For bargain hunters across the country Black Friday is permanently highlighted on the calendar as the best day to go shopping. Who can resist deep discounts, stackable coupons and freebies? Unfortunately, it has also become a day synonymous with huge crowds, long lines, and limited quantities on the best deals. Here are four tips to saving and surviving Black Friday with money left in your wallet when it’s all over.

– Skip The Stores By Shopping Online: While others burn gas driving store to store, why not stay in your pajamas, save time and shop from home? You can find most in-store deals available online. Comparison shop and find the lowest prices by visiting deal sites like TechBargains.com and PlanetBargains.com. TechBargains.com highlights the best deals and coupon codes on all consumer electronics including televisions, e-readers, tablets, cameras and more. Their international team of bargain hunters update the website around the clock to make sure you never miss a deal. Not looking for tech? PlanetBargains.com features the best deals on toys, home décor and clothing from your favorite stores like Gap, Macy’s, Eddie Bauer, North Face and many more. You can expect retailers to offer free shipping so the package is delivered right to your front door.

– Start Shopping Before Friday: Each year so-called Black Friday deals start popping up earlier and earlier. Gone are the days of waking up at 6 a.m. on Friday to start shopping. Many of the best sales actually become live at midnight, just hours after you finish turkey dinner. If you want to get the best shot at the deals go online around midnight. Make sure you are following your favorite retailers on Twitter and Facebook so you are alerted when their sales start.

– Shop Now For Later: Most of the deals offered on Black Friday really are the best prices you will see for the next six months to a year. If you’re thinking about buying a specific item like a television anytime within the next 6 months and don’t want to pay full price Black Friday is a great time to do it.

– Make a List & Check It Twice: You know exactly what you want, but retailers are banking on you filling up a cart with products you never intended on buying. You never knew you needed the scarf with matching socks until it was marked ‘buy one, get one half off.’ Before you know it you are at check out paying well over what you budgeted. Your best bet is to make a list and stick to it. Your wallet will thank you.

What’s better than getting the right gift at a great price? Winning it for free! TechBargains.com and PlanetBargains.com just launched the Countdown To Black Friday Giveaway with 10 days of huge prizes. Today they are giving away Apple’s new iPad Mini worth $329! Each day there is a new tech gadget up for grabs and a new winner. Just sign up for their money saving newsletter, enter every day and then share with your friends for extra entries. The contest runs through November 21^st.

 Good Luck!