With all the mania surrounding Black Friday, it will be crucial for shoppers to keep their eyes peeled for money traps lurking around each and every aisle.
Yes, that means keep a budget and "stick to it!" as so many experts have warned. But the point isn't so much about controlling your plastic — it's learning how to deal with disappointment.
Why?
There's a reason stores blast incredible DOORBUSTERS on the front page of each and every sales catalog leading up to Black Friday. That's just the bait, and once that limited supply of hot ticket items flies off shelves, they're hoping shoppers will soothe their disappointment by digging through whatever else is left behind.
After all, you're canceling Thanksgiving dinner to get in line at Wal-Mart at the crack of dawn Thursday, so how could you possibly leave the store empty-handed?
That's what retailers hope you'll think. It's your job to prevent it from happening, or risk winding up with a ton of junk you have no use for and a Christmas tree-sized crater in your bank account.
If you act now by researching deals, drawing up a list of exactly what gifts you need and ones that can wait, you'll maximize your time without falling into a "monkey see, monkey do" mentality.
It's that habit that will inevitably cause a lot of buyer's remorse once the Black Friday craze dies down. Just be sure to hang on to those receipts.
SEE ALSO: Here's A Complete List Of Black Friday Store Hours