COUPON QUEEN: Ways to make Black Friday worthwhile

Black Friday used to be the official kickoff to holiday shopping, but those days are long gone. Now the "big day" seems to begin the moment the Halloween candy is cleared from the shelves. Although even with deals popping up earlier and earlier, Black Friday remains the biggest shopping day of the year. If you plan on heading out into the hustle and bustle, a little planning can make the difference between saving money and spending way more than you meant to. Here are a few smart strategies to help you make your Black Friday trip truly worthwhile. Do your homework Many Black Friday ads are already available online long before Thanksgiving. A quick search will pull up deals from Target, Walmart, Kohl's and just about every major retailer. Reviewing the ads ahead of time helps you map out which stores are worth your time and which ones you can skip. Don't get swept up in the hype Black Friday can encourage impulse buys. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and grab something simply because it's labeled a "doorbuster." Before heading out, make a list of what you really need, and stick to it. Keep a running total as you shop, and review your cart while you wait in line. There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting items back. Consider staying home I'll admit it: I rarely go out in the crowds anymore. Shopping from home in my pajamas is much more my speed. Many retailers offer their doorbusters online, and some even release online-only deals that beat their in-store prices. In fact, some of the lowest prices I find each year show up before Black Friday even begins. If you prefer calm over chaos, online shopping might be your best strategy. Don't overlook smaller stores The big box stores may get all the attention, but local boutiques and independent shops often run fantastic promotions, too, and they add the kind of personal touch you won't get from a warehouse retailer. Don't forget drugstores Discount Drug Mart, CVS, and Walgreens may not be the first places you think of for holiday gifts, but don't count them out. It may sound unusual, but these stores offer deeply discounted holiday items, beauty sets, stocking stuffers, candy, toys and gift cards. Some of my favorite unexpected bargains have come from the drugstore aisle. Black Friday can be fun and rewarding, but be sure to shop with a plan, stay focused and avoid the temptation to grab everything that flashes "on sale." Whether you hit the stores at dawn or shop from your couch, a little strategy goes a long way. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at CVSTide Simply 31-32oz.: 2/$5 (regularly $4.79) Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com