Many people from adults down to college students are out for the latest steal or bargain rate can often run into trouble. However, it really comes to the forefront in November. It’s that fourth Thursday in November when all of the retail stores begin slashing and marking down prices which is known as Black Friday. It has been known to bring out both the best and worst in people all looking for a good price on a flat screen or the latest Apple product.

  Black Friday or the start of the shopping season began as early as 1924, right after the Macys Thanksgiving day parade. It was given its name Black Friday due to retailers using the day’s huge receipts as their opportunity to “get in the black” and become profitable for the year.  Black Friday was also given its name due to the amount of traffic jams that back up the mall parking lots and an in crease in robberies from that Friday to Sunday.

  Throughout this event there are both online and in store sales that will leave the most seasoned shopper perplexed, but here are five tips to get the best return on your money on this celebrated day:

1) Gather Information by making a shopping list. Create a set budget for each item and stick to your budget. This will prevent you from overspending and getting sucked in.

2) Do your research well ahead of time and prepare to arrive to your designated store at least one hour prior to the opening. Most major stores give the consumers a two weeks’ notice as to what lies ahead for their sales.

3) Arrive early enough on time to avoid crowds,  as they tend to make things more stressful during the hours leading up to the store opening.

4) Bring your student ID. Student IDs have many great benefits, and can save you big bucks at retail stores such as Apple, Crew, and Urban Outfitters.

5) For missed opportunities, shop cyber Monday.

In the end, it patience to have extra bucks in your purse or wallet.