Black Friday, which falls the day after Thanksgiving, is widely considered to be the busiest shopping day of the year. To make the most of the great deals and steep discounts, you’ll need a plan.

Here are a few tips that will help you get the products you want at the best possible prices:

Study the circulars
Be sure to get the local newspaper on Thanksgiving Day. It will be jam-packed with circulars and coupons and your best source to local savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific – like getting an additional 15 percent off if you shop before 10 a.m. You can also look for “Black Friday” websites – such as bfads.net and blackfriday.gottadeal.com – that provide advance copies of store ads.

Do your research early
If you have specific items – especially big ticket items – that you are looking to purchase, don’t wait until Black Friday to do your research. Knowing exactly what model (and comparable ones) you are looking for and how much it usually costs will help you determine if the sale is really a good deal for you. Also be sure to check websites where professionals review products (you can do a Web search for the name of the product and the word “review”). You want to make sure there is good feedback and it receives high rating from real customers. A good deal on a bad product, is not a bargain.

Compare prices online
Make sure to use online price comparison websites (PriceGrabber.com, Shopping.com, PriceSpider.com, etc.) to help you find the best prices for items. They will tell you which store or online retailer has the best deal. Shopping online may provide the best price, but don’t forget to factor in any sales tax as well as shipping and handling.

Be an early bird
More and more stores are offering early-day shopper specials that typically run from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Usually there are a limited number of products and no rain checks. So, once the product runs out – that’s it. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based the times of these deals will help insure you get there before the product is gone.

Shop online Thanksgiving eve
Many retailers post their deals on their website late on Thanksgiving Day. Some retailers even offer the ability to order online and pick up the item at a local store. Some retailers also offer Web-only specials.

Double up on discounts
See if the stores will let you buy items at the sale price and combine that with other percent off discount offered by the store. You’ll hit the jackpot if the product also has a cash back rebate.

Bring the ads
To be sure that there are no miscommunication issues when you arrive at the store, bring the ads with you. If a store offers to beat a competitors lower price you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less.

Know the store policies
Fewer stores are offering shopping extended return periods. Many retailers have started charging restocking fees. Nearly every major retail chain has clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges. If you don’t know the stores policies, you may be stuck with an unwanted item.

Ask for gift receipts
Gift receipts usually include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Including gift receipts inside the gift box will make returns or exchanges easier for the gift recipient. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item or risk receiving an exchange for the current selling price of the item.

Think about charging it
While using a credit card to pay for holiday purchases often leads to overspending, there are advantages to charging purchases (but only if you are able to pay the bills on time). If you have a credit card that gives you extended free warranties, return protection and sale price protection, it might be a good idea to use it.

Don’t forget about Cyber Monday, which is the Monday after Thanksgiving when many online retailers have huge discounts, sometimes better deals than Black Friday!

Foster fun family time and make great memories by buying gifts that your whole family can enjoy. Often buying a gift for entire family can be a lot less expensive than buying gifts for each individual family member. Plus, the fun times will go on all year.

1. Zoo Membership
This gift allows the family to go to the zoo anytime of the year. It’s a chance for a fun day outing and picnic for everyone and can save you lots of cash on individual trips to the zoo. You could also supplement this gift by giving each of the kids a book on a particular animal so they can learn all about their favorite zoo dwellers and present to open on Christmas morning.

2. The Amusement Park/Water Park
Think about by a yearly family membership pass to the closest amusement park or water park. It will be tons of enjoyment for you and the kids. If you don’t live close enough to an amusement park to justify the cost of a season pass, consider planning a trip that includes an overnight stay – so you can get two days at the park.

3. The Wii
This is the hottest game console out there and likely on every kid’s wish list. But the Wii is not just for kids. It will provide hours and hours of family fun with games that the entire clan can play (bowling, tennis, and other Wii sports games). This is also a great investment because there are many fitness games that will help the family stay in shape.

4. Board Games
Buy a collection of different board games – trivia games, learning games, and old school games – and then institute a weekly game night. The competitive fun will make memories for everyone last a lifetime and create some real family bonding time.

5. A Computer
Prices are falling, while computing power is increasing which offers more bang for your buck. The kids likely need a computer for homework and games. You need a computer for email, household organization and connecting with friends. Why not buy a family computer that can go in a common room where it’s accessible to the whole household? It also gives you a chance to keep a closer eye on the kids’ online activities.

6. A Big Screen TV
Deals abound for big screen TV’s. And with families spending less on out-of-the-house excursions, watching television and movies at home has become even more popular. It’s a gift your family will enjoy all year-round – especially when there are big TV events like the Superbowl.

7. A Home Theater System
If you already have a big screen TV then maybe it’s time to upgrade the sound system. You can have a theater experience in your own living room without the pricey concessions. You’ll never need to buy another movie ticket.

8. A New Pet
If the kids have been clamoring for a puppy or a kitty, now might be the right time to add a new member the family. There are so many dogs and cats in shelters that could use a loving home. The cost of adopting a pet is usually minimal and this new member of your family will bring everyone more joy and unconditional love than you ever can imagine.

9. A Museum/Aquarium Membership
There are so many types of museums – ones featuring modern art, historical art pieces, sculpture, national history and dinosaurs. Find one that your kids would enjoy and get a family membership. It will be a learning experience and gives your family many chances for amazing day outings throughout the year.

