{"id":810,"date":"2025-11-25T14:13:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T20:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/?p=810"},"modified":"2025-11-25T14:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T20:13:58","slug":"the-smart-students-guide-to-black-friday-cyber-monday-deals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/2025\/11\/25\/the-smart-students-guide-to-black-friday-cyber-monday-deals\/","title":{"rendered":"The Smart Student\u2019s Guide to Black Friday &#038; Cyber Monday Deals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The holiday season is basically the Super Bowl of shopping. Everywhere you look, there are ads shouting \u201cBest Deal Ever!\u201d or \u201cLowest Price of the Year!\u201d But how do you know which deals are actually worth your money? And where should you even start looking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re trying to stretch your budget \u2014 or you just want to score something cool without draining your savings \u2014 here\u2019s a simple guide to help you shop smarter on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why These Two Days Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the following Monday) are known for huge discounts on tech, clothes, and pretty much everything you can think of. Stores use these sales to kick off the holiday shopping season, so it\u2019s when you\u2019ll usually see the biggest price drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For students, this is the best time to grab things you need \u2014 or want \u2014 at way lower prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find the Best Deals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to spend hours scrolling through random websites. These places consistently offer some of the best holiday discounts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/?&amp;tag=amazusnavi-20&amp;ref=pd_sl_28nm7nbam1_e&amp;adgrpid=185319704606&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvadid=779770532387&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=5336619977580378011&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9018823&amp;hvtargid=kwd-360364908397&amp;hydadcr=28884_14649101_1546077&amp;mcid=adfdaf019ea13ff5af2dd6b5b801add6&amp;hvocijid=5336619977580378011--&amp;hvexpln=0\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/?&amp;tag=amazusnavi-20&amp;ref=pd_sl_28nm7nbam1_e&amp;adgrpid=185319704606&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvadid=779770532387&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=5336619977580378011&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9018823&amp;hvtargid=kwd-360364908397&amp;hydadcr=28884_14649101_1546077&amp;mcid=adfdaf019ea13ff5af2dd6b5b801add6&amp;hvocijid=5336619977580378011--&amp;hvexpln=0\">1. Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon goes all-out with week-long sales, lightning deals, and big markdowns on electronics. If you\u2019re hunting for headphones, earbuds, tablets, or gaming accessories, Amazon is usually one of the safest bets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Watch out for \u201climited-time\u201d lightning deals \u2014 but don\u2019t rush unless the discount is actually good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuy.com\/site\/electronics\/black-friday\/pcmcat225600050002.c?id=pcmcat225600050002&amp;ref=212&amp;loc=63907719&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=63907719&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIhQc3F6hQDfYbzQ72QhoX3A2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgZTNJNtOkw3MHz6Vo4kWhlFhupI7xU4xMUG6JiD6oWd5rO6xz7etoaAgAuEALw_wcB\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuy.com\/site\/electronics\/black-friday\/pcmcat225600050002.c?id=pcmcat225600050002&amp;ref=212&amp;loc=63907719&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=63907719&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIhQc3F6hQDfYbzQ72QhoX3A2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgZTNJNtOkw3MHz6Vo4kWhlFhupI7xU4xMUG6JiD6oWd5rO6xz7etoaAgAuEALw_wcB\">Best Buy<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for laptops, TVs, or anything electronic, Best Buy is a top spot. They often match or beat Amazon\u2019s prices, and you get the option of in-store pickup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Great for:<\/strong> School laptops, Chromebook deals, and gaming consoles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/?TCID=PDS-319991062&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=319991062&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfZMxmFophi0j3IM2vzjF4Nw6&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgTNwVmJz6RdXgX4-Emx_RcUBHfK7Xs76J3KaDjf1YPMWtrFIMTrPcaAhgxEALw_wcB\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/?TCID=PDS-319991062&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=319991062&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfZMxmFophi0j3IM2vzjF4Nw6&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgTNwVmJz6RdXgX4-Emx_RcUBHfK7Xs76J3KaDjf1YPMWtrFIMTrPcaAhgxEALw_wcB\"> Target<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Target usually runs Black Friday deals early, sometimes even weeks before the actual day. You\u2019ll see big savings on home items, clothing, personal care, and some tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> Their price-match policy can sometimes still apply during holiday sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/?&amp;adid=22222222220220085369&amp;wmlspartner=wmtlabs&amp;wl0=e&amp;wl1=g&amp;wl2=c&amp;wl3=678300215746&amp;wl4=kwd-27665750&amp;wl5=9018823&amp;wl6=&amp;wl7=&amp;wl8=&amp;veh=sem&amp;wl21=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=316516609&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIq1B7Ucb8TWWH3_Luc8p92_l&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgU1ZfTSbHwWs3ieYzFEhmx3Cyp9M3v5_utx05csRFcs8Zh521kIHEaAmpuEALw_wcB\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/?