Black Friday, so named after the fact that most retailers will be taking their budgets from the red up to the black. So the question is how do you enjoy the deals but keep your holiday budget in the black? Here are a few tips to keep you on track this year.

Go with a Plan

Before you wake up at 4 am, do your research, you should be following and keeping up with certain brands, and items that you have a particular interest in. Create a list of things you need most (and let’s be honest, things you want most) and organize a route you plan to take to optimize your time.

Anyone can find a good deal on Black Friday, the hard part is finding the best deal. You can bet on finding the best deals if you’re searching for fall clothes as most retailers are trying to close out this years stocks. Other good buys are tablets and Apple products. Although, you want to shop Apple at retailers other than the Apple Store.

TV’s are also heavily marked down, along with children’s toys. But know that the TV qualities can be low, and a lot of stores will use last year’s toys, not a bad thing, but just be aware.

Hit the Web

It can be easy to think you’ll find the best deals for getting up in the cold and driving to best buy, but more often than not, the best deals are found online. Most of them will begin Monday, December 1st at Midnight Eastern Time, so for all us West Coast folk, that means 9:00 pm on Sunday night is when the cyber deals open.

Sites like blackfriday.com and dealnews.com are great resources to help you get the right timing, navigate the sales, and get the most bang for your buck.

Sign up for Email Alerts

Let your inner shopper out while you’re not shopping, follow your favorite brands on social media and sign up for their email lists. If you love them, they will love you and shower your (and your inbox) with promotions, special offers, and news.

Some retailers even have apps. Target’s cartwheel app offers up to 50% off items on certain items, they also have a special app  just for the Holiday season, which allows users to create, save and share wishlists with others. Parents can choose to receive 10% off one of their child’s selections.