MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS

The run-up to the holidays doesn't have to bah-humbug your budget. A shopping expert shares strategies for saving big now and all year round.

- Lisa Lee Freeman

'TIS THE SEASON FOR ... spending, or so it seems, as we look ahead to the end-of-year holidays and start shelling out money left and right for decorations, presents, food, and on and on. This year will be especially tough on budgets, with credit card debt at record levels as shoppers try to keep up with stubbornly high prices on just about everything.

To keep more of your money in your pocket, follow these do's and don'ts. Starting some good habits now can take you into the new year without the holiday spending hangover and give you a head start on your New Year's resolutions.

DO CLEAN UP DURING SEASONAL SALES Companies know we're shopping a lot at the end of the year, so they're all trying to lure us to shop their stores and sites. You can find a lot of good deals, but you'll want to start with a plan. Black Friday, which occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, isn't the only bargain shopping day around anymore, but it is when lots of brands start to get serious about moving their holiday stock. Fortunately, you no longer have to wake before dawn and queue up in front of the store to score the best deals. You'll also find sales leading up to Black Friday and continuing through what's now called Cyber Week. Other days to save include Free Shipping Day, the final day before Christmas to get free shipping at many retailers (Dec. 14), and Super Saturday, aka Panic Saturday, aka the Saturday before Christmas Eve (Dec. 21).

TIP Make a list, including models and features you want. Keep in mind that on Black Friday, the models on sale might not have all the features you want, so determine which are important to you.

DON'T BE BLINDED BY BIG MARKDOWNS