Comments on: Black Friday by the Numbers http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Fri, 24 May 2013 04:47:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: PB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2034542 PB Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:59:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2034542 I am in the age of intergenerational shift, so gave to my visiting daughter, who is setting up her own household, two tablecloths, a bunch of napkins, some candles, Irish coffee glasses, and a sewing machine. I guess I bought myself some space! And we had a lovely visit while going through things. I am in the age of intergenerational shift, so gave to my visiting daughter, who is setting up her own household, two tablecloths, a bunch of napkins, some candles, Irish coffee glasses, and a sewing machine. I guess I bought myself some space! And we had a lovely visit while going through things.

loading....

]]> By: Nicole http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2032182 Nicole Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:58:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2032182 I tried to do online shopping on Friday to get it out of the way (the end of the school year is crazy and if we don't do it now, it won't get done until ~Dec 23rd), but Amazon was having trouble accepting my order. :( So really, more of Saturday shopping. I tried to do online shopping on Friday to get it out of the way (the end of the school year is crazy and if we don’t do it now, it won’t get done until ~Dec 23rd), but Amazon was having trouble accepting my order. :(

So really, more of Saturday shopping.

loading....

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2031612 Elizabeth Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:21:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2031612 I used to be easily sucked into the belief that I had to buy a lot of stuff during the holidays. But I realized that was brainwashing. A couple of things I have done to break out of that are to throw away the ads that come with the newspaper (looking at them makes me start to want those things), I watch very little television, and I stay out of the shopping malls. By protecting myself in this way, I find that I really do not WANT the things in the first place, and I certainly do not miss them. Life has a lot more meaning now. I also have a new-found sense of having everything that I need, already. And I've lost my desire to acquire more, more, more. My bank account is growing, as a result. However, I will say that I am older now, so I think that makes it easier. I wish very much that I had learned this lesson a long time ago -- my retirement account would be a lot larger, had that been so. (and my house would not be so filled with "junk") I used to be easily sucked into the belief that I had to buy a lot of stuff during the holidays. But I realized that was brainwashing. A couple of things I have done to break out of that are to throw away the ads that come with the newspaper (looking at them makes me start to want those things), I watch very little television, and I stay out of the shopping malls. By protecting myself in this way, I find that I really do not WANT the things in the first place, and I certainly do not miss them. Life has a lot more meaning now. I also have a new-found sense of having everything that I need, already. And I’ve lost my desire to acquire more, more, more. My bank account is growing, as a result. However, I will say that I am older now, so I think that makes it easier. I wish very much that I had learned this lesson a long time ago — my retirement account would be a lot larger, had that been so. (and my house would not be so filled with “junk”)

loading....

]]> By: Jenn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2030782 Jenn Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:07:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2030782 In a way you are correct that it is better to make money than spend it, however, every year I go Black Friday Shopping and I add up how much money I save and the money I save is always more than what I would have made if I had worked that day. In a way you are correct that it is better to make money than spend it, however, every year I go Black Friday Shopping and I add up how much money I save and the money I save is always more than what I would have made if I had worked that day.

loading....

]]> By: Squirrelers http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2030012 Squirrelers Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:08:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2030012 I planned (and posted on this) to spend zero on Black Friday. I actually did spend $15, but it was on things that were absolutely needed...and I got them at a great deal. No lines, no confusing wants/needs, no craziness. Mostly time with family instead:) I planned (and posted on this) to spend zero on Black Friday. I actually did spend $15, but it was on things that were absolutely needed…and I got them at a great deal. No lines, no confusing wants/needs, no craziness. Mostly time with family instead:)

loading....

]]> By: Carla http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2029302 Carla Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:29:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2029302 I got a new HTC Droid Incredible 2 phone for $0 with zero crowds, zero wait at 2:30 in the afternoon on Black Friday. I learned a long time ago I don't actually have to PAY for a really nice phone if I'm just patient. I also supported one small online business and purchased hair care products online at 50% off. I'm not into extremes; I would never spent time in line at a store at midnight, or spend absurd amounts of money on stuff. I'm not staunch it either; being mindful and careful is key - for me. I spent $15 total on BF. I must say not having family within hundreds of miles probably helped in my decisions yesterday. I got a new HTC Droid Incredible 2 phone for $0 with zero crowds, zero wait at 2:30 in the afternoon on Black Friday. I learned a long time ago I don’t actually have to PAY for a really nice phone if I’m just patient. I also supported one small online business and purchased hair care products online at 50% off.

I’m not into extremes; I would never spent time in line at a store at midnight, or spend absurd amounts of money on stuff. I’m not staunch it either; being mindful and careful is key – for me. I spent $15 total on BF.

