Prime Day is a shopping event that can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless deals and discounts, it’s easy to overspend or make impulse purchases. However, taking a well-thought-out approach to your spending can help you maximize your savings while maintaining financial stability. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) suggest a strategic approach that includes planning, setting a clear budget, and prioritizing your purchases. With the right strategies, you can navigate Prime Day like a seasoned shopper, ensuring you only purchase what you need and at the best possible price.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps for creating an effective Prime Day shopping plan, enabling you to enjoy the sales without the stress.

1. Set Deal Notifications to Stay Ahead of the Game

If you want to catch the best Prime Day deals, setting up deal notifications should be your first move. This method ensures that you are instantly notified when items you are interested in go on sale.

How to Set Up Notifications:

• Amazon App: Enable notifications for the items on your wish list. You’ll get alerts as soon as deals go live, allowing you to act quickly.
• Push Notifications: Allow push notifications on your phone to stay updated in real-time.
• Visit the Prime Day Page: Familiarize yourself with the categories and deals ahead of time so that you can quickly navigate when the sale begins.

By staying proactive and checking your notifications regularly, you increase your chances of securing the best deals.

2. Use Voice Assistants for Hands-Free Deal Alerts

Voice assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa, are more than just handy tools—they can also help you save during Prime Day. These devices make it easier to keep track of deals, allowing you to shop without having to continuously check your phone or computer.

Why Use Voice Assistants:

• Instant Alerts: Set up Alexa to notify you about upcoming deals, ensuring you never miss a sale on the items you want.
• Hands-Free Shopping: Simply use voice commands to make purchases through Alexa, adding convenience to your shopping experience.
• Pre-Event Notifications: Alexa can alert you up to 24 hours before a sale begins, giving you time to prepare and plan.

Integrating voice technology into your Prime Day strategy allows you to stay informed and responsive, so you can act fast when a deal becomes available.

3. Compare Deals Across Multiple Retailers

While Amazon is the star of Prime Day, you don’t want to overlook the competition. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy often run sales that coincide with Prime Day, offering comparable or even better deals in some cases.

Retailer	Average Discount	Notable Deals
Amazon	Up to 30%	Electronics, Home Goods
Walmart	Up to 25%	Clothing, Kitchenware
Best Buy	Up to 20%	TVs, Appliances
Target	Up to 15%	Furniture, Home Decor

Using price comparison tools, like CamelCamelCamel or Honey, can help you evaluate whether the deals you see on Prime Day are truly the best or if another retailer offers a better option.

4. Focus on Essential Items

Prime Day is full of exciting offers, but it’s important to stick to what you actually need. Prioritizing essentials will ensure you get the most value for your money and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Tips for Essential Discounts:

• Set Alerts for Necessities: Use Amazon’s “Buy Again” feature to track deals on items you purchase regularly, like household essentials or personal care products.
• Bulk Buy: Take advantage of discounts by stocking up on items you use frequently. This can help you save in the long run.
• Always Compare Prices: Just because something is listed as a deal doesn’t mean it’s the lowest price. Use price comparison tools to make sure you’re getting the best offer.

By focusing on items that you genuinely need, you ensure that your spending is purposeful and aligned with your budget.

5. Create a Detailed Shopping List

One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage your Prime Day spending is by creating a detailed shopping list. This method helps keep you focused, ensuring you only buy what you need.

Steps to Building a Shopping List:

• Assess Your Needs: Start by evaluating what items you truly need or have been planning to buy.
• Prioritize Purchases: Organize your list by prioritizing must-have items at the top and non-essential, “nice-to-have” items lower on the list.
• Set a Budget: Once you’ve estimated the prices of items on your list, set a strict spending limit.
• Use a Spreadsheet: Track prices, savings, and availability using a spreadsheet to manage your shopping effectively.

Having a plan and sticking to it will help prevent impulse buys and ensure that you don’t go over budget.

6. Stick to Your Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Prime Day, but staying within your budget is crucial for long-term financial health.

Budgeting Tips for Prime Day:

• Set a Maximum Spend: Determine the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend, and stick to it.
• Track Your Purchases: Keep a tally of the items you buy to ensure you don’t overspend.
• Include Sales Tax: Remember that taxes aren’t included in the listed price, so factor them into your budget.
• Limit Credit Card Use: Where possible, avoid using credit cards to fund your purchases. Stick to cash or debit to prevent going into debt.

By adhering to a set budget, you can enjoy Prime Day without compromising your financial stability.

7. Avoid Impulse Buying

Impulse purchases are tempting, especially during events like Prime Day where discounts are everywhere. However, they can quickly derail your budget and lead to buyer’s remorse.

How to Avoid Impulse Purchases:

• Implement a Waiting Period: If you find something you want to buy, add it to your cart but wait at least 24 hours before purchasing. This gives you time to evaluate whether you really need the item.
• Stick to Your List: Avoid venturing outside of the pre-made shopping list you’ve created. Refer back to it whenever you feel tempted by a deal.
• Accountability Partner: Share your shopping list with a friend or family member, and ask them to hold you accountable before making any large or unplanned purchases.

By practicing discipline and following these tips, you can avoid impulse purchases and ensure that your Prime Day shopping aligns with your financial goals.

Final Thoughts

Prime Day offers an exciting opportunity to score major discounts on a wide variety of products. However, without proper planning, it’s easy to overspend and regret your purchases later. By setting up deal notifications, using voice assistants, comparing prices across retailers, and focusing on essential items, you can maximize your savings while sticking to your budget. Creating a well-organized shopping list and practicing discipline will help you avoid unnecessary purchases. By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to navigate Prime Day with confidence and financial responsibility.