text: Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events worldwide, with retailers offering some of the best deals of the year. But to really take advantage of those savings, a bit of preparation goes a long way! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to score the best Black Friday deals in 2024, from planning ahead to avoiding scams.
  Seven Simple Steps
  Want to experience the thrill of one of the biggest shopping events in the world? Follow these seven simple steps, and you’ll be ready to make the most of Black Friday 2024 like a pro!
  1. When is Black Friday in 2024?
  Black Friday 2024 is officially on November 29th. But here’s the thing: the deals don’t always start on the day itself. Many stores start their sales early—sometimes even a week or two in advance. Keep your eyes peeled for “early bird” promotions, and be ready to act fast, as popular items can sell out quickly. While the excitement might peak on the 29th, don’t forget about Cyber Monday, which follows right after, on December 2nd.
  2. Do Your Research
  The more you know, the better you’ll shop—research now, save later!
  Before Black Friday hits, spend a little time figuring out what items you really want and what their regular prices are. This way, you’ll know whether a deal is truly a bargain or just clever marketing. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, and compare different brands and stores to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
  3) Follow the Brands and Stores You Want to Buy From
  Stay ahead of the game by following your favorite stores for early deals and special offers!
  One of the easiest ways to stay in the loop is by following your favorite brands on social media or signing up for their newsletters. Many retailers reward their followers with exclusive early access to deals, promo codes, or sneak peeks of their Black Friday sales. This little step could help you beat the crowd and score big.
  4) Put the Items in Wish Lists
  Most online stores allow you to create wish lists, and it’s a super handy feature to use before Black Friday. Go ahead and start adding your desired items to your wish list now. That way, when the sales start, you can easily transfer everything into your cart without wasting time searching the site. Bonus tip: some websites even alert you when an item on your wish list goes on sale!
  5) Should You Look for Discount Codes? Always!
  Don’t assume that the Black Friday price is the best you can get—sometimes you can stack an additional discount code on top of already reduced prices. Keep an eye out for these codes on retailer websites, emails, and apps. Browser extensions like Honey or Klarna can automatically apply discount codes at checkout, potentially saving you even more. Every little bit adds up!
  6) Beware of Scams – Not Everyone is Honest
  Unfortunately, where there are deals, there are scams. Black Friday brings out not only eager shoppers but also scammers looking to take advantage of the rush.
  7) Here’s how to protect yourself:
  - Make Sure the Sites are Legit: Always check the website’s URL. Stick to trusted retailers, and ensure the site has a secure connection (look for “https://”).
  - Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails or messages offering unbelievable deals. If you didn’t sign up for them, it might be a phishing scam trying to steal your information.
  - Fake Delivery Notifications: Got a random text or email about a delivery you don’t remember ordering? Don’t click any links. These could be phishing attempts.
  - Fake Promotions: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify promotions on the retailer’s official website rather than clicking through unfamiliar links.
  Remember, if something feels off, trust your gut and double-check before making a purchase.
  Conclusion: Get Ready for the Best Black Friday Yet!
  With these simple steps, you’re all set to make the most of Black Friday 2024. Whether you're hunting for gifts or treating yourself, a little planning goes a long way. Stay savvy, shop smart, and enjoy scoring those amazing deals—happy shopping!