Today’s guest post is by Gabrielle Greene who co-blogs on TipsOnHowToSaveMoney. Her friends often refer to her as “Gaby Gabs A lot,” especially if it has anything to do with freebies and saving money!

Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching and Black Friday shopping is right on its heels. And, this year, the deals are starting even earlier with some retail stores opening at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

There are two types of people those that love Black Friday and those that hate it! If you fall into the group that loves it and is counting down the days, this post is for you. Below are shopping tips as well as safety tips while shopping.

Black Friday Shopping Tips

1. Preparation makes the difference – Without a plan, you will get lost in the crowd. Most major retailers have already released their Black Friday in-store specials, so start your research online and outline out a plan. Sites such as TheBlackFriday.com or GotADeal.com to check the best deals. These sites can be extremely helpful before even leaving your home and joining the shopping madness that awaits you.
2. Use Email Alerts – Stay ahead of the curve with your favorite stores by using e-mail alerts offered by most retailers. Shoppers can see what products are available, which ones are online only or need to be picked up at the store or perhaps if there is free shipping offered.
3. Social Media is your Friend – Monitoring your favorite retailers on Social Media can also prove helpful because companies commonly offer extra incentives and discounts for liking their Facebook page or following them on Twitter.
4. Smartphone Savvy – Before you pull out of the driveway make sure your smartphone is armed and ready to provide you with key shopping information by downloading a few apps such as – RedLaser and ShopSavvy. The apps help you to compare prices while you are out shopping. Several stores suspend price-match guarantees on Black Friday but try asking for one anyway!
5. Budget. Budget. Budget. – It goes without saying that the most important part of Black Friday shopping is to save money so create a budget and stick to it!

Black Friday Safety Tips

This year shoppers will be out and abound earlier than any other year and your personal safety is most important from criminals as well as just navigating the crowd.

1. Avoid being alone if at all possible. And, avoid purchasing more than you can carry.
2. It was only a few years ago that a man was trampled to death on Black Friday, in New York. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Wear comfortable footwear, such as sneakers, so that you are safe on any type of flooring, whether it be tile or hardwood floor. If the weather is bad that day – depending on where you live – the flooring can be wet and slippery.
3. Carry your purse close to your body to deter pickpockets and keep your wallet separate.
4. Before exiting the store, have your keys out and in your hand so that you aren’t fumbling at the car with an arm full of merchandise trying to find them.
5. Do not leave any packages visible to people passing by your vehicle. Keep them in the trunk if possible.
6. It may not be an ideal option but try to leave small kids home. If that isn’t an option and you are taking children, keep them close by and if they are old enough, make sure you have a central meeting place.

This post is not meant to be an exhaustive list of tips but rather touches on some of the most important helpful shopping tips and safety measures that shoppers should consider before leaving their home. Happy Shopping & deal hunting!