With the economy still in recovery mode, many retailers are offering excellent holiday deals. To make the most of your holiday shopping, we’ve identified some current trends and what they mean for you.

Black Friday

Experts say Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is still one of the best times to find the deepest discounts. Before you head out into the crowds, plan your day. Determine when stores open and the times certain deals will be valid. 

Increased competition

As retailers compete for your business, you may be able to find especially good deals in stores and online—just be sure to read the fine print to make sure the deal really is as good as it seems. 

Return of layaway 

With credit card markets tightening, some retailers, such as Sears and K-Mart, are bringing back layaway, a payment plan that allows you to pay in increments until you’ve paid the full price. Layaway can be risky—if you don’t keep up with the payments, you may risk losing money. Before entering into this kind of plan, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. 

Online shopping

Doing research on the Internet can help you comparison shop and find deeper discounts. If you make a purchase online, be sure to use a secure connection (look for the “s” in https of the Internet address.)  Also consider paying with a credit card, which gives you added protection if something goes wrong.