Holiday Shopping

Consumers and stores are getting ready for the annual shopping holiday know as "Black Friday." And there are a few things you need to know before you go out to the mall, such as you don't have to shop on Friday to get in on the deals. Some stores will actually be open on Thanksgiving and according to Shop.org, nearly 9 out of 10 retailers will offer promotions on "Cyber Monday." A-O-L Consumer Advisor Latoya Drake has a gameplan so you can gain an edge.

Shopping on Thanksgiving is an option some stores are offering. Kmart, Sears and Toys-R-Us will all be open on Turkey Day.

There are deals on Black Friday you can't find any other time, so it's still a tradition for many shoppers to take advantage of the in-store savings. But if you don't like crowds, try shopping online this Black Friday. There will be deals there also.

If you find a good price on something you want don't wait to buy it. Retailers are keeping fairly lean inventories this year and can't afford to be saddled with a lot of excess goods at the end of the season.

Visit one-stop sites for Cyber Monday deals. RetailMeNot's Cyber Monday Center and WalletPop.com are helping consumers stay on top of all the action. And if you held off on buying a discounted item you thought you wanted on Friday, Monday is your last day to get in on the best savings. Deals start to wind down after Cyber Monday.

To save as much money as possible Monday, where you begin your shopping is more important than ever. Start with sites that give you cash back. Sites like shortcuts.com and fatwallet.com will give you anywhere from 1% to 8% cash back from hundreds of retailers. Stay on your toes Monday. Deals such as flash sales will pop up for a limited time only savings.

LaToya Drake & Erika Wortham