ShareWe have a lot of beer here in Charlotte. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City and there’s nothing like wearing your favorite sweater and enjoying a cold brew. If you need something to do on a cold winter day, try doing a brewery tour. In addition to charming fire pits and fun taprooms, you can also enjoy the winter season by discovering new beers.
2. Go See A Panthers Game
ShareAttending a Carolina Panthers game is a Charlotte must. With football back (Yay) who wouldn't love wrapping up in your warm team gear and cheering on our boys? Okay...you might get a little chilly out there in the stands, but the Carolina Panthers are right here in the QC and a game is a perfect way to spend the day. Wear some gloves and go, team!
3. Go Ice Skating
ShareWhy not spend the morning or afternoon exercising and enjoying some ice skating? Charlotte has multiple places you can ice skate. The USWWC has an outdoor rink that opens November 11th and there is also an outdoor ice rink in Rock Hill. In addition, there is a great indoor rink in Pineville with open skate times and an indoor bar for breaks.
4. Go to a Charlotte Hornets Game
ShareEnter the swarm and take yourself to see at least one Hornet’s game this year. In the winter, you can enjoy a seat in the hive while watching some talented basketballers shoot some hoops and enjoying classic stadium concessions all in the comfort of the stands. It's warm and cozy and so much fun! A Hornets game is a memorable and exciting experience for all ages, regardless of whether basketball is your thing.
5. Go to the Movies
ShareI love the movies. Now that they are back open, you can keep warm and be entertained by heading to one of our many Charlotte movie theaters.
6. Go to the Spa
ShareNeed to relax? How about a day all about YOU? The spa is just the place. Charlotte has a bunch of spas and it's a great way to enjoy a winter day. A visit to the spa in winter is truly a leisure everyone should experience.
7. Take A Carriage Ride
ShareYou will find this unique winter attraction pure bliss if you love horses and Charlotte as much as we do. Located at the intersection of Trade and Tryon, Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours offers a delightful way to see uptown Charlotte. You will receive a blanket during this historical and magical journey, and you are welcome to pet the horses before and after. You can see more on scheduling a carriage ride at their website.
8. Go Golfing Indoors
ShareThere are two Charlotte locations for Top Golf. During winter, Topgolf's heated, climate-controlled bays are the perfect place to warm up. I've done this before and I loved it! There are drinks, golf, and snacks to enjoy.