budgetsRsexy Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 It looks like I will have a reason to go out BF shopping this year (last year my family tried out a no gift Christmas but things are changing this year and I will have presents to shop for). I'm excited about this but at the same time it makes me nervous as I have been told that the fall can be a very busy time of year for my new job position. I would hate for BF to somehow sneak up on me and find myself unprepared for the big day. How do you prepare for BF? Is there anything I can do before the ads even leak? Any suggestions are welcome. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berry1014 Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Its always good to start with a list1. Who you are buying for2. price limit per person or per gift3. gift ideas for each person you are buying for and if you are not sure what they want or would like then ask. Once you have a list then start keeping an out for sales and when BF gets closer compare your list to what is on sale at stores near you. Sometimes you can find better deals in the weeks leading up to BF. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 We start making our list of who we are buying for and it's usually decided by the extended family what we are going to spend. Once that's all done I just stalk here waiting for the ad's to leak forth. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tifflan83 Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 I get everyone's gifts and then make a list of all things that need replacing or upgrading. Like this year, I will need to by new tablets and TV's. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgetsRsexy Posted July 13, 2017 Author Share Posted July 13, 2017 (edited) Thanks for the input so far guys! I started putting together a small binder so I can be more organized and have all the different lists that are usually strewn about my house, purse and car all in one location so nothing gets overlooked, lost or forgotten. So far I have color coded tabs for each person and behind that printouts where I can brainstorm gift ideas and other pages for tracking purchases (as well as total budget) and a pocket page to keep receipts in. I like the idea of keeping track of household items that need to be replaced or upgraded too. I'll have to create a new tab for that in the binder. Thanks tifflan83! Any other ideas on what should get added to the binder? Edited July 13, 2017 by budgetsRsexy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanShotFirst Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I like your ideas budgetsRsexy and am going to try out the notebook thing this year to keep myself more organized. I don't have many gifts to buy but I do use the BF sales to replace or get new household and personal items and I end up having lists everywhere before its over. Do you have gifts that will have to be shipped? If so you could add a section to your notebook as a way to keep track of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgetsRsexy Posted August 2, 2017 Author Share Posted August 2, 2017 Ok, so since my last post I have added a tab for coworkers and boss gifts, a sheet to keep track of store BF hours, a sheet for coupon/shipping codes for online shopping and a pocket page for any coupons for in store shopping. Once the postal service puts out their recommended shipping deadlines I'll add that to the binder too, thanks HanShotFirst. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 Ok, so since my last post I have added a tab for coworkers and boss gifts, a sheet to keep track of store BF hours, a sheet for coupon/shipping codes for online shopping and a pocket page for any coupons for in store shopping. Once the postal service puts out their recommended shipping deadlines I'll add that to the binder too, thanks HanShotFirst.That sounds WAY too organized to be chaotic and fun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I just added gifts to my Gift List app on my phone yesterday...I pretty much know what I will be buying everyone this year, except for the Xbox 1 games my youngest son will want this year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msyves Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I make a list identifying who I need to get something for and what I would like to get them. I then assign each a budget range. As it leads up to BF I check around to see if there are any deals for what I need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyreejames Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I use the santa's little helper app on my iPhone. I only buy for my 4 children, DH, and my mom. I've already started adding gifts that I think they will like; I will finalize the kids once I receive their lists. Once the ads come out, I maintain a list of stores/sites that I plan on hitting and what I need for each of them. The only other thing I have is a running list of all online purchases and I mark them off as they are delivered. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msomnipotent Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 I just put gift ideas on a wishlist at Amazon and use a price tracker to determine what price to buy at. I keep my eyes open all year, because price drops happen. I just bought a tool chest today for $30 for my nephew's gift, just because it was on sale and I had a $10 coupon. I very much doubt it will be cheaper closer to Christmas, but I logged on here to check last years ads to be sure. I have noticed the past 2 years that everything I wanted to buy was cheaper the week before BF and then again a few days after BF. Know your prices! I think the most important rule is to start saving up cash/credit card points/gift cards now so you have it when you need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peppermint Posted August 16, 2017 Share Posted August 16, 2017 I have a running list year round that I put down ideas as I hear those I buy for say they like something. Makes it a lot easier come shopping time. Leading up to BF I create a binder to keep my lists and coupons. If I see a hot item or something on clearance before hand, I'll buy it. I just bought the switch because I don't want to deal with it being sold out at Christmas. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julz0420 Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 I use to prepare but now we just wing it. LOL Of course we always check the ads before (as they come out) but we just go where the car takes us now LOL Sometimes I buy for people, sometimes I buy for myself 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpr Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 I shop all year. Yes, BF is a big part of it, but if I see things that are a good deal throughout the year, I sometimes pick them up. I then store them and wait for Christmas, lol. GottaDeal can be used all year . