What you should — and shouldn’t — buy on Black Friday

Plus, what credit card companies don't want you to know No Images? Click here   I’m about to hack up a hard butternut squash; let the Thanksgiving prep begin! If there’s one thing I’m glad I did already, it’s that I got my two best knives sharpened for $5 at Williams-Sonoma. Sur La Table offers this service, too. The former will sharpen your first knife free and others for $5 each, and the latter charges $5 each, although there’s currently a first-knife-free promotion in some stores. It’s practical, inexpensive, and just about the best frustration-saving step we can think of before you wage war on a gourd or carve up a bird. (Alternately, get it done after you give your knives that good old Turkey Day workout.) Just note that neither store sharpens serrated knives, and it’s a good idea to call first to make sure they can fit you in. We’ve got even more tips below for Black Friday, Thanksgiving clean-up, student loans, financial planning and credit cards. Enjoy! Janie   Take back your life Black Friday isn’t what it used to be. Americans spend more than ever before, but the deals aren’t as jaw-dropping now that there are deep discounts to be found online year-round (not to mention Cyber Monday). Many of us get caught up in the hysteria, spending money just to feel like we’re “saving” it. Make a list in advance. It can include a few splurges, but it should mostly be things you actually need. Write down how much of a discount you need to see in order for it to be necessary to purchase each item now, rather than later, when your budget isn’t so tight because of the holidays. And definitely check out our list of what you should — and shouldn’t — buy on Black Friday. Don't be fooled by these Black Friday "deals"     Deal with it Even if you have a good relationship with your credit card company, it’s important to remember that they’re in business to turn a profit. That means there a few practices they’d rather not advertise, or else they’d lose money. Your money. For example, your sign-up bonus might be taxable, but they likely won’t mention that on the phone. We rounded up four other things it pays to know — but you probably won’t hear from your credit card company. Here’s what they don’t want you to know Pro Tip: You’ll need this one for Thanksgiving: Use a dryer sheet to remove stubborn baked-on or burnt-on gunk from pans, baking sheets, and roasters. All you have to do is fill the pan with warm soapy water, lay a fabric softening sheet flat in that water, and leave it overnight. Voilà! I’ve tried this several times and found that all the baked-on gunk will either release easily in the morning, or will have floated right off. Want more practical magic? This lawyer just busted a major myth about student loans [HuffPost] What to buy on Black Friday at Walmart and at Target [HuffPost] All the Apple Black Friday deals you want to know about [R29] The problem with adding a child to your bank account "just in case" [Kiplinger]    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe