Cyber Monday is not too far away. It is the day consumers eagerly await all year to shop for their favorite products at the lowest prices. But while it is an excellent way to embrace the holiday spirit, you must exercise caution. Some people tend to overspend, pick the wrong products, and make other mistakes in haste. Below we will discuss five of the most common shopping mistakes to avoid this holiday season.

Shopping without setting a budget
Regardless of what you buy, you always need a budget. A budget gives your shopping a structure. It helps determine your spending limit, ensuring you do not spend cash reserved for other vital things like grocery or rent payout. If you feel your budget is insufficient, try to save up for the shopping season. Cancel a gym membership you never use, disconnect an extra streaming service, and avoid eating out when your fridge is full. While budgeting is necessary, be flexible and vary the amount as and when required.

Not checking the pre-sale prices
Many brands claim to offer things at 50% to 75% off during the Cyber Monday sale. But it is best not to depend on a brand-quoted percentage and do the math yourself. While you prepare a list of everything you need during the sale, note their current prices ahead of time. Then when the deal is announced, check the new prices and calculate the actual discount percentage. It will help you see whether you are getting a good bargain. If not, postpone the purchase to another time.

Not maximizing your credit card rewards
Credit cards often make you overspend without realizing it. But, if you use them wisely, they can be highly beneficial. They can offer numerous benefits, which cash payments cannot match. For instance, some cards offer 5% off purchases made during the last quarter of the year. To enjoy this saving, you only need to click on a button and sign up. It does not take more than a few seconds. Still, shoppers fail to make the most of such schemes. Some believe these rewards apply automatically, while others are unaware of such programs. Some shoppers even let their rewards expire. So, always examine your credit card’s rewards policies and programs to avoid missing out on these free savings, which usually amplify during Cyber Monday.

Not comparing deals
If a store or website offers one extraordinary deal, people feel tempted to make all purchases from them. Of course, that is convenient, and you can save time traveling between different stores or websites. But surveying and comparing prices can help you save a lot more. So, before you start your Cyber Monday shopping, get an idea of the best deals at the top stores. You can visit the social media pages of different brands where they usually announce their upcoming deals.

Not checking the return policy
You may make the perfect shopping list, compare different deals, and do your pricing research but still lose money if you do not check the products’ return policy before shopping. Even though many retailers have the same return policy year-round, some may make modifications. Hence, it is always advisable to double-check the retailer’s return and refund policy before shopping if you do not want to be stuck with unwanted, dysfunctional, or ill-fitting products.

Many get caught up in the competitive nature of sales and deal hunting and go on a shopping spree. It is okay to splurge occasionally, but do not end up making blunders that make you lose a precious dollar. Note the mistakes above, and be a responsible shopper this Cyber Monday.