Some "Black Friday" Dish

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It's the day after Thanksgiving, and for savvy shoppers everywhere that means only one thing -- Black Friday. "If you are a glutton for punishment and you love a good sale," Lara says, "then today is your day!"

Before you head out to the mall for battle, Lara's got tips to help you survive one of the busiest shopping days of the year:

Check out Web sites or call stores ahead of time because many stores offer extended hours starting today.
If you see a newspaper ad claiming "20% Off!" or "Buy-One-Get-One Free," cut it out and bring it with you as proof because stores may not always honor what they say.
Take advantage of price matching. If you see advertisements at certain stores that seem like a really good deal, rip them out and keep track -- you will need proof to show the stores that do this that they need to match the prices you found elsewhere!
Bring a separate envelope just for your holiday shopping receipts --don't put them in your wallet or stuff them in your purse. After the holidays, you'll know where everything is so you will have no trouble with returns. (And be very aware of return policies since they're different at each store.)
Stores are offering gift receipts with purchases -- go ahead and take them! There's nothing wrong with giving a present with the gift receipt included.
Dress comfortably. The stores are crowded right now so don't wear your big winter puffer coat. Wear layers. "If the dressing room line is really bad," Lara adds, "what I do is wear a skirt with tights so I can try on jeans in the aisle. I pull them on without ever having to take my skirt off." And wear comfortable shoes!
If there are several of what you want in stock, check behind front item on the shelf to the others behind it. During hectic shopping days, shoppers often have no regrets about opening up a box to see what's inside. In general, the boxes in front are exposed to harsher conditions. The last thing you want is something that has been picked over or even damaged!