Karen Hoxmeier^DIVA

I've been hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the past 10 years and I can tell you, putting together a traditional holiday meal with all the fixings isn't cheap, even if you aren't serving a crowd. Over the years, I have found many ways to cut costs and get more for my money.

Kmart is having a Layaway Sweestakes that will run through November 17, 2012. Simply place an item in layaway, either online or at your local Kmart store and you will have a chance to win $500 toward your layaway balance. 12,350 winners will be selected, one every week at every store, as well as one per week from online orders.

The shopping day millions of people look forward to all year long is almost here! Computers for $200, TVs for $100, video games for $20... If you have visions of doorbusters dancing in your head, you'll need to get in line early!

With so much competition, the only way to ensure you snag the hottest deals is by being one of the first people through the door...

As we move into an increasingly digital society, you probably find yourself using less paper checks to pay for things. However, we aren't quite at the point where most people can totally do away with them. It used to be when you needed checks, you had to order them through your bank, paying an outrageous amount of money for not only the checks, but also for shipping and handling. Adding insult to injury, the checks you had to choose from were BORING!

These days, there are better options for purchasing fun...

My name is Karen Hoxmeier. For as long as I can remember, I've been a bargain hunter. In 1999, I turned my love of clearance shopping into a website called MyBargainBuddy.com, where I post online deals and share tips on creative ways to save money.

I started shopping Black Friday sales nearly 20 years ago. Back then, the crowds weren't nearly as fierce as they are now. Sure, people went crazy for Cabbage Patch Dolls in the 80's and Tickle Me Elmo in the 90's, but no one got shot or pepper sprayed while trying to snag one!

Every year, one hot toy rises to the top of American wish lists and every year, demand exceeds supply and millions of frantic parents go to extremes to get their hands on it. Hasbro's all-new Furby is teetering on the brink of becoming 2012's holiday "it" toy.