Why Black Friday deals can cost a bundle

Don't get me wrong. I love Black Friday shopping. After adding up the total cost I've decided not to go this year. Black Friday deals can cost a bundle in hidden costs. The problem isn't in the items themselves but in everything else that goes with shopping that day.

For us, the usual pattern has been to gas up the car on Wednesday. My family typically spends part of Thanksgiving day deciding where we will go and creating a plan of attack to snag those great deals. Then Black Friday we get up extra early and head out. We always take water or other drinks with us. After we've shopped for a couple of hours our drinks are exhausted. That's when we hit a fast food restaurant or coffee shop.

Extra expenses so far are gas and breakfast out. If we brought bottled water instead of tap that's another expense. It's part of how Black Fridays can cost a bundle. The expenses sneak up on you and keep on sneaking.

Late morning means more shopping and lunch out. We usually wind up going to a sit-down restaurant or Shoney's. After a little more time in the stores we'll get thirsty again and probably buy another bottled water or soda.

Extra costs so far are gas, breakfast out, water or sodas and lunch out.

Then, there's all the extra items that somehow find their way into the shopping card. The fun of Black Friday shopping can cost a bundle because those little sale items add up. Going to different stores and sitting in traffic also adds to the gas expense.

Getting old isn't for sissies. The next added Black Friday expense is possibly the only one that's worth the effort. Alleve or Tylenol are wonder medicines when it comes to headaches. It's another way that Black Friday deals cost a bundle. Somehow I always seem to forget to bring it along. Other times I manage to lose the bottle on the way out the door.

Either way, I just want to pick up what I need and get out of the door. The problem is that I forget what I came for and make up for it by over purchasing. It isn't anything that I set out to do it just happens.

Later on I'll look at how those Black Friday deals cost a bundle and probably take a little more Alleve. It's fun but I'm asking myself this year if the effort it worth it. Right now, it's not looking so hot.

What do you think? Are you shopping on Black Friday? If so, how do you plan to spend less and enjoy the day more? Let me know by leaving a comment.