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgreen Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 I don't know what to do this year. We are planning on relocating. I won't know what I will need for my new house yet and I don't want to buy a lot of stuff for the old house or stuff that I will just have to pack and move. Sent from my SM-P600 using GottaDEAL mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven3d Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Thanks to Irma our funds have been depleted and it looks doubtful that we will have any before the time comes this year, so much more money has to go out yet just to get back to where we were before the storm came. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Thanks to Irma our funds have been depleted and it looks doubtful that we will have any before the time comes this year, so much more money has to go out yet just to get back to where we were before the storm came.That's horrible. How much damage did you have? Our family still in FL got off pretty luck, worst damage was 6 trees down one of which damaged their well head. They have that fixed now though. Then of course all the food that went bad with no power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven3d Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 That's horrible. How much damage did you have? Our family still in FL got off pretty luck, worst damage was 6 trees down one of which damaged their well head. They have that fixed now though. Then of course all the food that went bad with no power.its not storm damage but we had no power all week this week so we lost all our food, nobody had gas most places no power so we couldnt run our generator, our car broke down trying to escape, its going to be a costly repair. we had to eat out every day so funds are gone, have to figure out how to replace all the food we lost. Most of the stores here have yet been able to restock so food is slim pickings still we got lucky as far as damage was concerned we have lots of tree debris in our yard but no damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 its not storm damage but we had no power all week this week so we lost all our food, nobody had gas most places no power so we couldnt run our generator, our car broke down trying to escape, its going to be a costly repair. we had to eat out every day so funds are gone, have to figure out how to replace all the food we lost. Most of the stores here have yet been able to restock so food is slim pickings still we got lucky as far as damage was concerned we have lots of tree debris in our yard but no damage.Sorry to hear that. Not fun when you have to replace all the food in the house and it's NOT cheap. We lost all of ours 4-5 years ago and we nothing in the pantry at that point either due to a different incident that had happened just before this. Once we went shopping I wanted to throw up when I saw the total and that didn't get us anywhere close to replacing what we had (had a separate freezer filled with meat). So sorry to hear that, but I am glad you're alright and you had no damage to the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
len_mullen Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 its not storm damage but we had no power all week this week so we lost all our food, nobody had gas most places no power so we couldnt run our generator, our car broke down trying to escape, its going to be a costly repair. we had to eat out every day so funds are gone, have to figure out how to replace all the food we lost. Most of the stores here have yet been able to restock so food is slim pickings still we got lucky as far as damage was concerned we have lots of tree debris in our yard but no damage. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover the lost food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven3d Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Your homeowners insurance policy may cover the lost food.i checked into this when factoring in our deductible and we have nothing else to report they would not cover the losses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenkishaa Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 I use an app and my Christmas binder. I check my binder on Sundays to make sure I didn't forget something or add something,and I use my app because it is small and portable. Sent from my SM-G920T using GottaDEAL mobile app 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
len_mullen Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 BF is just another sale to me. I actually enjoy this part more than the actual shopping. I start by compiling a list of people I need to buy for. I assign a spend limit to each. Then I brainstorm gift ideas and add them to my list (spreadsheet). For each gift idea, I research good brands and best past prices for each. Then I set up alerts on all the deal sites. Once I get within the return/rebuy period, I start buying. If a better deal comes along, I negotiate a price adjustment or return and re-buy. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treymclean Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 On Black Friday, every store and website offer amazing deals. I have prepared my wishlist and I am planning to visit each website to find out where I can get best deals on my desired items. The consumer is a winner during holiday time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firegirl719 Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 I create a list of things I'd like to get everyone and then scour the ads to see where I can get the best deal. I know most stuff is online now, but I still go out for the paper so I can see, feel, and taste the ads as well, in case there was any stone left un-turned. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanShotFirst Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 I create a list of things I'd like to get everyone and then scour the ads to see where I can get the best deal. I know most stuff is online now, but I still go out for the paper so I can see, feel, and taste the ads as well, in case there was any stone left un-turned. There's just something about those paper ads isn't there? I'm the same way. Need the actual paper in my hand. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ytmomof4 Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 There's just something about those paper ads isn't there? I'm the same way. Need the actual paper in my hand. I also love to have the paper ad 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peppermint Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 I too have seen every add 100 times by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. By there is something about getting the paper with the adds and sitting on the floor with it all spread out checking my list for the 1,000th time. [emoji4] 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted September 22, 2017 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Yes, there is most definitely something about having the actual ads from the newspaper in your hands. I find myself seeing things I didn't notice before and IDK if that is always a good thing...lol... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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