Even Black Friday Will Be More Expensive Than Usual

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to be more expensive than usual, as the global economy grapples with issues from the AI industry's memory shortage to the ongoing war in Iran. Prices for many products, such as smartphones and gaming consoles, have increased, and some gadgets that rely less on memory may see better deals. Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky warns that even advertised savings may not equate to a good deal.

To save money, Dworsky suggests monitoring prices through price-history websites and considering used or refurbished gadgets, as manufacturers are increasingly selling refurbished units. However, Ubrani cautions that with ongoing economic turmoil, consumers will likely have to bear the brunt of additional costs. Despite the unfavorable outlook, Ubrani advises consumers to purchase the most performance they can afford today, as elevated pricing is expected to persist for years.