INDIANAPOLIS — Summer sales are here or near, and retailers want you to spend.
But with credit card debt at a record high, it is important to be intentional.
Before you start surfing sales, Kristin McGrath, with RetailMeNot, said to make a list of what your family needs — from back-to-school items to household goods.
"We've seen Amazon offer up to 40% off pantry staples, cleaning supplies," McGrath said.
Amazon Prime Day is also known for its deals on Amazon products and gift cards.
"We've seen Amazon offer up to 25% off gift cards in the past. So, that can be a very strategic move for a gift or just the gift card you're going to spend on yourself," McGrath said.
Making the list of items to shop for can help to avoid impulse buys and get the best deals before they sell out.
"Do some product research in advance so that way you can add items to your cart [and] you know what you're shopping for," McGrath said.
Then, research the product's price history through online tools, including Honey or Google Shopping.
For example, these five wireless Blink cameras are $380 full price. During early Prime Day, Amazon is offering them for $159.
According to Honey's analytics, that is a great price.
Also, double check you can shop the sales.
Amazon Prime Day, which is Tuesday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 12, is for Prime members only. For Target's Circle Week, shoppers need to be signed up for the free Circle app.
While Walmart+ sales are available to all shoppers, Walmart+ members get early access to the deals.