Thanksgiving is no longer just about the turkey, the football or the Macy's Day parade as many of us are preparing to hit the ground running bright and early Friday morning to take advantage of all of the Black Friday sales.

Black Friday has earned the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year, which is why it is important that you plan properly before you venture out into the madness that is Black Friday.

Here are five tips to help you score the savings you want:

1) Make a List: Create a list of the most sought-after items you are looking to buy on Black Friday. Categorizing this list by gift-receiver and store will also help you stay organized and on schedule for your shopping day around town. Make sure you do your research on the normal price of the item, and any early price slashes from retailers. You need a starting point for what is truly a good deal.

2) Find Local Black Friday Savings: Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This is the best place to find local Black Friday savings. It will also help you plan out your day to maximize your savings, as many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Visit RetailMeNot.com/deals/blackfriday for thousands of online and in-store offers

3) Make Sure the Price is Right: With your gift list handy, find out where these items are on sale and if the price is ‘your' price. Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. This is an easy and time efficient way to cross-reference all stores that have the item you seek and which store has the best bargain.

4) Know Store Policies & Understand the Fine Print: Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. A previous trend of extending "return days" during the holidays is being seen less this year. Many retailers are including restocking fees and shorter return deadlines. Almost all of the major retail chains have clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges, so make sure you ask for a gift receipt!

5) Plan to Bring the Ads and Coupons With You: Many stores offer a "lowest-price" guarantee; however you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less. Print the Web page that details the product and shows the advertised price or clip the ad from the local newspaper. It may give you additional bargaining power and push the sales person into waiving other charges such as assembly fees.

Remember to keep your head in the game and more money in your wallet this Black Friday, but most importantly to have fun shopping for your loved ones. The Savannah Mall will open its doors at 7:00 a.m. on Black Friday, however, Bass Pro Shops, Target and AC Moore will open at 6:00 a.m. The Oglethorpe Mall will open its doors  at 6:00 a.m. on Friday with several department stores opening within the Mall at 4:00 a.m.

Good luck!!