Black Friday

It's that time of year again: Black Friday arrives in fewer than five days and it's time to make your game plan for the holiday shopping kickoff. If you're braving the crowds on Friday, you'll need to figure out where to go and when since many stores have different opening times and some are even coming out with new deals throughout the day. If you plan to shop online, most major chains also offer some of their Black Friday deals online, but you'll have to read on to find out when.

Just what the heck is Black Friday? And why should you care? Here's some background on the fantastic shopping day that can save you lots of money.

U.S. online shoppers spent $648 million, 9% more than last year, on Black Friday, the official kickoff to the lucrative holiday shopping season, online researcher comScore reports.

If you've been waiting for a sub-$100 e-reader, the wait is over Friday.

This Friday millions of people will venture out in the middle of the night and brave frigid temperatures and long lines to battle for Black Friday holiday shopping bargains. Many retailers have expanded to include online promotions as well on Black Friday--including Amazon and Apple. Whether you plan to do your Black Friday shopping sitting at your PC, or join the crowds there are some inherent security concerns to watch out for.

Thanksgiving's upon us, and we all know what that means: The insanity-packed holiday we call Black Friday is right around the corner.

If you're thinking about getting a Samsung Galaxy Tab one-panel slate this holiday season, Black Friday (November 26) may be the perfect time to get it on the cheap. Sprint and Verizon are offering $50 discounts on the tablet device at several national retailers, according to company statements and leaked Black Friday circulars.

This year, if you wait until Black Friday--traditionally one of the most frenzied shopping days of the year--to score some spectacular savings on holiday electronics and tech buys, you may have waited too long.

Consumer confidence is down, the foreclosures keep coming, and you're pinching pennies while Wall Street seems to have reverted to business as usual. Fortunately, one thing may bring back your holiday spirit: cheap TVs. That's right, this year's holiday shopping season may bring TVs at deeper price cuts than usual.

The words "Black Friday"--referring to the big shopping day that comes right after Thanksgiving--can trigger different emotions in people: excitement, fear, anxiety, or just plain indifference. But with these shopping tips and some planning, this year's bargain bonanza should be a breeze.

That's actually a serious question. What do they know?