&amp;adid=22222222220220085369&amp;wmlspartner=wmtlabs&amp;wl0=e&amp;wl1=g&amp;wl2=c&amp;wl3=678300215746&amp;wl4=kwd-27665750&amp;wl5=9018823&amp;wl6=&amp;wl7=&amp;wl8=&amp;veh=sem&amp;wl21=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=316516609&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIq1B7Ucb8TWWH3_Luc8p92_l&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjgU1ZfTSbHwWs3ieYzFEhmx3Cyp9M3v5_utx05csRFcs8Zh521kIHEaAmpuEALw_wcB\">Walmart<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walmart drops major deals all month long. Their online sales start even earlier than in-store ones, so you can often avoid the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Expect discounts on:<\/strong> TVs, tablets, vacuums, video games, and AirPods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Stores for Students on a Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/oldnavy.gap.com\/?tid=onps024300&amp;kwid=1&amp;ap=7&amp;ds_agid=349066683-20681613963&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=349066683&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8stW0aRe3584X4L5jIcdc0Wz&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjg7ro_daX3JdHzsmMz-DoP95SpHQUcX6Rpht1SNMCynzO4Y0LHuNzcaAgakEALw_wcB\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/oldnavy.gap.com\/?tid=onps024300&amp;kwid=1&amp;ap=7&amp;ds_agid=349066683-20681613963&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=349066683&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8stW0aRe3584X4L5jIcdc0Wz&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjg7ro_daX3JdHzsmMz-DoP95SpHQUcX6Rpht1SNMCynzO4Y0LHuNzcaAgakEALw_wcB\">Old Navy<\/a> \/ <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gap.com\/?ssiteID=ON&amp;_gl=1*1rvnfpx*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjQxMDE0OTguQ2owS0NRaUF4SlhKQmhEX0FSSXNBSF9KR2pnN3JvX2RhWDNKZEh6c21Nei1Eb1A5NVNwSFFVY1g2UnBodDFTTk1DeW56TzRZMExIdU56Y2FBZ2FrRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE3NjQxMDE0OTguQ2owS0NRaUF4SlhKQmhEX0FSSXNBSF9KR2pnN3JvX2RhWDNKZEh6c21Nei1Eb1A5NVNwSFFVY1g2UnBodDFTTk1DeW56TzRZMExIdU56Y2FBZ2FrRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MTczNDQxMzY4Ni4xNzY0MTAxNDk3\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gap.com\/?ssiteID=ON&amp;_gl=1*1rvnfpx*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjQxMDE0OTguQ2owS0NRaUF4SlhKQmhEX0FSSXNBSF9KR2pnN3JvX2RhWDNKZEh6c21Nei1Eb1A5NVNwSFFVY1g2UnBodDFTTk1DeW56TzRZMExIdU56Y2FBZ2FrRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE3NjQxMDE0OTguQ2owS0NRaUF4SlhKQmhEX0FSSXNBSF9KR2pnN3JvX2RhWDNKZEh6c21Nei1Eb1A5NVNwSFFVY1g2UnBodDFTTk1DeW56TzRZMExIdU56Y2FBZ2FrRUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MTczNDQxMzY4Ni4xNzY0MTAxNDk3\"><strong>Gap<\/strong>:<\/a> Clothes up to 50\u201360% off<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.hm.com\/en_us\/index.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www2.hm.com\/en_us\/index.html\">H&amp;M<\/a><\/strong>: Big markdowns on basics and winter wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fivebelow.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoruG_WiEU2qytPoXr_fPslBPWO-NeHxRjUwYjQO4niFCFpMLcnF\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.fivebelow.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoruG_WiEU2qytPoXr_fPslBPWO-NeHxRjUwYjQO4niFCFpMLcnF\">Five Below<\/a><\/strong>: Cheap gifts, d\u00e9cor, and stocking stuffers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Examples of Deals You\u2019ll Usually See<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Exact discounts change every year, but these categories regularly have the biggest price drops:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tech Deals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Laptops and Chromebooks (often $100\u2013$250 off)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wireless earbuds like AirPods or JBL (20\u201340% off)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smart TVs (some drop to under $200)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video games and accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Personal Electronics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fitbits and smartwatches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bluetooth speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone chargers and accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Clothing &amp; Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can expect 30\u201360% off at most major clothing stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dorm &amp; Room Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bedding sets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LED lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mini fridges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small appliances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Smart Shopping Tips for Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sign up for store emails<\/strong> \u2014 many stores give early access to sales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use student discounts when you can<\/strong> (Apple, Samsung, and many clothing stores have them).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Team up with friends or family<\/strong> to split shipping or buy discounted bundles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check return policies<\/strong> so you don\u2019t get stuck with something you don\u2019t want.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Black Friday and Cyber Monday can save you a lot of money \u2014 but only if you shop with a plan. Whether you\u2019re looking for school supplies, gifts, or something fun for yourself, knowing where to look and what to expect will help you get the best value without overspending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shop smart, stay aware, and enjoy the holiday deals!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holiday season is basically the Super Bowl of shopping. Everywhere you look, there are ads shouting \u201cBest Deal Ever!\u201d or \u201cLowest Price of the Year!\u201d But how do you know which deals are actually worth your money? And where should you even start looking? If you\u2019re trying to stretch your budget \u2014 or you &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/2025\/11\/25\/the-smart-students-guide-to-black-friday-cyber-monday-deals\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The Smart Student\u2019s Guide to Black Friday &#038; Cyber Monday Deals&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17912,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17912"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=810"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/810\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":811,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/810\/revisions\/811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/financialliteracycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}