How can you use Black Friday to maximize your family's budget? I play a Black Friday game kinda like the extreme coupon game from the early 2000's and today I'm sharing how. I save money now to extend our financial resources throughout the rest of the year.

Black Fridays of Yesteryears

When I was little I wanted a Cabbage Patch Doll. I did not get one and I'm "scarred for life" because of it. So naturally when my kids wanted the thing of the season I would do my best to get it as soon as I saw it. But splurging on those big items took money away from our family budget. So I started to look at other areas of spending to see if I could reduce spending somewhere else while I was splurging on the kids.I didn't want to scar them for life too, afterall. Although if an item was out of the budget, I told it to them straight and let them know they would not be getting that item.

Extreme couponing originated in Ohio and I was playing. Some savvy shoppers could even end up getting paid to "buy" their groceries. You would use a coupon on top of a sale and then maybe a manufacturer promotion too. Then I started playing the Black Friday game. I surely wasn't standing in lines at all hours of the night but I did take advantage of the sales in the light of day. Which then led to Amazon Prime Days. You all know how much I love Amazon. At first it was accessories to go with the expensive electronics my teenagers wanted. Then I realized it was everything! Like, what? Ok so then I was addicted! Until, Amazon did me dirty and threw in early Black Friday. And it wasn't too long till Wal Mart, Target, and other retailers followed suit. Don't fall for it people. Wait till Black Friday.

Sales Cycles

While I was extreme couponing I noticed there was a cycle that my Coke A Cola would go on a good sale, then a pretty good sale, and then THE sale. About every 3 months I would take advantage of THE sale and stock up. If I was gonna drink the stuff might as well have been at a low price. And then I noticed paint always goes on sale during the Red White and Blue holidays. And Of course, you want a good tv, buy one during Black Friday or close to the SuperBowl. Pay attention to the items you use, you'll start to see this pattern. Except my Paul Mitchell hair spray. Please if you see it on sale, hit me up in my DM's!!

Is It 50% Off?

Now I simply ask myself about household items, "Is it 50% off or more?" The goal is to stock up on the items we use everyday and will buy anyway. Reduce household spending to free up funds to buy the gifts you want for the holidays.

You may be wondering if you can apply this to Organize 365® and you cannot. But I know you know I have a good reason for that. The reason is that I always offer you the best price so that you can start your organizing transformation journey when the time is right for you. You don't need to wait till Black Friday to know you are getting the best deal. Now get online and start plotting the items you can stock up on to free up funds the rest of the year for the things you want.

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The Holiday Blitz® is designed to help you, the Magic Maker, to enjoy the season and activities too. How? Why the family survey? I'm here to explain it all in this episode.

Delegate

Why is delegation a common theme with me and my systems? Delegation takes things off your plate. If it's something you want to do, keep doing it. But the things you don't enjoy or sincerely need help with, delegate. Think of your family member's strengths and ask them to help in those areas. If someone is a great cook, ask them to start helping with the cooking of the holiday meals. If you are having a lot of company, there's no reason they can't bring their own beverages. I know at my house I try to buy all the things to accommodate everyone's drink preference and when they all go home I have half of the beverage aisle from the grocery store.

I say, "Just have the awkward conversations." It's not comfortable to ask guests to bring something when they haven't years past but this year is a new year and there's no reason they can't lighten your financial and preparation burden. They are there to enjoy it too. And of course, you could order out the whole meal. Caveat; everyone attending can split the price of that meal too. People know it's expensive to host and you might be surprised how willing everyone is to pitch in for a great get together.

Just Data

Keep in mind that the Holiday Blitz® survey is just data. It is not you new to do list every season. Find out what everyone remembers. And keep it mind if you do it every three to five years, you will get new responses. Kids grow up and other family members may change what they like. You certainly aren't expected to do all of it so don't put that pressure on yourself.

Good Better Best

One way I think about my holiday expectations is in three levels. No one sees these lists. No one knows what you have planned. And no one knows if you bail on everything. What can you do with your time, talent, and treasures to put on the best holiday experience you can that leaves you as a human available energy to the experience you are creating?

