Credit Cards and Comfy Shoes

If you are serious about Black Friday shopping then read on my sisters and brothers! The time has come for me to reveal the keys to a shop-a-licious day. Your goal? To cross everybody off your Christmas list while spending as little as possible. The bargains you'll find this year are the only upside of the down economy. The discounts will be DEEP and smart shoppers will be taking advantage of the deals.

BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY

Start with a budget and a list. Now is the time to ask your sister to text you with clothing sizes and gift ideas for your nieces and nephews. Save the text messages so that you'll have the info when you need it. Ask friends, coworkers and family members for gift ideas for your other loved ones. If the list is looking too long for your wallet suggest dollar limits for gifts or secret santa gift exchanges for work and extended family.

Collect circulars and coupons. Find out which stores have the stuff you need. Many stores have timed discounts so take note of door buster sales and special hours. Some retailers are offering online coupons and maps. Visit mall sites, stores sites and manufacturer websites. Compare prices. Just because a store is calling it a "sale" doesn't mean they are offering the best deal.

Plan your route. Your first stop should be the store offering the best price on the item you want the most. Make time sensitive sales your top priority.

Line up your shopping posse. Your mother, your sister, your friend.... decide who'll accompany you on your Black Friday shopping mission. Call a sitter and tell your man he's on his own. Kids and men who hate to shop can slow you down and take the fun out of your day.

Gather your gear. Comfortable shoes, snacks for the car and a hands free backpack or pouch large enough to hold your keys, credit cards, shopping list, cell phone, circulars (you'll need these for proof if you run into a price-matching situation) and receipts.

THANKSGIVING

Set your alarm. Early bird deals start as early as midnight. I'm kicking off Rockin' Shoppin' Eve at Carolina Place Mall at 1:00 am ( http://www.carolinaplace.com/html/EventDetail.asp?ecd=165608). Get to the stores early for the best prices, best selection and groovy giveaways.

BLACK FRIDAY

Snag the first available parking spot. Circling wastes time and seldom results in getting closer to the store. Look for spots around the back of the mall. Inexperienced shoppers make a mad dash for the spots closest to the entrances. Enter your car location into your cell phone. Stash your shopping bags in the trunk between purchases. It'll keep back strain to a minimum plus shoppers who are overloaded with bags are walking targets for muggers.

Use your credit card. Many cards offer extended warranties on electronics so you don't feel tempted to buy the store's pricey protection for that new TV, computer or video gaming system. Credit cards can also make returning a little easier.

Be patient. Long lines are to be expected. Use the time in line to check items off of your list, organize receipts and to exchange bargain info with other shoppers. If a line is really holding you up call ahead to the next store to see if they still have the item you want in their inventory.

Speak up. Sometimes scanners malfunction and don't give you the sale price. Items get missed at markdown time. Don't be afraid to ask questions about advertised items you can't find on the sales floor because there may be a few in the stockroom. Don't feel shy about asking for a rain check on an item that sold out before you could get it. Don't be afraid to ask for gifts going to different homes to be rung up separately. And don't forget to ask for your gift receipts.

Be a good shopper. Use kind speech with fellow shoppers and salespeople. Do your part to keep dressing rooms and racks neat. And STICK TO YOUR LIST to avoid overspending.