How to Plan for Black Friday

Black Friday, the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving, is the busiest day of the year for U.S. retailers. Everyone from big box chains to mom-and-pop convenience stores gets in on the act, offering steeply discounted merchandise to kick off the Christmas shopping season. But Black Friday isn't for the faint of heart. To get the best deals, you need to make a list, draw up a budget and do your homework.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Gather wish lists from your family members early. It may sound crazy, but if you get their wish lists early, you can scope out the going retail price on big ticket items to make sure you really are getting a good deal on Black Friday.

2. Make a budget and stick to it. Sales are wonderful things, but if you can't afford the item--whether it's on sale or not--you shouldn't be buying it.

3. Check out Black Friday ads at the Black Friday Ads website (free registration required). The site posts insider information on Black Friday sales weeks and even months in advance, and it includes information on just about every major chain store in the U.S. Check it early and often so you can plan your Black Friday attack with laser-like precision.

4. Make a list of the items you plan to buy at Black Friday sales and follow it. Retailers use steeply discounted bait items to get you into their stores in the hopes that you will make impulse purchases of more expensive items, which can mean you'll blow your budget. Make a list, find your item, buy it and get out of there.

5. Give yourself a gift: avoid paying with credit cards. The money you save buying discounted items on Black Friday will likely be paid two- or three-fold if you are unable to pay off your credit card balance in full each month. High interest rates, over-limit fees and late fees pile up mighty quickly, so just don't do it. Pay with cash, a check or your debit card.

6. Get a good night's rest the night before. Chances are you'll be up before dawn to hit the most desirable sales. Remember to wear sensible shoes and comfortable clothing. And bring a water bottle and a snack. It will keep you energized for a long day of shopping, and your head will be clear to make wise purchases.

7. Find out the stores gift return policy, and save your receipts. It's inevitable that no matter how well you plan for Black Friday, you'll end up having to return something.

Tips & Warnings

• As much as you may love your together time, kids, husbands and pets are probably better left at home on Black Friday.

Resources

• Black Friday Ads website.

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[Magentaslb]

on 11/27/2009 My mother and I used to to this every year...great article, 5*s

[blackfridaysec]

on 11/17/2009 found some awesome black friday tips on a website for this year, they listed some amazing deals check it out, they put up the leaked ad info for a few of the major retailers

http://blackfridaysecrets.co.cc/