Rosalyn Jordan, 28, of Fayetteville, has been shopping Black Friday sales since she was 20. And boy does she have skills. Take some tips from her on how to snag the deals and survive the day.

Eat a light meal before you go. She goes with a SlimFast shake to avoid bathroom breaks and stay light on her feet.

Get in shape. This year, Rosalyn lost 31 pounds as part of her office’s biggest loser contest. But she’s glad that she’ll have more stamina to make a mad dash for that GPS system or weave in and out of carts.

Leave the cart behind. She never gets a cart, but uses a basket instead. That way she can dart around the people with buggies.

Bring sense of humor and make friends. She says it’s important to have a sense of humor while waiting in line.

Shop alone. It’s faster, she said.

Stay focused on your list. She budgets $500 and maps out her wants.

Watch for thieves. Keep your packages in site and take them home between stops if possible. Be sure windows and doors are locked. She uses blankets in her Toyota 4Runner to hide her packages.

No large purses. Rosalyn straps a fanny pack on.

Debit not cash. Pulling out a wad of cash draws attention to you, she says.

Plan ahead and comparison shop. For electronics, she said, make sure it’s not cheaper online. Door buster deals are usually cheap.

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TIPS FOR BUDGETING ON BLACK FRIDAY (AND BEYOND)

Los Angeles acountant Michael Eisenberg, a member of the National Financial Literacy Commission, offers tips to saving your Benjamins on Black Friday.

Develop a budget: Ideally one that fits your financial situation. (In other words, don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.) Then don’t stray from the amount you budgeted to spend.

Cash is king: Many people overspend when they use credit cards. So use cash or debit cards instead if you can.

Comparison shop: Make a holiday list, then be an educated shopper by comparing prices at stores, online or at discounters. Spending time to do this may save you a bundle.

Discounters and coupons: Find “friends and family coupons” from some stores. Or shop early bird specials and discount hours (like Black Friday and Cyber Monday) to save cash.

Learn how to save up: So many people don’t save at all, let alone for holiday gifts. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants want to help you save money. Learn how at: 360financialliteracy.org or feedthepig.org.