Do homework to get best holiday deals

'Tis the season for holiday shopping. It sounds like fun, but there is work behind finding the best deals. While bargains abound, so do strategies to stretch your holiday budget.

Posted 10:40 p.m. Nov 19, 2019 — Updated 11:24 p.m. Nov 19, 2019

'Tis the season for holiday shopping. It sounds like fun, but there is work behind finding the best deals. While bargains abound, so do strategies to stretch your holiday budget.

Consumer Reports recommends doing homework before you shop.

"There’s lots of websites out there that can help you figure out what is on sale and when. Things like Black Friday.com, even Consumer Reports can tell you updates on what stores are having sales,” said Octavio Blanco, Consumer Reports money editor.

Black Friday Ads & Early Black Friday Sales 2019

These days, going store to store looking for deals is a waste of time! Plenty of websites and apps let you comparison shop from home!

“Apps like Shopzilla, Google Shopping, PriceGrabber ... these are all sites in which you can see what prices being offered in the store and compare it with prices in other stores," Blanco said.

Getting social with your favorite brands can get you insider discounts.

“If you like a particular brand or a particular retailer, make sure that you are following them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram," Blanco said. "These are all channels in which they are going to be advertising their latest sales.”

Finally, create a budget and stick to it. It sounds simple, but too many people get caught by doorbuster deals and end up with lots of items they did not intend to buy.

Consumer Reports says if you find an online deal, put it into your basket immediately. You typically have 15 minutes to check out, so you can compare prices elsewhere before you complete your purchase.

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There is work behind the best deals

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Black Friday Ads & Early Black Friday Sales 2019

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