My good list is the essentials that must get done. People need to eat and maybe gifts are being exchanged. Especially consider this level if it's just a low energy season for you. Now my better list may include activities leading up to and the big day. When my kids were little I planned all their days that they had off of school. Now that I am working full time, not so much. And Best. This is a fun dreamy list. This list for me includes one grand outing for our family. Remember you can graduate to the better list or you can simply do the good list and enjoy yourself. And before you set your sights on the Best level, evaluate, do you have enough time, capacity,and money to go to that best level.

No

And for the love, people, just say no! If it's not on the list after Planning Day, say no. It's worth the relief you will feel. Once you are in the holidays is not the time to add things to your expectations. You'll see a great idea on social media and think "Should I?" No, no you shouldn't! Just say No! Just like I started to say no to holiday cards, there may be a whole category of work you are ready to just start saying no to. Or that traditional family chili day, yeah, simplify it or just say no. If you find something to be more stressful than joyful find a way to make it less stressful by delegating part or just say not this year. Who knows, someone else may want the opportunity to host it this year. Stay tuned to the end to hear what I am saying no to these days.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• The Sunday Basket®

• Holiday Blitz™

• Holiday Shop

• Organize 365 App

• Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter

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When one starts to plan for the holidays, why doesn't one check in with themself first and plan for the outcome in mind? I'm looking at the holidays through many lenses in this episode. In January, I don't want you exhausted and dreading next year. This year I want you to look back over the merry holiday magic that you made happen and feel excited to do it again next year.

Energy

The first thing you need to think about is your current overall energy. Has 2026 been a rough year so far or are you running on all cylinders? When I held the self care retreat that was a result of my book last year, Escaping Quicksand, I really needed it. As the PhD came to an end, I was really exhausted. How is your energy going into the holidays? Permission to plan accordingly. You are where the holiday comes from and you are in control of what you plan.

Also, check in with yourself and identify when your energy is the highest throughout the day and week. I know that I am a morning afternoon person. I may tell others that we need to celebrate early because of kids' bedtimes, but really? It's me! I am done when the sun goes down. I'm ready for my hot bath and some down time. Then there's my husband who works hard all week and does not wanna go out on a Friday night but Saturdays are great. When you know this about yourself you can enjoy celebrations much more!

Sleep can definitely affect your energy levels too. Not sure I have much advice on sleep - just get as much as you can. Because no one is really getting a lot of sleep in our house we have mandatory rest time after presents. Does your family need a mandatory rest time to recharge and reset? Think about your rest for the entire break. There is a lot of time after the holidays have been celebrated. What does that home time look like? Will you be entertaining? Traveling? Are there projects you want to plan for?

And what you eat to fuel your body matters. Carol who used to organize with me could tackle a garage or basement everyday of the week, she worked out. But me with my fast food and coke diet didn't have the physical or mental stamina to. I have really worked hard on my nutrition and now have added exercise. How else am I gonna keep you with my giant little grandkids?

Family/Celebration Time

Another important thing to know about yourself is how long can you "family?" I love being with my family, it energizes me. But not everyone feels this way. And some family or traditional gatherings are easier to get along with the people there than others. If you need to create space or deflect attention I would recommend bringing a game to switch up the conversations or a handheld activity like cross stitch or crochet or maybe even a puzzle. If people choose to join you great and if not maybe even better? I know, I said it LOL

I had a spur of the moment idea in the middle of recording this episode but you could consider hard day task stacking sandwiched with positivity. Treat yourself with a coffee, commit to short visits to the hard stuff, and finish the day with a beautiful meal or something else you enjoy.

Questions to Ask Yourself

In anticipation of those hard events there are some questions I encourage you to ask yourself.

1. Can you change it?

2. Do you want to do it?

3. Can you avoid it, limit it or stack it?

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• The Sunday Basket®

• Holiday Blitz™

• Holiday Shop

• Organize 365 App

• Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media.