A Shopaholics Guide to Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Like many of my fellow shopaholics, the economic downturn forced me to adopt more practical spending habits. In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I am taking a small hiatus from my frugality-I have deals to find. If you love shopping as much as I do but want to get the most from your hard-earned dollars, do some smarter shopping. Maintain your honorable title as "shopaholic" without busting your piggy bank by following a few shopping rules.

The "B" Word

Yes, it is absolutely the shopaholics' least favorite word but someone has to say it-budget. Set a budget before you go online or hop in your car. Deciding on a budgeted amount on the way to the mall or while logging on to your browser is not an effective spending measure. Don't know how to get a budget? Add up your income, subtract your bill money and set aside a portion of what is left for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday fund.

Create a List

Flying by the seat of your wallet is no way to shop. You must make a list before you begin shopping or else you'll go home and ask yourself, "What did I buy?" If you still have doubts about what to buy, at least give yourself some guidelines. If buying gifts, set a dollar amount. Write it down and take the list with you.

Review Your Options

Read the sales fliers! Similar items may be on sale but read the fine print. Small details are important. Scan the ads and use a highlighter to circle items you want. Upload a price comparison app to your cell phone. With a flick of your wrist, your cell phone can become a shopaholic's best friend. Keep in mind on Black Friday there is no guarantee the advertised item will available at your chosen store. It's first come, first serve!

Reconnaissance

Like any good shopping soldier, you need to make a reconnaissance trip before shopping. Get familiar with the layout of stores you do not shop at regularly. Is the ladies' department upstairs or downstairs? This information is important to know when you have a crowd competing for the same items. Write down details if you need to.

Map Your Journey

After perusing the ads and cruising online, map your journey. You will need a good roadmap to help you save on fuel costs and get the sale. Be a smart shopper with a real map to the best deals in your city.