Black Friday is enough to bring out the competitive spirit in the most mild-mannered shopper. It’s common knowledge that the door busters can sell out within minutes and those must-have toys of the season go faster than the last piece of pumpkin pie. If you’re determined to make the most out of the first shopping day of the holiday season, use these tips to find the best Black Friday deals:

Use a Targeted Approach

Before you even see a sales paper, create your shopping list. When you’re done, prioritize each item and make a note of what you’re willing to spend. This will help keep you focused, provide a framework for further organization and protect your budget. Without a list to keep you on track, you could end up spending more than you can afford once you get swept up in the shopping spirit.

Look Online for Advance Sales Information

You don’t have to spend hours on Thanksgiving Day pouring over the ads to find the best Black Friday deals. Instead, visit BlackFriday.com for a sneak peek. Because stores have started ”leaking” this information early to gain a competitive edge, you can trust what you read on this site. As you match sale prices to your list, make notes about each offer including store, opening times, sale windows, prices and any special coupons. Our Wishlists are a good way to remember and compare the products you are interested in.

Review Print Ads on Thanksgiving Day

Although the online ads are trustworthy, it doesn’t hurt to make sure. Take a few minutes to browse through the paper after your holiday meal. To be on the safe side, create a folder with ads or clippings for the stores you plan to shop at on Black Friday. If there’s any question about a sales item, you’ll have something to refer to before questioning the salesperson.

Plan Your Trip

This is the key to finding the best deals on Black Friday. If you don’t time your shopping trip just right, your must-have items could be gone before you even walk through the doors. Go through your list again and plan your trip based on opening times, item priority, lowest prices and probability of shortages. Whenever possible, hit stores located side by side instead of backtracking.

With a carefully crafted plan in hand, you’ll save more money than ever on Black Friday. If you do it just right, you can finish your holiday shopping in a single day and spend the rest of the year enjoying the festivities!