Amazon Prime Day Part 2 Is Coming Next Month. Do These Things Now to Prepare

In July, Amazon shoppers were quick to capitalize on the online retail giant's Prime Day Event. In fact, U.S. consumers spent a whopping $12.7 billion in the course of that event. And now, many of us may be gearing up to do it all over again.

Amazon is having a second Prime Day event in October. Called Prime Big Deal Days, the two-day extravaganza will take place Oct. 10 and 11 and will feature numerous deals that consumers will no doubt want to capitalize on.

You may be excited to do your fair share of shopping when October's Prime Day event rolls around. But here are a few moves worth making ahead of time to prepare.

1. Give your savings a boost

Events like Prime Day have the potential to drive people into credit card debt. It can be very hard to say no to great deals when you see them flashing across your screen. But the reality is that if you're forced to charge your Prime Day purchases on a credit card and carry the balance forward, your interest charges might negate the savings you reap on the items in question.

That's why now's a good time to pad your savings account. If you're able to cut back on some spending in the coming weeks and bank that cash instead, you'll have more opportunities to jump on Prime deals without having to worry about landing in debt -- and paying the price in the form of interest.

2. Apply for the Prime Visa

You don't have to use the Prime Visa to pay for purchases on Amazon. The online retail giant accepts a host of credit cards.

But if you use the Prime Visa, you'll enjoy 5% back at Amazon. So if you expect to do a lot of shopping this October, then it could pay to set yourself up with that card so you can scoop up the extra cash back. (That cash back, incidentally, might come in really handy at a time when you're also looking at doing holiday shopping.)

In addition to 5% back at Amazon, the Prime Visa offers 2% back on gas. So if your current credit card only gives you 1% back at the pump and you buy a lot of gas, it could be worth adding the Prime Visa to your wallet.

3. Take inventory at home and see what items you need to buy or replace

Household items have a tendency to wear out over time. The once-fluffy towels you loved when you moved into your home four years ago may now be limp and stained. And the area rug that graces your living room may be ripped up from too much use.

Similarly, there may be items you've been itching to buy for your home at the right price, like an air fryer or similar kitchen gadget. So in the coming weeks, spend a little time taking inventory at home, and make a list of the items you want to buy for the first time or replace. That way, you can see what deals Amazon is offering in October and decide if it's the right time to make those purchases.

October's Prime Day event could end up being a huge success for Amazon. But it's important for you to make the most of that event. Saving in advance, snagging a credit card that'll reward you generously for your Amazon purchases, and going in equipped with a shopping list could make it so you're able to score your share of deals without hurting your finances along the way.