I must say not having family within hundreds of miles probably helped in my decisions yesterday.

loading....

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2029192 Elizabeth Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:23:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2029192 Why shop at all? I just mean... why not question how this "holiday" has become all about spending money and buying things for people... it doesn't mean you have to give up gift giving. But maybe think about it, question it a little. In our family, we have done so, and we have decided on some family traditions that make this time of year peaceful, meaningful, warm, joyful, etc. We like having a real Christmas tree. We like having homemade Christmas cookies. We like getting together with friends (parties). We like handmade (by ourselves) gifts, like personal stories, food, re-purposed things (books off our shelves). We end up having a very nice, relaxing November/December, spending very little money, and so I'm just putting this out there: question what all this frenzied buying actually does for you/them. Why shop at all? I just mean… why not question how this “holiday” has become all about spending money and buying things for people… it doesn’t mean you have to give up gift giving. But maybe think about it, question it a little. In our family, we have done so, and we have decided on some family traditions that make this time of year peaceful, meaningful, warm, joyful, etc. We like having a real Christmas tree. We like having homemade Christmas cookies. We like getting together with friends (parties). We like handmade (by ourselves) gifts, like personal stories, food, re-purposed things (books off our shelves). We end up having a very nice, relaxing November/December, spending very little money, and so I’m just putting this out there: question what all this frenzied buying actually does for you/them.

loading....

]]> By: Andrea http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2028932 Andrea Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:29:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2028932 NO shopping for us yesterday. we did go to the movies and ate dinner at a local(not a chain) restaurant. Not buying any electronics this year- some books at a local bookstore, making some scarves and hats but will probably buy some socks/underwear/pjs at Target NO shopping for us yesterday. we did go to the movies and ate dinner at a local(not a chain) restaurant. Not buying any electronics this year- some books at a local bookstore, making some scarves and hats but will probably buy some socks/underwear/pjs at Target

loading....

]]> By: Jason http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027762 Jason Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:45:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027762 I opted out this year... ....and worked. Oh well, better to make money than to spend it, right? I opted out this year…

….and worked. Oh well, better to make money than to spend it, right?

loading....

]]> By: Janell http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027522 Janell Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:42:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027522 Does buying some soda count as contributing to BF? Seriously, I have my spending planned at 2 small businesses tomorrow. Independent shops that could use the purchase. Shop local! Does buying some soda count as contributing to BF?
Seriously, I have my spending planned at 2 small businesses tomorrow. Independent shops that could use the purchase.

Shop local!

loading....

]]> By: Steven http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027352 Steven Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:17:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027352 I opted out once again this year, and instead went rock climbing. Best idea ever! I opted out once again this year, and instead went rock climbing. Best idea ever!

loading....

]]> By: Dallas+saver http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027292 Dallas+saver Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:46:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027292 The population of Austin is also 1/3 that of Houston or Dallas. I suspect the reason Austin's numbers are so high is the san Marcos outlet. It draws from a 400-mile area and is technically in the Austin MSA. The population of Austin is also 1/3 that of Houston or Dallas. I suspect the reason Austin’s numbers are so high is the san Marcos outlet. It draws from a 400-mile area and is technically in the Austin MSA.

loading....

]]> By: Chett Daniel http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027222 Chett Daniel Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:17:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027222 I would like to see a comparison on how much time the avg middle class family spends on research for black Friday deals, compared to how much time is spent researching investment and retirement decisions. I would like to see a comparison on how much time the avg middle class family spends on research for black Friday deals, compared to how much time is spent researching investment and retirement decisions.

loading....

]]> By: Alyssa http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027142 Alyssa Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:45:34 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027142 Whaaaa? Austin spends the most?! No way! There are far too many non-consumerist hippies here to spend the most in the country. Maybe Houston or Dallas, but not Austin! Whaaaa? Austin spends the most?! No way!

There are far too many non-consumerist hippies here to spend the most in the country. Maybe Houston or Dallas, but not Austin!

loading....

]]> By: Marsha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2027102 Marsha Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:31:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2027102 The number probably includes anyone who went shopping today for any reason. My son and I went to a couple of nearby stores this afternoon, so I guess we are technically "Black Friday" shoppers. The number probably includes anyone who went shopping today for any reason. My son and I went to a couple of nearby stores this afternoon, so I guess we are technically “Black Friday” shoppers.

loading....

]]> By: Becka http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026982 Becka Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:50:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026982 Wow, I find the 212M number a little unfathomable. Over 2/3 of the US population, the entirety of the US population age 14-65. Just seems like a lot more people stay home than that. Wow, I find the 212M number a little unfathomable. Over 2/3 of the US population, the entirety of the US population age 14-65. Just seems like a lot more people stay home than that.

loading....

