Black Friday is just around the corner in the Mankato, Minnesota area, which means businesses and consumers are already starting to prepare. Usually, preparing for Black Friday means setting an early alarm clock, brewing extreme amounts of coffee, plotting a shopping route, and elbowing to get the best deals. Through all your planning, though, have you also prepared your pocketbook?
Bankruptcy can be a serious issue around the holiday season, especially when it comes to a day dedicated to spending money. In this two-part blog post, we’re going to first discuss the history of bankruptcy in regards to Black Friday. Next week, once we know what Black Friday is all about, we’ll pick up with a post about avoiding bankruptcy on Black Friday.
Here are a few facts behind Black Friday vocabulary:
- All in a Name: The name “Black Friday” originated with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1966. They began referring to the day after Thanksgiving as “Black Friday” because, as a result of increased holiday shopping and traffic from the Army versus Navy football game, the city was thrown into chaos.
- In the Black: The meaning of the changed in the 1980s. The phrase “in the black” typically means that stores are profitable, whereas “in the red” means that stores are either struggling financially, insolvent, or approaching bankruptcy.
- Cyber Monday: Though Black Friday has remained important to annual retail sales, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. Don’t want to wait in line for hours for that new T.V.? Better to wait until Cyber Monday, which takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving!
In order for you to remain financially “in the black” this holiday season, we’ll be back next week with a few ways to avoid filing for bankruptcy this Black Friday. For folks in the Mankato, Minnesota area, the holiday season should be celebrated, not feared.
If you feel like your finances need a little help before the season starts, and that bankruptcy may be the best solution for you, contact Behm Law Group Ltd. today.
