Black Friday Shopping Guide: 5 Steps To Help You Prepare

The holiday season is approaching fast, and so are some of the year’s biggest shopping days:

• Black Friday: November 28, 2025
  
  
• Cyber Monday: December 1, 2025

For families in South Carolina and Georgia, this is the perfect time to snag deals on gifts, electronics, home goods, and more. But without a game plan and the right funds, it’s easy to overspend and end up with post-holiday financial stress.

That’s why Sunset Finance and Flight Finance created this Black Friday and holiday shopping guide. We’ll help you prepare, save smart, and show you how a personal installment loan can keep your budget balanced while still giving your family the holiday they deserve.

Step 1: Set Your Holiday Shopping Budget

Before you even browse the ads, decide how much you can afford to spend this season. Break it down into:

• Gifts (family, friends, coworkers)
  
  
• Holiday meals & travel
  
  
• Decorations & extras

Stick to these limits as you plan your Black Friday purchases.

Step 2: Make the Most of Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

Black Friday (Nov 28) and Cyber Monday (Dec 1) are the best times of the year to find deep discounts, but going in without a plan is like shopping blindfolded. Here’s how to shop smarter:

Do Your Research Early

• Compare prices at big retailers like Target, Walmart, Belk, and Best Buy in South Carolina and Georgia.
  
  
• Bookmark items you know you want and track their prices online.
  
  
• Create a “must-buy” list so you don’t get distracted by flashy sales.
  
  

Set a Time & Spending Limit

• Give yourself a time window when shopping. The longer you browse, the more likely you’ll splurge.
  
  
• Online shopping? Use a gift list and stop once you’ve checked it off.
  
  

Use Rewards Programs & Coupons

• Sign up for loyalty programs before Black Friday, many stores offer early access sales or exclusive coupons to members.
  
  
• Apps like Rakuten or Honey can apply coupons automatically for online shopping.
  
  

Don’t Forget Local Retailers

• In SC & GA, many small businesses participate in Small Business Saturday (Nov 29, 2025) with great discounts.
  
  
• Supporting local shops not only gets you unique gifts but also keeps your holiday dollars in your community.
  
  

Pro Tip: Watch for Early-Bird Deals

• Many retailers release their Black Friday deals the week before Thanksgiving.
  
  
• Sign up for store emails and push notifications to snag items before they sell out.
  
  
• Some Georgia and South Carolina stores even open sales on Thanksgiving night, so be prepared if you’re hunting for high-demand items.
  
  

Local Advantage: Shopping early in SC & GA means shorter lines, better parking, and first access to doorbusters before they’re gone.

Step 3: Shop Smart This Holiday Season

Not every deal happens on Black Friday. Keep saving through December with these tips:

• Use cashback apps or your store credit program for extra discounts.
  
  
• Shop bulk for essentials like wrapping paper, snacks, and holiday supplies.
  
  
• Spread out purchases week by week to avoid draining your paycheck all at once.

Step 4: Cover Extra Holiday Costs with a Personal Installment Loan

Sometimes even the best budget isn’t enough, especially with travel, food, and last-minute gifts in the mix. Instead of maxing out credit cards, consider a personal installment loan from Sunset Finance or Flight Finance.

Why this works for holiday shopping:

• Fixed monthly payments = predictable budgeting
  
  
• Lower rates than most credit cards
  
  
• Fast approvals at our local branches in South Carolina and Georgia
  
  
• Borrow just what you need to avoid unnecessary debt
  

This way, you can shop Black Friday with confidence, knowing you have a safe, affordable repayment plan.

Step 5: Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season

The holidays should be about creating memories, not worrying about money. With smart planning and a little help from Sunset Finance or Flight Finance, you can:

• Shop the best deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  
  
• Stick to your holiday budget
  
  
• Avoid financial stress heading into the New Year

Visit your nearest office in South Carolina or Georgia today or start your application online to get the funds you need before the season begins.