"I look forward to working through the changes I want to make and talking with others who have the same desires. Thank you for making this possible!" -Kathy
Read More Testimonials»

Our Having More Money Experts

Douglas Andrew

Douglas Andrew

Owner and President of Paramount Financial Services, Inc.

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Barbara Corcoran

Barbara Corcoran

Founder of The Corcoran Group and real estate contributor...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Lee Brower

Lee Brower

Wealth trainer, consultant and author

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Finances Experts»

News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

Avoiding Black Friday

Avoiding Black Friday

'Tis the Season! For retailers to be worried, that is.

Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year, is causing some retailers a lot of nervous tension. Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and other big chains are slashing their prices even further than normal to draw in the crowds. But as most of us know by now, some deals aren't really worth the hassle of long lines and crowds.

And all of which have been cleverly designed to keep you spending-especially on things you can't afford-and put yourself further in debt. Don't get us wrong, we've been known to hear the siren's call of "buy one, get one" and all that. It's just that there are deals to be had year round, and we don't want to see you wild-eyed at 3:30 am, crushed against the door of Dillard's as the teeming masses yearn for cashmere and cable knits. It's so...undignified.

And the forecast for this Black Friday is rather grim. Experts are saying many consumers are saying 'no' to Friday shopping and  are discovering that they can find these so-called "early bird" deals online, right now. Hmmm...shop in pajamas, next to a roaring fire? Yes, please.

Tell us, will you brave the wild and participate in the madness that is Black Friday, or will you stay snuggled in bed with a warm blanket and comfy pillow? Man! Decisions, decisions. We feel for you....we really do! Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted: 11/26/08
veartwani

Hello

My name is veart(single). I was impressed when i saw your profile today at and i will like to establish a long lasting relationship with you. In addition,i will like you to reply me through this my private e-mail box(veartwani@ymail.com)
Thanks
waiting to hear from you soon.
veart
I will send to you my pictures in my next mail through this my mail box

veartwani@ymail.com

LauraLee311

I have never participated in a Black Friday because fighting crowds is so not a part of my "getting in the holiday spirit." Speaking of which, my heart goes out to the family of the man who was trampled to death in a Wal-Mart over the weekend. In honor of the man and his family, I will continue my tradition of not "competing" in Black Fridays. Link

faithsfancy

I am a retail manager so I will be working! However, shopping will not be part of my day. My Christmas shopping is pretty much done.

faithsfancy

I am a retail manager so I will be working! However, shopping will not be part of my day. My Christmas shopping is pretty much done.

Kristy101081

I have never participated in Black Friday and hadn't planned on it. But, we have a store here called Half-Priced Books (not sure how nationwide they are) that has some excellent deals happening on Friday, so I might go check those out. Most of the people on my list are readers, so that works out perfectly. I don't think I'll be going anywhere else, though.

VictoriaB

Having spent a few years during high school working 'retail' I can tell you that many stores mark items up before they mark them down, so you're never really getting the screaming deal you think you are.

It's such a difficult dilemma ... on the one hand we need to spend money to stimulate the economy, on the other hand we need to save money for what promises to be leaner days ahead.