]]> By: John Reilly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026742 John Reilly Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:18:22 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026742 "Projected amount to be spent today: $465.6 billion Total amount spent in 2010: $45 billion" Is there a typo in the above. It seems unlikely we went from 45b to 465b. “Projected amount to be spent today: $465.6 billion
Total amount spent in 2010: $45 billion”

Is there a typo in the above. It seems unlikely we went from 45b to 465b.

loading....

]]> By: Matt, Tao of Unfear http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026682 Matt, Tao of Unfear Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:35:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026682 I'll be going out with a friend this evening for tea at a local teahouse. There won't be any trips to any stores though. A lot of my shopping has moved online, like a previous commenter mentioned. I don't have a vehicle, so that's generally the best way to get larger items home. Most of the shops in my area are way more expensive anyway, and not locally owned, so I don't feel particularly guilty about not buying here. I’ll be going out with a friend this evening for tea at a local teahouse. There won’t be any trips to any stores though.

A lot of my shopping has moved online, like a previous commenter mentioned. I don’t have a vehicle, so that’s generally the best way to get larger items home. Most of the shops in my area are way more expensive anyway, and not locally owned, so I don’t feel particularly guilty about not buying here.

loading....

]]> By: Laura+in+Cancun http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026642 Laura+in+Cancun Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:10:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026642 They had a "Black Friday" copy here in Mexico last weekend... all the stores did was bring out their old plasma TVs and knock of a hundred bucks. Horrible. They had a “Black Friday” copy here in Mexico last weekend… all the stores did was bring out their old plasma TVs and knock of a hundred bucks. Horrible.

loading....

]]> By: SAHMama http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026612 SAHMama Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:52:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026612 I got the freebie drugstore deals, the free after rebate OfficeMax deals and went to the craft stores to stock up on my craft supplies for the year. I did also stop by Old Navy to purchase the $1 fleece scarves to doctor up with my sewing supplies, and I got 3 new fleece shirts for myself. I did one online order from Kohl's for clothing / shoes for our family. I spent about $40 on toiletries/groceries for our family (BF deals), $80 on clothes for our family (our annual clothing budget for our family is $400 for two adults and two kids ages 1 and 5) and $100 on gifts / craft supplies that I turn into gifts (I make fleece blankets, quilts, etc). I got the freebie drugstore deals, the free after rebate OfficeMax deals and went to the craft stores to stock up on my craft supplies for the year. I did also stop by Old Navy to purchase the $1 fleece scarves to doctor up with my sewing supplies, and I got 3 new fleece shirts for myself. I did one online order from Kohl’s for clothing / shoes for our family. I spent about $40 on toiletries/groceries for our family (BF deals), $80 on clothes for our family (our annual clothing budget for our family is $400 for two adults and two kids ages 1 and 5) and $100 on gifts / craft supplies that I turn into gifts (I make fleece blankets, quilts, etc).

loading....

]]> By: Tyler Karaszewski http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026492 Tyler Karaszewski Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:50:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026492 I just ordered a MacBook Air for my wife for $100 off regular price, so I guess I'm participating this year. Definitely not going to stores at midnight though, that's just plain madness. I just ordered a MacBook Air for my wife for $100 off regular price, so I guess I’m participating this year. Definitely not going to stores at midnight though, that’s just plain madness.

loading....

]]> By: Beth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026282 Beth Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:54:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026282 Impressive. I can see why Canadian retailers are trying to borrow the tradition. A lot of the deals here have been for a few days or a week or this coming weekend, so that helps. (And it means I can observe Buy Nothing Day today too.) Impressive. I can see why Canadian retailers are trying to borrow the tradition. A lot of the deals here have been for a few days or a week or this coming weekend, so that helps. (And it means I can observe Buy Nothing Day today too.)

loading....

]]> By: Andy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026112 Andy Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:43:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026112 I switched to shopping online 3 years ago and I'm never going back. Most of the deals are online, minus a few doorbusters, which I can do without to avoid the cold weather, the crowds, and the idiots who think trampling someone is worth it to save a few dollars on a TV. I switched to shopping online 3 years ago and I’m never going back. Most of the deals are online, minus a few doorbusters, which I can do without to avoid the cold weather, the crowds, and the idiots who think trampling someone is worth it to save a few dollars on a TV.

loading....

]]> By: krantcents http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/25/black-friday-by-the-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-2026062 krantcents Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:32:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=112152#comment-2026062 My wife is part of those numbers, but she has her plan, list and probably will spend less than $50. My wife is part of those numbers, but she has her plan, list and probably will spend less than $50.

loading....

]]>