Black Friday: 5 sneaky shopping tricks that really work

Really want to save the most this holiday season? We’ve got you covered. Here are five tricks to getting the best deals in the shortest amount of time. Ready shopping star? You got this!

Trick No. 1: Hit the ATM.

Shopping on a budget? Stop the urge to splurge by leaving your credit cards at home. Scientists have proven that people tend to spend more (and sometimes a lot more) when they use credit cards instead of cash.

The solution is so simple, it sounds crazy: Just bring cash. That way, when you run out of money, you have not choice but to stop shopping. You can go home guilt-free, with your budget perfectly intact.

Trick No. 2: Don’t try on any clothes.

Trust us here: On Black Friday, you do not want to be stuck waiting in line for the dressing room. Instead, you can shop smarter if you already know what you want going in. This trick takes a little planning, but it really pays off. Just head to the store a few days before Black Friday and try on a few things to find your size. The hard part? Waiting until Black Friday to buy something you love. But patience will save you money, and, maybe even more importantly, time.

Trick No. 3: Don’t forget your water bottle.

You’re not running a marathon, but you might feel like it. Your body just isn’t used to getting up at the crack of dawn, fighting the crowds and making rapid-fire decisions on what to buy and what to leave on the shelf. So, bring plenty of bottled water and keep yourself hydrated. The last thing you want is to be remembered as the customer who fainted in the toy aisle.

Trick No. 4: Bring a friend.

The buddy system can help you breeze through Black Friday twice as fast than if you’re on your own. Not only can your shopping partner help you find everything on your list, she can also save your place in line. Bonus: Your pal can give you a reality check if your shopping spree starts to spin out of control.

Trick No. 5: Stay home.

What? Why would you want to sit out on the best shopping day of the year? Because chances are, you can shop faster and easier online. In fact, many retailers are offering the same in-store doorbusters online, only earlier this year (look for free shipping or free ship-to-store deals, too). Plus, you can score Cash Back don’t even have to wear to pants. Two words: Shopping. Nirvana.