Shopping Tips

Cyber Monday only involves the click of a button — technically — but to get the best deals, it requires just as much planning as Black Friday shopping. Read on for strategies that will help you be on your best cyber game and save big.

• Cover all your bases. If you're up to speed on the different ways to research Cyber Monday deals, then you'll be way ahead of the curve. Bookmark sites like CyberMonday.com, download apps like TGI Cyber Monday, sign up for newsletters to alert you on the upcoming sales, and follow stores on Twitter and Facebook for potentially exclusive social-media deals.
• Research products, not just prices. It may sound obvious, but researching items is essential before the big day rolls around. One of the downfalls about the Cyber Monday is that you can't test or see a product in person; knowing as much as you can by talking to friends who own the items or reading vetted online reviews is key.
• Take advantage of reward points. Last year, many companies offered ways to maximize travel reward points on Cyber Monday. Shop certain deals to get you that much closer to a much-needed vacation.
• Remember shipping costs. When you spot an amazing deal, it's easy to forget about the shipping fees. Make sure you know ahead of time which sites offer free shipping, or compare shipping prices so you don't overspend.
• Beware of scams. Cyber Monday isn't just a holiday for shoppers — scammers love it, too. Only give up your credit card information to trusted, established sites, and don't fall prey to any fishy emails that offer too-good-to-be-true deals.

We don't blame you if the thought of Black Friday induces feelings of sheer panic, what with all the crowds and the chaos. But taking part in the shopping holiday comes with benefits other than getting a huge discount on coveted items. Here are a few reasons that might just change a skeptic's mind.

• It's a tradition. These days, Black Friday is as much of a ritual as having Thanksgiving dinner. The day only comes around once a year, and for all the planning and research that goes into it, it should be something to look forward to. If you're not someone who shops most of the year, this is your chance to go a little retail crazy.
• Go for the bonding. Chances are you go Black Friday shopping with your closest family and friends. That gives you plenty of time to spend together: chatting while you wait in long lines, asking one another for opinions, and sharing stories once it's all over. Let the day create a sense of togetherness.
• All about the rush. Let's be honest: there's something exciting about snatching up a great deal before anyone else does. A dose of friendly competition every now and then is perfectly healthy.
• Knock out holiday gift shopping. Braving the crowds is a good decision, if for no other reason than you can buy presents for family and friends in one outing. Shopping in store means you can see and try out items yourself without worrying about how they're going to look when they come in the mail. More likely than not, you'll find gifts for everyone from grandma to your best friend at a great price, and afterward, you can cross shopping off your list.

It's easy to get caught up in the madness and hype of Black Friday, the year's big shopping holiday. Unfortunately, that includes falling for myths that don't have much truth to them. Here are some of the top ones we've learned to look out for. If you're tackling the sales this year, remember to shop wisely.

You can only score Black Friday deals the day after Thanksgiving. This year, several major companies will kick off their Black Friday sales weeks before the big day. Amazon, for example, will start its specials on Nov. 19, and many stores open on Thursday this year.

You can't get a better deal anywhere else. Some places will make you feel like no one else can beat their prices. But studies show that Black Friday isn't always the best time to shop for certain items.

You have to camp out overnight. Oh, the power of a click of a button. Similar to what happened last year, many Black Friday deals are expected to be offered online for the same price or even less. Now you won't have an excuse to miss Thanksgiving dinner.

Ads are accurate. No matter what the ad pages say, stores can still adjust their sales according to other retailers' prices. And the fine print won't always tell you that there's only one of those flat-screen TVs in stock at that price.

It's worth it. Not every Black Friday deal is really a deal, and hidden costs lurk as well. Once you add up all the time you will spend not only online but also in stores hunting for a deal, you have to ask yourself if it's worth the effort. Do you really need that new laptop? Did you buy something similar last year?

You could spend weeks researching your Black Friday hit list, but once you're past the doors, it's a whole different ball game. To ensure that you're as prepared as you possibly can be, we've put together some in-store shopping strategies that are essential for getting the best deals.

• Prioritize, and stick to, your list. Whether you use an app like Black Friday or prefer writing on a piece of paper, make a list starting with the items you want most. You'll be less disappointed if something runs out at the bottom of your list than at the top. And remember to stick to it. Once you're in the store, you'll be tempted by other too-good-to-be-true prices, but unless you absolutely can't live without an item, don't go overboard.
• Bring your own shopping bag. Grab a tote bag before you head out the house if you know you'll be shopping smaller items like jewelry. If hand baskets run out, which very well may happen, you don't want to be left with your hands too full to keep shopping.
• Involve friends and family. Not only will you be able to spread out and tackle multiple items, but also, you can count it as a bonding activity. Think of all the stories you'll be able to share after a crazy day of shopping.
• Pretend like you're going on a road trip. OK, not literally, but prepare in the same way you would for a long drive. Pack enough snacks and water for stamina, and make sure to dress appropriately and comfortably. Now's probably not the time to break in your new pair of heels.
• Check the return policy. Before you purchase, ask what the store's return policy is on Black Friday deals. It might be different than the store's policy the rest of the year, and you don't want to be stuck with an item you paid big bucks for and no longer want.
• Keep calm and shop on. We've all heard stories of Black Friday nightmares, but as long as you keep your cool and don't let the craziness get to you, you'll be on your best game and might actually enjoy it so much that you'll look forward to next year.

Before and after the holidays, our in-boxes are flooded with discounts, sale emails, and deals that seem impossible to resist. Even worse, they're often loaded with urgency: save 30 percent off, two days only!

But shopping a few sales here and there on top of gift buying can add up to a massive credit-card bill at month's end. This season, I've been finding new ways to exercise willpower around all these sales, so check out my tips after the break.

There's no need to toss junk food into the trash if you never buy any! Moms often find themselves in the kitchen cleaning out the pantry much to their children's chagrin. We asked Clean Food ($20) author Terry Walters, who encourages families to eat "close to the source," to give us some tips for choosing (and controlling) what goes in the shopping basket. Here's what she had to say:

Turn grocery shopping into a game. The rules are simple. Just focus on foods that come from a plant (the green kind, not the manufacturing kind) and in all of the colors of the rainbow (Fruit Loops don't count!). With the rules set, your children are ready to go off on a healthy and educational scavenger hunt to find the best items for your family.

Look for items from each of the food groups. Make sure you have whole grains, vegetables, legumes (beans), nuts, seeds, fruit, and more.

Fill your cart with as few packaged items as possible. If it doesn't come in a package, you know it's minimally processed!

Avoid artificial ingredients. Teaching kids to read labels is easy. I have my girls (10 and 12) look at the ingredient list and make sure they can imagine how each entry grows. If they can't translate it in their minds, chances are they won't be able to translate it in their bodies either!

Look for seasonal produce. These items tend to be showcased in the produce section, but a trip to a farmers market or local pick-your-own farm is a great way to learn about what's in season in your neck of the woods.

Keep reading for more helpful tips.