SHARK BITES – Summertime Fun: Hanging Out at the Beach and Pool
Whether it’s food, clothing, shoes, furniture or appliances— getting the most for your money is always a good way to help ease the impact to your wallet!
Throughout the year, we celebrate several holidays. Some of these holidays tend to bring remarkable sales. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, there are bound to be some great deals to catch from many companies.
Game Plan
It’s always best to have a game plan when trying to get deals from one or multiple stores over the holiday weekend. There is a lot to consider as follows:
- Prioritize— make sure you have all the sales ads, policies (read the small print), coupons (if applicable), time allotment for each store, and updated traffic/road closures information readily available
- Be aware of special store hours and early closings
- Get to the bank before it closes early for the holiday
- Stay on Budget— It’s easy to get pulled into amazing deals. However, if you have a set budget… you should try your best to stick to it. After all, are you saving by spending more than you set aside for your shopping trip(s)? If you think you are easily tempted… have an ‘extra’ small amount of money set aside that’s included in your budget. This way, if you don’t get lured into buying something unplanned, you actually are ahead of the game, so to speak
- Know your stores layout— Be aware of the stores layout. Aisles and endcaps tend to get utilized more when there are sales. Be on the lookout for some of your deals piled there
- Stockpiles— If you are planning on making large purchases, call ahead to your store and talk to someone in customer service that about the items you are seeking to see if they are readily available, and if so, where they may be located in the store. You might also be able to have customer service hold some items for you. However, sales and quantities vary, so arriving early may just be the answer. *Great items to stock up on: charcoal, meats, sodas, fruits, condiments, napkins, plates, and flatware
- Texts— make sure any discount codes needed via texts are saved to your phone/messages for easy access
Making Shopping Fun with Your Kids
Involve your child(ren) in your shopping agenda. Make small children responsible for helping mommy/daddy in the store, by holding a special coupon or item, that you will let them pay for at the register. This way they will feel like a big kid! If you have toddlers or babies— you know the drill— just make sure you have plenty of treats, bottles, and diapers. Oh— and don’t forget the wipes! 😉
Shopping at the Mall
It is bad enough that we have to deal with traffic, let alone find a great parking space, when going to the mall. It’s worth the headache when you know you are bound to find fantastic sale items at your favorite clothing shop. I love that stores like Macy’s and JC Penney have terrific sales and clearances on items that go right along with coupons that they offer for additional savings. Malls carry many stores with ongoing deals that last throughout the holiday weekend. Be sure to keep your eye out on your Sunday paper for additional sales and coupons.
Appliances and Electronics
This is a great time to catch a sale on appliances. For instance, Best Buy, HHGregg, Lowes, and Home Depot have amazing discounts, deals, and low prices for their Fourth of July sales. They cover just about everything one could want/use regarding household appliances and electronics— especially grills!
Furniture and Mattresses
Regardless of the furniture or mattresses you are seeking comes from a large chain or department store— it is definitely a great investment— especially when an even greater deal is attached to it! I seem to see flags and banners waving in the breeze, ultimately gaining attention of people walking and driving by. I have to admit, complete mattress sets on sale for extremely discounted prices are from quality brands is a great deal to partake in. I highly recommend purchasing a set, if it is in your budget to take advantage of the great prices!
Shopping Online Sales
Shopping online is fun and convenient. The only better way to do it is in your pajamas, while drinking a great cup of coffee! 😉 Shopping online beats being out in all the shopping madness and heat. However, there are some downsides to online shopping. You may not be able to utilize coupons that are specifically for in-store shopping only. Also, you may not find items in stock, but unavailable for in-store pick-up. You are left to make the decision of just how you want to approach the holiday sales. Weigh the pros and cons and shop to your hearts content!
Sharky wants to know:
- What are you looking forward to the most this Fourth of July?
- What are your plans for the upcoming holiday weekend?
- Will you be cooking out or traveling?
- What type of sales/deals are you most interested in finding July 4th?
HAVE A FUN, SAFE, AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FREEBIESHARK FAMILY!
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
