Not The year has moved quickly and here we are on the heels of another holiday season!  At the time I am writing this post, turkey day is just six days away, which means that Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are just around the corner.  You've probably been getting emails since mid to late October about early sales and all that's coming.

It's easy to get carried away with all of the great deals, but you want to walk into BFCM prepared so you don't find yourself with a bunch of items you wish you'd never bought or that end up in a closet, hidden.  Today I want to share three common BFCM mistakes to avoid!

1. You don't have a plan

As I mentioned, I know your inbox as been flooded because mine has.  I think I must get a minimum of five emails each day telling me about all of the sales that are currently happening or that are going to happen.

These emails are actually very helpful, if used the right way.  Before BFCM arrive, make a list and have a plan.  Use this list to go through those emails and find what you need.  What typically happens is that the emails dictate the list and what is needed, rather than the list being the boss.

Save yourself some time, money, and frustration and make a list of what you need first and then, my friend, go through those emails.

2. You don't think ahead

Christmas isn't the only day that you need gifts for, of course.  There are birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day to name a few.  So what if you could get those gifts now?  How nice would it be to NOT show up with a gift card as a gift?  Several years ago, my boyfriend (now husband) wanted a leather coat.  It was pretty pricey, but I kept checking on it.  That was when I learned the power of planning ahead.  I was able to get the jacket at an off time (Summer) for a fraction of the cost (like 70% of the fraction of the cost)!

So make sure to plan ahead.  It can save you money, time, and stress.

3. Not shopping small

If you're someone who usually shops at Amazon, the mall, or big box retailers for your gifts, consider shopping small this season.  When you shop small, you are helping to grow your community, and helping a business owner support and provide for their family and also other families if they have employees.

You never know the difference your purchase can make for a small business.  If you can't or choose to not shop small this holiday season, there are other ways to help a small business

• Tell a friend about the business
• Share a social media post
• Like a social media post
• Leave a review if you have made a purchase previously and haven't done so

 The above may seem small, but the more eyes on a business and the more people a small business can reach, the greater the chance for sales, which will help the business grow. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping can be fun and you can catch some amazing deals, but to take advantage of these shopping days, make sure to plan ahead, think ahead, and shop small shop in your local community.

Happy Shopping!