82 replies to this topic

[WhiteOwl]

Do you think 500.00 would be alright for me to bring to get on some deals, or do you think that more would be better... I'm not really sure what I want for this shopping spree, so I guess it depends on what I want, but even on some of the deals, I can always ebay stuff, or sell it on craigslist. How much does anyone else try and bring?

[wx4svr]

As little as you can. Or better yet.. get a large Visa Gift card. Seriously.. its a bit crazy and its best to carry as little with you as you can.

[cherry33778]

I used to try to have a budget of $500, but by 6 a.m. that budget is thrown out the window I usually have to bring out my debit card. I would suggest to not bring cash since your going to be bumping into a lot of people, but if you must put it where the sun doesn't sunshine such as your bra, bottom of your feet in your shoe, etc. WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY!!!

[julz0420]

It depends on what I'm after. This year I thought I was shopping for a flat panel LCD hdtv for the hubby but I caved and already got it for him. So for now I'm thinking 400-600 is what I will have.

[WhiteOwl]

I keep my wallet in my front pants pocket.

[ohitsunshine]

I'm at the $600 range too

[General MarioXx]

im hoping to have between 1000-1100 and will be looking for a nice hdtv for my room.

[hockeyfanamo]

We usually only take about $300. We never really go for the big ticket items but all the small ones add up.

[MathGirl]

If you are concerned about carrying a large amount of cash. Maybe you can use a credit card and then after all the charges have posted to your account (2-3 days) You pay the entire amount off. This way if your card is lost or stolen you can report it and you won't have lost $500 I rarely use our credit card, but I will use it on electronics purchases and then pay it off right away because most cards cover your purchase with an extended warranty.

[shopping mom]

I use my Kohls card and then pay it online when I get home. I take some cash, and my debit card. I have a budget per person so it will depend on the deals and who I am buying for.

[angelbabymommy]

When I had my oldest daught, who's 6, thats when I started shopping. I used to take about $300. Of course, as the years go by Ive brung more. Two years ago, it was $500, last year $750, this year, I plan on bringing about the same (maybe $850). Like another person said, I dont do the big ticket items, I just shop for clothes, toys and small pieces of jewelry for my daughter and they can add up.

[arci122]

Don't carry too much cash. Too card to keep track of. Get a cc w/ good perks, or use a debit card and make sure there is plenty of money in the account. Restricting yourself with cash will make you upset when you miss out on a great deal because you are short by 50 dollars.

[KrisinTn]

I limit the cash on hand... but my debit card will get quite the workout . I'll have between $800 and $1000 set aside.

[conj]

I'd limit the cash... take some - in case credit machines go down... but no more than the 1 most expensive thing you are planning on buying.

[cassgurlie04]

Like everyone else is saying, limit the cash, obviously plastic would be a safer option that day. If you dont have a credit/debit card or cant get a prepaid one, plan out what your going out for and only bring cash for that and a little extra for impulse buys, and don't announce to anyone around you that your are carrying cash or the amount.

[bugsette]

I don't like to use cash that day... credit is safer and easier for returns

[Rockfordmom]

How much you spend depends on what's in the ads, what you are looking for, how many people you are buying for, your budget, what's on sale... And I agree with everyone else, don't carry that much cash on you. That's just asking for trouble.

[angelbabymommy]

I limit the cash on hand... but my debit card will get quite the workout . I'll have between $800 and $1000 set aside.

Im the same way....I use my debit card and take about $30 cash only for food and a quick drink throughout my shopping trip.

[mscrapper]

Does anyone have a limit on the number of times or amount you can use your debit card in 1 day? I think our bank does this as a security measure but that could cause some major issues come BF.....

[JohnnyLaRue]

Does anyone have a limit on the number of times or amount you can use your debit card in 1 day?

Call your bank and let them know where and when you are shopping that day!

[truexillusions]

It really depends on what you want to buy. Last year I was only looking at DVDs and such, so I didn't take anywhere near $500.

[len_mullen]

I don't bring cash beyond what is normally in my wallet. I use my Discover card. You get 1-5% back and can take that in gift cards that can double your cash back. I take mine in Staples gift cards. Since I redeem $20 for a $25 gift card, I get an additional 20% off whatever I purchase. It feels good to get 20% off your BF purchase. I have $275 worth of these cards on my desk as we speak. Also, if you shop Kohls, get a Kohls card. You will probably get 10% off your first purchase and they run a lot of promotions where you get $10 back for each $50 charged to the card. Best thing about the K-card is you don't need to carry it -- you can look it up at the register. Finally, besides the risk inherent in carrying lots of cash, using a card gives you an additional 30-60 days to pay. In most cases you will get a transfer balance offer over the holidays that will get you a year of free financing. All these things are good if you have the discipline (and cash) to pay the bill. Get yourself a good promotional credit card, charge up your holiday, and put your cash in an interest bearing account.

[WDisneyMom]

I'm hoping to bring around 1000-1500...hopefully I will just be finishing up on BF and maybe getting hubby a new tv!

[sdigman6]

I tossed alot in our club account 2100.00. I don't think I will spend that much but then I can take the rest and save it for next year or to help with the bills then if need be. We have no idea what our heating bill will be this year, with new siding and windows....hoping for a drop in cost. I plan to take 100.00 in cash to cover gas , breakfast that sort of thing. the rest I will use my debt card for purchases.

[Mikesgirl]

My debit card has a $300 point of sale limit and a $500 limit so i carry all cash or i make DH carry it and I swing by the atm if need be...

[zim05]

I'm thinking around $500 for me, I usually don't buy too many big ticket items - mainly DVDs and a few Christmas gifts. On BF my sister and I mainly go for bigger things for my parents' list and they pay us back. But once the stores open my budget goes out the window - I just grab and swipe!

[citrixgirl]

i dont carry cash and I limit the cards I have with me

[msl94]

Aside from using my debit card, the only money I need with me for BF is if I want to get some coffee and either a donut or bagel.

[Rockfordmom]

I'd have an extra credit card with just in case your debit card doesn't work for some reason, the bank/credit card lines get jammed up sometimes because it's so busy

[alleyc]

I really am not sure .. I think the budget will be 2000 since we are trying to get shopping done for 4 kids.. But not sure-- we both carry alil cash( I hide mine well XD).. then I have 2 bank accounts with debits so I divide them up..I also use my Business Paypal debit..