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    Black Friday ‘best’ deals – are they worth it?

    enNovember 24, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Leveraging LinkedIn for Hiring and Black Friday Shopping TipsLeverage LinkedIn for hiring top talent not actively looking for new jobs. Black Friday deals start earlier, focus on buying only wanted and needed items at genuine discounts.

      LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, particularly those who aren't actively looking for a new job. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites, businesses risk missing out on great candidates if they don't post jobs on LinkedIn. Additionally, Black Friday deals are spreading out over a longer period of time, starting earlier in the month. To make the most of Black Friday, it's important to only buy things you want and need, and ensure the prices are genuinely cheaper than usual. Remember, if you weren't going to buy it before, don't buy it just because it's discounted. Instead, focus on getting the best deals on items you were already planning to purchase.

    • Monitor prices before Black Friday for the best dealsResearch prices before Black Friday to determine the best time to buy, as prices may be cheaper leading up to or on the day itself. Cross-store discounts and abandoned cart tactics can also lead to additional savings.

      While Black Friday can offer significant discounts, it's important to do your research beforehand to ensure you're getting the best deal. According to a study by price comparison website PriceBuy, 22% of goods were cheaper leading up to Black Friday in 2021. However, 54% of items were cheapest on Black Friday itself. Therefore, monitoring prices and comparing them to pre-Black Friday and Christmas sale prices can help you determine the best time to buy. Cross-store discounts, such as those offered by Gap and Selfridges, can also provide added savings. Additionally, abandoning shopping baskets online and checking deal websites can lead to additional discounts. Remember, always do your research to ensure you're getting the best possible price.

    • Maximize savings with discounts and delivery offersUtilize price trackers and delivery tools to save on online shopping. Look for discounts and free delivery offers to optimize expenses.

      When it comes to online shopping, taking advantage of discounts and saving on delivery costs can significantly reduce your expenses. One example given is the French online retailer, La Redoute, which offers up to 50% off on various brands like Adidas, Levi's, and Tommy Hilfiger. Another strategy is to look for free delivery offers and find items that can help you reach the threshold without spending much extra. Websites like Amazon's Super Saver Delivery tool and price trackers such as Camel Camel Camel and Love Sales can be useful in optimizing your shopping experience. Camel Camel Camel is a price tracker that shows historic prices of items on Amazon, helping you determine if the current discount is truly a bargain or just a marketing ploy. Love Sales, on the other hand, monitors the prices of specific items across multiple retailers and sends you an email when the price drops to your desired level. By utilizing these strategies, you can save money on your online purchases and make the most of the discounts and offers available.

    • Save Money During Sales with TechUse price tracking apps for alerts, haggle online, make a list, and avoid impulse buying to save money during sales. Cancel unused gym memberships for cost savings.

      Technology can help consumers save money during sales events like Black Friday and the holiday season. Price tracking apps can alert you to price drops, and haggling via online chatbots is an option. However, it's essential to make a list of necessary items and avoid impulse buying. The most expensive thing people have bought and not used is a common regret. Gym memberships, specifically, were mentioned frequently as a waste of money, especially for those who never go. If you're not using your gym membership, consider canceling it and finding alternative, cost-effective ways to stay active. Remember, the goal is to save money and make wise purchasing decisions.

    • Review direct debits and standing orders for potential savingsRegularly reviewing direct debits and standing orders can help identify and cancel unnecessary expenses, potentially saving money. Explore financial products for low-income individuals, like Help to Save and pension credit, to build financial resilience and stability.

      Regularly reviewing your direct debits and standing orders in your online banking can help you identify and cancel unnecessary expenses, potentially saving you money. Another important topic discussed was the Help to Save account, which is available to individuals on certain benefits and offers a 50% bonus on savings after 2 years. This account can provide financial resilience for those on low incomes, but deciding what to do with the money after the Help to Save term ends can be a complex issue, especially when considering pension options. If you have no pension at all, you may be eligible for pension credit to top up your state pension. Overall, being mindful of your regular expenses and exploring financial products designed for low-income individuals can lead to significant savings and improved financial stability.

