Today is Cyber Monday, an e-commerce term referring to the Monday following the U.S. Thanksgiving, where online retailers usually offer special promotions, discounts and sales.
If you’re planning to shop online today, here are some shopping tips to remember:
1. Set a Firm Budget
The first rule of Cyber Monday shopping is simple: Stick to your budget.
Figuring out how that budget should look depends on who and what you’re shopping for, as well as your broader financial picture. Whatever you decide you can spend, keep your actual holiday shopping budget on the conservative side, because try as you might — there’s a good chance you’ll overshoot your projected spending. That can create big waves if you don’t have much room to spare in your spending.
Related: How to Create a Monthly Budget
2. Use a Price Comparison Tool
Don’t pull the trigger on a Cyber Monday purchase until you’re reasonably sure you’re getting a good deal.
You can use a price comparison app or toolbar (if you’re shopping on a desktop) to see which retailers are offering the lowest prices. One of the best-regarded is PriceGrabber, but there are plenty of others like Shopping.com, Pronto and so on.
3. Resist Upsells and Add-Ons
Successful Cyber Monday shopping requires discipline, because no matter where you shop, it’s inevitable that you’ll be enamored by offers to add products or services to your order, or upsell to premium versions.
Unless you were planning to purchase add-on or upsold products, remember your budget and ignore the temptation of these offers.
4. Monitor Your Bank Accounts, Credit Cards and Credit Profile for Suspicious Activity
The holiday shopping season is the busiest time of the year for credit card fraudsters and identity thieves. Reduce the likelihood of victimization by avoiding sites with poor security and keep your eyes peeled for potential scams.
Happy shopping!
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