Love Black Friday deals but can’t stand to face the crowds? Folks, you need to check out Kohl’s. Their sale starts on Monday, 11/25, many days earlier than most retailers—should we call it Black Monday?—and wow, there are so many goodies!

Here are a few things to know that will help you get the best bang for your buck:

Register for a Kohl’s Account

In less than 5 minutes, you can set up an account. Putting your info into their system can result in surprise coupons, both paper and digital codes, being sent to you. This is not the credit card, it’s an email list. Totally worth it!

Proper Planning is Necessary

I suggest picking up a copy of their physical ad or carefully studying the online version. There are 66 pages. It’s important to make a detailed list so you don’t get confused. (I’m so absent minded now that I not only make lists, I color code them, to keep each store separate.)

Most Items are Available Online

Hop online at 12:01AM on Monday and shop to your heart’s content. With the exception of a few Doorbusters, you do NOT have to shop in-store. Of course, if you like the store, you can also shop there, but I need to simplify.

Doorbusters Start Later

They will be up at 12:01 AM on 11/28, Thanksgiving Day. Doors at the store open at 5:00 PM. Because these are the “loss leaders” type, there are limited quantities, valid while supplies last through 1:00 PM on 11/29.

Save on Shipping

I hate paying for shipping! At Kohl’s, orders over $25.00 ship free or you can have it shipped to the store for free pickup. Since holiday shopping tends to be on the bigger side, hitting the $25.00 mark is easy.

Maximize Kohl’s Cash

You get $15.00 in Kohl’s Cash every time you spend $50.00 during Black Friday week. Big items, small items, hot ticket items like electronics and fancy cookware is included! Essentially, with the Kohl’s Cash, that turns a $50.00 sale into a $35.00 sale which is awesome.

Look for Rebates

Every year, there are rebates offered for small kitchen appliances like crockpots, blenders, coffeemakers, rice cookers, etc. Yes, it’s a pain to mail in the required forms, but the savings are worth it. I’ve bought some really nice Hamilton Beach that has held up well.

Combine with Ibotta

Another way to earn more cash back is to purchase through the Ibotta App. It’s not a huge amount, but I never complain about extra money.

That covers strategy, but what about actually picking the best things to buy? I like to use Slickdeals. Not only is it constantly updated and well organized, but they also sort by dollar amount and list any available coupon codes.

Some eye catchers are an Instant Pot for $67.99, Fitbit for $99.99, Shark Rocket Vacuum for $84.99, Amazon Fire TV Stick for $19.99, Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels for $4.99, and Kids Puffer Coats for $16.99.

If you’re looking for video games, they have Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch in the ad. I honestly can not say if Kohl’s has the best deal around because I haven’t specifically searched for electronics yet. Normally, all the Big Box stores are pretty close in price, but it’s not a guarantee. Electronics are always expensive, so please do your research for them.

Are you planning to shop at Kohl’s? I’d love to hear what you’re buying.

It seems like you can’t go anywhere these days without seeing someone wearing headphones—walking on the street, at the gym, flying on a plane, etc. A lot of people can’t live without them, my teen nephew in particular.

Every year for Hanukkah, he requests a tech gift. He is very active, always playing sports and skateboarding with friends, so he actually prefers earbuds to bulky models.

After doing some comparison browsing online, it seems like JLab is the best brand. Their #1 True Wireless Air Family includes three new models of earbuds that deliver on sound, quality and comfort.

Oh, and did I mention that they’re less than $100? (Finally, an electronic that isn’t super expensive!)

Here are some great features:

• Rechargeable battery – Offers up to 6 hours of use on a charge
• Sweat-resistant – Can easily be worn while working out, even on a hot and humid day
• Bluetooth interface – Enables simple wireless pairing with your Bluetooth-enabled device
• Secure fit – In-ear design fits securely and comfortably
• Stereo design – Delivers excellent audio quality to stream music or podcasts

Not sure which of the three models to choose? There’s the sport-inspired JBuds Air Sport, business-inspired JBuds Air Executive, and the JBuds Air Icon, an upgraded everyday option. It’s so nice to have different options to fit different needs.

JLabs wireless earbuds are available at Best Buy.

This post was sponsored by Best Buy. All opinions are my own.

It’s not even Halloween, but I’m already thinking about Black Friday. (Is that weird?) For as long as I can remember, I have been a Black Friday enthusiast. When I was a much younger lady, I loved to hit the outlets for “Midnight Madness” to scour the racks for shoes, clothes, and purses.

