Cyber Monday and Black Friday

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The four-day weekend has seen consumers spend $45 billion, up from $41.2 billion last year. I contributed to this figure slightly, buying three long-sleeve shirts at good, but hardly impressive, discounts on Saturday. Cyber Monday is an extension of this weekend, having become a bit of a self-fulfilling prophesy as online retailers have grabbed the opportunity for another sales event.

Productivity around the country will likely have faltered today as shoppers take time away from working to surf the internet looking for deals from the office. A few years ago, Cyber Monday was a myth. That is no longer true; for those who are interested in spending, today is a good day to find deals online, whether for your Christmas gift ideas or for yourself.

One of my favorite places for deals today is the Amazon.com Gold Box. While I didn’t have time to keep checking the website, one friend brought my attention to a sale featuring BBC television series on DVD and Blu-Ray. I didn’t take advantage, but if I didn’t already have the latest Doctor Who episodes, I would have taken action.

Did you find any Cyber Monday deals today, or are you still looking? I can’t fault anyone for spending. The most financially secure advice tends to focus on not spending unless you can afford what you’re buying without debt and if the purchase doesn’t sacrifice your future. The occasional holiday gift usually won’t destroy someone’s finances, but I know many people who buy a number of toys for their children that end up piling up in the attic until the next office campaign to solicit new toys for underprivileged children.