    • Online vs In-store ReturnsWhen buying online, you have 14 days to return items without reason, but 28 days to send them back. In-store, there's no legal right to return non-faulty items, only faulty goods can be exchanged.

      Your rights and options for returning purchases differ significantly between buying online and in-store. When purchasing online, you have a legal right to return items within 14 days of delivery without giving a reason, but you must notify the seller and send the item back within 28 days. However, there are some exceptions for perishable or personalized items. Conversely, when buying in-store, there is no legal right to return non-faulty items. Your only recourse is to return faulty goods, defined as items that are not of satisfactory quality, not as described, not fit for purpose, or do not last a reasonable length of time. So, be aware of these differences when shopping during sales events like Black Friday. If you're unsure about your pension situation and its impact on potential savings or pension credits, it's recommended to consult Money Helpers online for personalized advice. Lastly, always ensure your savings are in a top-paying easy access account for easy access to cash when needed.

    • Understanding Return Policies and Money MantrasCheck store policies before buying, consider if you need, can afford, and will use the item, and apply money mantras to guide spending habits.

      The length of time you have to return an item depends on the specific situation and the store's policy. For non-faulty items, if you change your mind and the item doesn't fit or meet your expectations, your legal right to return it depends on the store's published policy. If the item is faulty, you have a right to a refund with proof of purchase. However, some stores may suspend their returns policies during sales periods, so it's important to check before making a purchase. My money mantras, which I've used for over 20 years, can help guide your spending habits. For those who are "skint," ask yourself if you need the item, if you can afford it, and if it's available cheaper elsewhere. For those who are not "skint," consider if you will use the item and if it's worth the cost, even if it's available elsewhere. Remember, it's essential to understand the store's policy and your options before making a purchase.

    • Considering the value and utility of expensive items before buyingWeigh potential cost and benefit before buying, renting could save money and reduce waste, sell unused items instead of keeping them

      It's important to consider the value and utility of expensive items before making a purchase, especially if it's a one-time use item. Renting could be a better option for such situations as it saves money and reduces waste. If you've already made a purchase but never used it, consider selling it instead of keeping it unused. A few examples shared during the discussion included a baby monitor, a telescope, a drone, an ambulance, a log cabin, an engagement ring, and even a defibrillator. While some purchases, like insurance or a defibrillator, are necessary despite the hope that they won't be used, it's crucial to weigh the potential cost and benefit before making a decision.

    • Record-high energy prices limit switching to cheaper tariffsNew UK residents will be automatically assigned to price guarantee tariffs, limiting cost savings from switching suppliers, so it's best to estimate bills using friends' usage and online calculators.

      Due to record-high energy prices, most people in the UK, including those moving to new homes, will likely be unable to find cheaper energy tariffs than the government-subsidized energy price guarantee. This means that new residents, like the person in the discussion who is moving to a new property in the UK, will be automatically assigned to their property's existing energy supplier and tariff, which is the price guarantee tariff. Switching suppliers for better customer service may be an option, but it won't result in cost savings since there are no significantly cheaper tariffs available. The best way to estimate energy bills is by asking friends with similar lifestyles for their usage information and using an online direct debit calculator. From April 2023, the price guarantee rates will increase by 20%. Overall, it's important to understand that while the energy price guarantee provides some financial relief, it doesn't make energy bills cheap.

    • Appreciate moms with thoughtful gifts from 1-800-Flowers and QuinceSave up to 40% on mom's day gifts at 1-800-Flowers, and upgrade travel style with Quince's affordable, high-quality essentials

      This Mother's Day, show your appreciation to the special women in your life by giving back to them with thoughtful gifts from 1-800-Flowers. You can save up to 40% on handmade bouquets, sweet treats, gourmet food, and unique presents at their website. For your next trip, consider elevating your travel style with Quince. Their European linen, premium luggage, and Italian leather bags offer high quality at affordable prices, and Quince ensures safe and ethical manufacturing practices. At 1-800-Flowers, celebrate your moms with fresh and easy-to-order gifts, while at Quince, pack for your vacations with essentials you'll cherish for years to come. Don't miss out on these limited-time offers. Order from 1-800-Flowers.com/acast and go to quints.com/pack for free shipping and 365-day returns.

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