Inspired by my Black Friday shopping extravaganza, I'm going to suggest ways for families to keep their family values in mind while shopping. 

Even the greatest sale is no deal if you regret it later.

Before you go Christmas shopping or peruse the sales fliers, ask yourself these questions:

1.  Am I keeping my family safe?  Identity fraud is rampant. While online shopping, keep security foremost.  Look for BBB recommendations and the padlock symbol in the browser.  Are your security programs up-to-date?  Look into identity fraud programs that help you recover, if you are compromised.  In a store, keep your debit card code hidden, don't leave your credit card lying around, hold your purse close, and guard your cash.  The crowds and busyness make you an easier target for thieves.

2. What is my budget?  It's one of the hardest things to do when you see a "good sale."  Ask yourself if this is truly in your budget for this month.  If not, you'll have to let it go or decide from which other budget you will "steal" the money.  For example, you go to JCPenney's to buy underwear which is 30% off.  As you walk to the cash register, a sign begs your attention. Towels are really cheap, and yours are threadbare. You think about the budget.  You weren't going to look for them until January, but this is a better sale than you could have imagined.  So, you picture your grocery, clothing, and restaurant budgets.  If you take a little from each budget, you can pay for these towels today.  So you do!  Rather than saying you'll pay for it later, you make sacrifices in other areas of your budget to afford something you need.

3. Do I need this?  Would the person I'm buying for really love this?  Or, am I getting it just because it's on sale?  If something makes you go overbudget or you don't really love it, then don't get sucked in by the sale mantra - it's on sale, I must buy it!  That's a zombie mentality that shows little self-control.  The objects bought on sale that aren't loved are soon labeled "junk."  Do you want your stuff or your gifts to be called junk in a month, or do you want to purchase something useful and wanted?

Now that you've put some thought into your shopping plans, go! Enjoy the shopping experience knowing you won't regret it when the credit card bill comes, and that your kids won't give you a fake smile and insincere "Thanks, Mom."