Weekly Grab Bag: Best of Black Friday

Will you shop 'til you drop? Maybe you’ll hide in a cave until the madness has subdued? Either way, I’m sure you’ve put some thought into how you’ll spend Black Friday this year and you aren’t alone. I’ve rounded up some of the best tips and commentary I’ve read on the subject this week. We’ve got the naysayers, the yaysayers, and the folks that just that want to make sure you’ve got all the info you need to be a successful shopper.

No matter what category you fall into, I’d like you all to remember that just because it’s a good deal for someone, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal for you! Ruining your credit for stuff you don’t need and can’t afford just isn’t worth it. *steps down off of soapbox*. 

Holiday coping mechanisms

@MonroeOnABudget points out that you may have to pay the price of a Sunday paper this Wednesday to get a hard copy of all the deals.

@Matt_SF has the turkey day blues and I can understand why. Good to know I won’t be the only one out their dodging inappropriate questions about producing grandbabies tomorrow.

@creditgoddess has a guest post on @MyLifeROI giving us some tips on keeping financial stress at bay this holiday season.

@Real_Simple throws in some holiday facts that make you say hummm, like the fact that in 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week to extend the shopping season and help business.

Covering all fronts

@pffirewall was kind enough to give us a full on evaluation of the benefits and downfalls to Black Friday shopping.

Just say no… to Black Friday shopping!

@prosperousfool would like to point out the reasons you shouldn’t go shopping on Black Friday.

If you shop, shop smart

@MMarquit has some good tips on @Moolanomy about getting the best deals.

@MoneyMatters points out the importance of doing your research before hitting the stores. 

@BudgetsAreSexy suggest we look at it as the “Olympics of Shopping”. Note to J: Promise the fast running teenagers Jonas brothers concert tickets, they will run faster. Not that I've tried it before...

@masteryourcard reminds us that a good rewards card can be a preferred sidekick while doing Black Friday shopping. Put those points to work!

@ptmoney fills us in on an interesting historical tidbit. Did you know the police department in Philadelphia are credited with using the term first to connect the Black Friday of 1869 and their own crisis, the day after Thanksgiving traffic?

@freefrombroke wants us to think outside the season. This might be a great time to get a deal on that camera you’ll want for summer 10’ vacay.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but I’ll be among the hoards of crazed shoppers come 48 hours. I got sucked in by the 42” plasma at Walmart for $448.00. Momma needs a new TV and baby is a cheapskate. Translation, I'm buying my mom a new TV for Christmas and I refuse to wreck my credit to do it. Anyone have any good online alternatives so I can stay in bed this Friday morning?