Save Big on Black Friday

It's time to start the countdown to the most magical day of the year. No, no - not that one. Black Friday, of course! The mother of all shopping days takes place the day after Thanksgiving, and this year's economic slump has stores more determined than ever to get bodies (and the accompanying wallets) through their doors.

Although the ads are meant to be released only a week before the big day, circulars for the major retailers inevitably get leaked a month early or more. Once it's out there in the public domain, why not take the opportunity to do a little advance planning for your holiday shopping assault?