While that was fun, it could also be expensive and I would only buy a few things. This all changed after I discovered couponing and deal hunting. Now, by combining sales, coupons, and rebates, I’m able to bring home tons and tons of goodies for mere pennies.

Naturally, this kind of shopping doesn’t just come together by accident; it’s not for the casual shopper. If you want the most stuff for the least money, some inconveniences will have to be endured—getting up super early, facing the crowds, enduring frustration, etc.

I prefer to start early, putting my lists together once the ads are leaked online. (Each store varies their release time so you have to regularly check. Usually, everything is leaked 2 or 3 weeks before the big day.) The info is posted on many sites, both retailers and blogs. I love Slick Deals because it’s the most comprehensive.

After my list is complete, I look through my stash of insert coupons and printables. Often, there will be ones that work into the deals and freebies can become moneymakers.

With detailed plan in hand, I’m ready to tackle the drugstores, going first thing Thursday morning when doors open at 7:00. (Technically, it’s supposed to be Friday, but lots of places open on Thanksgiving.)

I try to find everything that’s free after rebate, but there’s no guarantee. Sometimes items aren’t in stock, or another couponer beats me to it—even on Thanksgiving morning! Just do the best you can, and try to remember that it’s supposed to be fun.

Common sense things to remember, but worth noting:

1. Get a good night’s sleep. If you’re overtired, it’s much harder to face a multiple-store coupon marathon.
2. Eat breakfast and drink at least 1 large cup of coffee. You want to be full and focused.
3. Keep a separate envelope for each store that contains a corresponding list and coupons so you won’t get confused.
4. At the store, follow the rules. Take notice of limits and don’t use extra rewards cards. Ask an employee which register is set aside for those shoppers doing huge hauls. Try not to make a chaotic situation worse.
5. Schedule breaks. Especially important if you’re doing multiple stores. Take a break in between. Go home if you live close by, or sit in the parking lot for a breather. I always pack bottled water, energy shots, and a snack.
6. Don’t bring kids or significant others. I can’t stress this one enough. Unless your loved one is also an extreme couponer, they will either slow you down or beg you to leave. Shop alone for the best results.

After the drugstores, I head home to cook, watch the Macy’s parade, eat/socialize with family and try to take a nap. After that, it’s late afternoon already, which means it’s time to prepare for round 2 (mall shopping).

Yes, it’s a looooooong day. For me, however, it’s totally worth it. I couldn’t do it every week, but once a year is doable. And who doesn’t love free stuff?

Will you be shopping on Black Friday?

People are living much longer these days, and while that’s a good thing, there’s a part of aging that many of us don’t want to face: the high cost.

Think of every bill you have now—housing, clothing, food, medical, utilities, taxes, etc. Even if you live to be 100, many of those expenses won’t go away, and some, like medical care, will significantly increase. I know that’s the case for my in-laws!

A huge amount of seniors literally can’t afford to retire, even if they’ve had a job for decades. (50% of American households have NO retirement savings at all.) Working longer is an option, sure, if you’re healthy. But what about folks who truly can’t work and can’t get by on Social Security alone? (This is way more common than anyone realizes).

Our elders shouldn’t have to face such agonizing choices. They want freedom and fun, time to golf, and travel, and see the grandkids. They were promised a retirement and they deserve it; the only question is how to finance those Golden Years.

Most people don’t want to move in with their adult children, nor do they willingly choose a nursing home. They want to stay in their own place, preferably until they die. If they have a paid-off home, a reverse mortgage is an option.

For those who aren’t familiar, a reverse mortgage is exactly what it sounds like: instead of borrowing money to buy a home, you remove the money from your home (the equity). That money is then freed up for living expenses, and yes, you can remain in the home, even though you’ve taken the equity out.

The terms of a reverse mortgage can vary greatly. The age of the homeowners is a factor (at least one spouse must be 62 or older). The condition of the home itself and its market value is another. If this sounds complicated, it can be, and it’s worth getting sound financial and legal advice before you make a decision.

After careful consideration, if you want to move forward, the good news is that there are lenders that can help. Most big banks that accept reverse mortgage applications, smaller local banks and credit unions participate, and there are federal programs offered through HUD.

A reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone, but for those who are desperately in need of money, don’t want to sell their home, and can’t work anymore, it might be the best solution.