lake forest shores

Black Friday Specials?

November 28, 2024

UPDATE: Lake Forest Shores HOA fees are increasing. Starting January 2025, the new fee will be $440/month.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at Lake Forest Shores. It's a special day to give thanks for the blessings we've received over the past year. Of course, it shouldn't stop you from giving thanks any other day. For sure, a lot of good things happen thoughout the year that makes people reflect on the positive things in life. I'm quite thankful for a lot of things in life, especially knowing I've been quite fortunate enough to be alive and able to write another blog for your entertainment; at least for those who read my blogs. That being said, let's get right into the day after Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is known as the biggest SALE day of the year, but does it still hold true?


Black Friday used to be held once a year, the day after Thanksgiving. Shoppers would flood the stores and wait in long lines to get the best deals for Christmas shopping. The parking lots were full, the lines were long, and shoppers used to rush the doors trampling over each other to get the best items on sale. Now those are memories...Hahaha!

Of course, a lot has changed and Black Friday is no longer the same as before; especially with online shopping and extended sales taking over. Now, I think Black Friday deals start a week in advance before the day after Thanksgiving.

Does that mean Black Friday is less popular than before? Nope, Black Friday still remains one of the busiest shopping days of the year where shoppers can still get so-called, "best deals". I say, "so-called" because you still have to be smart about the price point and as you know, sales are happening year-round.

This year, the Black Friday deals were made available at the beginning of November. I doubt there will be any major price drops on Black Friday in comparison to the sales that began a few weeks ago. Stores are being competitive, so they're listing their sale items ahead of the traditional after Thanksgiving day. In my opinion, what you see at the beginning of November is what you'll get on Black Friday. There might be a few exceptions, but it will be very limited. I think Black Friday is on the decline because these sales are practically the same as those from the months before, and the majority of people now wait for Cyber Monday to shop online. And with the cost of living skyrocking, people are more likely to stop impulse buying; especially if they are using their credit cards.

As an example, go to any department store and try to find assistance. It's almost impossible! Yet, there's no issue once you make it to the register. For sure you'll find someone to assist with making the payment and trying to sell you on opening up a department store credit card. That was my experience at Macy's on different occasions. The store employee was eager to sell me on a store credit card for additional savings. Once you're not interested, you can sense a change in attitude. Also, you have to pay attention to what they are telling you. It felt as if I had stepped into a car dealership.

Long story short, I cancelled the order. I went home and did my purchase online, plus filled out the application for a Macy's credit card. Omg! Believe it or not, but the interest rate is 33.74%. I wonder how many people know this when applying at the store? In all fairness to the store employees, I'm sure they have to meet an end of the month quota; and I'm sure there are incentives too.

Back in 2019, the average interest rate on a credit card was about 16%. Now, it is closer to 23%. That's a hefty increase and it can add up very quickly if you keep having an outstanding balance each month. Honestly, I'm not sure how people are doing it. Everything has gone up in price and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Let's wait until 2025 when gasoline prices are set to increase 65 cents per gallon in taxes due to regulatory and market impacts, but that's only in California. It makes you wonder...

As for some good news, the Beach & Tennis Club is NOT increasing the HOA fees for 2025. I don't know about our own HOA, but we'll find out soon. I believe the minimum amount of time required to notify the homeowners is 30 days. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we get a break for next year.

To finish, I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving with loved ones. To be honest, I'm truly grateful to be living in a beautiful neighborhood. And yes, I do take things for granted at times. I've been through a lot these last couple years, but I'm trying to see the positive side of every situation.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!