10. Family Vacation
Plan a big vacation for the family. Maybe you’ve all been thinking about a trip to Disney Land or an island vacation or a camping trip to a national park. The kids will remember the vacation for the rest of their lives. So they have presents under the tree, you can give out guide books on the place you plan on visiting. Make it a fun experience, but also an opportunity to learn about a new place.

The last thing you want is to be hit with a hefty credit card bill in January due to a lack of planning and budgeting in the previous months.

Everyone’s budget will be different based on their current economic situation and priorities. And while there is little good news that many people are struggling as the holiday approach, the fact that many family, friends are co-workers are in the same belt tightening mode means that people will be understanding that you are cutting back.

Tips for budgeting and getting ready for the holidays:

Set an overall budget of what you plan to spend. Be sure to include gifts, decorations, food, travel expenses (if you’re planning a visit with family), postage, wrapping paper, a tree and any other items you’ll need.

Set a deadline for buying all of your gifts and holiday decorations. This will help you spread out the amount you are spending over several months, rather than waiting until two weeks before Christmas. It will also help you

Set a price limit for each person on your list. Having this written down will help shape the gifts you select and prevent overspending.

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin shopping. Spending a little each week and knocking items off your list will prevent a last minute cash crunch, overspending or the temptation to use a credit card.

Start looking for the best sales now. Retailers know that times are tight and they are not going to rely on past sales data where most people wait for Black Friday, which falls on the day after Thanksgiving. They are going to start offering sales as soon as possible to jumpstart purchasing. It would be wise to start looking for deals right now.

Save a little money every day. If you skip that latte or brown bag your lunch, put the money you would have spent in a jar each day. You’ll be surprised how quickly these small deposits can add up.

Keep your Christmas list and budget with you at all times. If your cell phone has a notes application or a to-do list enter the information and you’ll be sure to have it with you at all times.

We’ve taken the time to sort out all the deals and bring you only the best we could find. Please use these links below when making your purchases and you’ll save enough on costumes, decorations and more so you won’t run out of candy when all the little superheros, princesses, sports stars and more ring your doorbell looking for their candy treats.

Be sure to visit a2zCostume.com to find all you need to make your Halloween memorable.

Shipping is only $5 for every order, regardless of how much you order, so now is the time to stock up for next year. Maybe you can start your Christmas shopping early and pick up a few outfits for your nieces and nephews. Regardless of your reason for shopping, you will not want to miss out on the Annual Fall Sale at Children’s Place. Don’t wait, shop the Fall Sale today so you can stock up the kids’ closets for next Summer.

Toddler Girls Top Only $2.99

Boys Polo Only $3.99

Big Girlss Tee Only $2.99

Toddler Bodysuit Only $2.99

Maybe you have been looking for that perfect accent table to complete the look in a room – shop now, and you are sure to find what you want at a great price. You need quality, well-built storage cabinets to display your knick-knacks? Home Decorators has a wide variety on sale now. A few of the deals we like are below, but be sure to shop around in the Home Decorators End of Summer Clearance Event if you are looking for something else.

Four Shelf Frech Bookcase Was $319 Now Only $155

10′ Area Rug Was $759 Now Only $150

6 Drawer File Chest Was $429 Now Only $150

]]> http://www.flamingoworld.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1928 0 http://www.flamingoworld.com/blog/?p=1921 http://www.flamingoworld.com/blog/?p=1921#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:25:25 +0000 Chris http://www.flamingoworld.com/blog/?p=1921 If you are in the market to make a few updates to your house, now is a great time to visit HomeDepot.com and pick out a few decor items that will give you that new look you are searching for. Right now, Home Depot is taking up to 40% off selected home lighting accents and decorative ceiling fans. We found a few that we are considering adding to our home, as well as a ceiling fan we like. Don’t forget, a ceiling fan can help you cut your energy costs in both summer and winter by circulating the cool or warm air throughout your home. Some of the items we like are below, but be sure to see all that Home Depot has on sale by clicking here.

Crafted with Master Carving and leaf accents. A pecan finish and tuscan scavo glass give a warm traditional feel to any room.
Only $47 ($79 Retail)

This 52″ ceiling fan from Radcliffe featues a bowl style light with amber glass that houses 3 40-watt bulbs.
Only $164 ($219 Retail)

This pendant light from Hampton Bay features uses 3 lights to give off a radiant glow and warm traditional feel to any room.
Only $209 ($299 Retail)

We have listed a number of stores that have discounts that stand above the rest, so if shopping over Labor Day weekend is what you have planned, be sure to use our coupons to save even more on your purchases.

*West Elm – Up to 75% savings

*Macy’s – online only save an extra 25% on clearance & Free Shipping on $99+.

*REI.com – save extra 50% on clearance.

*6pm.com – Save 40% or more on new brands every day

*Aeropostale – Extra 30% off Clearance. Use coupon 30OFF

*American Mattress – Free Setup and Removal, Free Delivery

*JCPenney – Free Shipping on Orders $49+. Some Exceptions

*Home Depot – 10% off Appliances $400+. Free Delivery and Free Removal

*Lowe’s – 20% off Energy Star Appliances. 20% off Char Broil Commercial Series.

Some of the favorites we found are listed below. These tools are on sale right now, and you can be sure that at these low prices they won’t be around for long. And if you choose to have it “shipped to store”, you won’t pay any shipping. Don’t wait – Order new tools from Walmart today.

Skil Power Wrench Only $38 Was $45

B&D Handisaw Only $24 Was $35

B&D VPX Screwdriver Only $35 Was $40

B&D Compact Drill Only $89 Was $111

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