Dont get me wrong, there are some great deals to be had this time of year.

But lining up in the cold to nab a cheap 55 TV?

Black Friday isnt what it used to be, and thats a good thing.

You probably already know that you dont need to wait in line to participate in Black Friday.

Toy prices are cheapest in mid-December, with winter clothing cheapest the weekend before Christmas Day.

Bottom line: Yes, you could still get great deals on Black Friday.

But it’s possible for you to often get the same deals on other days, without the hassle.

And that way you dont waste your money.

Of course, it depends on what youre buying, too.

In fact, super bowl deals are often better, if not just as decent.

For example, Sears is offering the40 RCA TV on sale for $269 for Black Friday.

But they offered the same bargain earlier this yearfor the super bowl.

The point is, theres no need to schedule your life around shopping days.

If you really love getting a bargain, start shopping earlier.

This summer, for example, Amazon had a massive jewelry sale.

I stocked up on Christmas gifts, and half my shopping was doneat a bargain.

Kinja Deals isgreat to follow for bargainsall year long.

Many Black Friday Deals are Bunk

If the deal sounds unbelievable, it usually is.

Last year, for example, Walmart sold a 60-inch Element TV for $499.

Great price, but not great quality,according to Consumer Reports.

Of course,as Roberts says, this isnt just limited to Black Fridayretailers do this all year long.

This way, you might see if the Black Friday price youre getting is really a good one.

Many times, retailers will slash their deals only to exaggerate how expensive the item was to begin with.

Unbundle: Price check each of the accessories thats being offered in the bundle.

Are the deals that great?

Saving money is great, but your time and energy are important, too.

Eric Glyman, founder ofprice drop tool Paribussaid:

Take Macys for example.

They have

a 14 day best price guarantee policy

.

That means that any item purchased at Macys starting November 13 would be eligible for a Black Friday deal.

Get refunds on price drops: Im a fan ofParibusfor automatic price drops.

Every so often, youll see a cant-pass-up deal on Black Friday.

Illustration by Tara Jacoby.