How Not To Go "Money Mad" on Black Friday

You have made your Christmas list, checked it twice, and now you are prepared to venture out on the most important day of the year – Black Friday. Wait! There is just one word of caution – do not go "Money Mad" on this sales day!

Who doesn’t love a sale?

Who dislikes paying off debts?

In this case, the two are not mutually exclusive. Shopping on Black Friday, although you can enjoy savings, can also put you into debt if you are not careful. Here are some tips to help you stick to your Christmas list and your budget:

* Check the prices either online or in the newspaper before you go.

* Clip out the coupons that offer an all-day discount.

* Stick to the budget you've set out and the price you've assigned for each gift.

* Bring just enough cash to cover the cost of the gifts.

* Use a debit card, or if you really have to use a credit card, stick to the amount you set out to spend and go no further.

* Arrive early in the morning.

* Bring a friend to not only help you find the items, but also to deter you from buying anything that’s not on the list.

* Check out the store before Black Friday and locate the items you intend to purchase. You may also wish to check if they can be held for you until Friday.

* When you arrive at the store, go directly to the department where your items can be found.

* After you have finished all your shopping, leave immediately. Don’t stop to browse or look for something to buy for you. You and your friend can have a leisurely lunch to relax and de-stress.

Yes, the sale items will be enticing and tempting, but remember that the bill will arrive in the mail the following month and you will have to deal with the consequences if you overspend.

Here’s another thought to ponder. Are these sale items marked up specifically for Black Friday? Consider how much you would pay for a blouse on sale if you shopped in August. Department stores are in the business of making money. In order to do so, they are certainly not going to sell an item for no profit.

If you really want to save money, time, and stress – start your Christmas shopping in the early spring or summer. You can shop on any sale day when the stores are less crowded and you have time to consider the purchase.

In fact, there are millions of people who have boycotted Black Friday altogether. Perhaps they know something we don’t!

8 Tips for Shopping on "Black Friday 2008"

Ah, the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, can either be a shopper’s dream or the worst nightmare.

For the last several years, department stores have been opening up earlier every year. Lines have formed outside these buildings anytime from 2 a.m. onwards. For those of you shop on Black Friday, you are well aware of the many sales offered by most merchants.

For those of you who have never shopped on Black Friday, it’s quite an experience. The key to landing those terrific sales is to have a plan.

Armed with your Christmas list, experts advise that you go directly to the departments where your items can be found. If necessary, visit the departments before Black Friday so you can easily find the best route to the items on your list.

Avoid browsing and try not to buy anything for yourself. Time is precious on this day, and there are always mobs of people trying to grab that last sale item on the rack.

While Black Friday offers great deals, it is a good idea to follow these tips:

* Check out the newspapers the week of Black Friday for sale items or you can check out the Black Friday 2008 ads at Black-Friday.net

* Clip out any coupons from the newspapers as well as online coupons that can be utilized in stores.

* Check each store's online website to determine what items you will be purchasing.

* Check out what time the stores will open and close. Keep in mind some stores offer sales for a few hours only.

* Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

* Try to pay for items with cash (use a waist pouch or a neck pouch to store the cash). Bring a bottle of water – it can get awfully hot!

* If you have to pay with a credit card, use only one card and pay off the balance as soon as possible.

* Take someone with you so that you can both shop for the items on your list.

Although most people look forward to Black Friday, others avoid it like the plague. That’s okay, too. With online shopping becoming more popular, you can avoid the mobs and shop from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.

In any case, stay focused on your mission; stay vigilant with those around you, and stick to your list!