In thinking about this day, I began to wonder where we got the term �Black Friday.� Like so many other traditions, I think many of us take the name for granted, without really knowing the meaning behind it. Wikipedia offers two possible origins for the name. One directly relates back to the stress shoppers face when dealing with large crowds, pointing to the possibility that this day can be a negative experience.

The other possible explanation points to the traditional accounting practice that financial losses are indicated in red ink in their records while financial gains are written in black ink. Since many retailers are believed to operate at a loss throughout much of the year, the holiday season marks a time when stores can make up for the difficulties they face throughout the year and turn a significant profit (which would be indicated by black ink).

Ironically, while stores profit from the sharp increase in spending many consumers (which receive no increase in income except for a possible Christmas bonus), will undoubtedly shop their way into debt. My advice is to approach Black Friday, and holiday shopping in general, the same way you do your investments decisions � plan ahead! Use the pre-holiday advertisements and the fairly recent emergence of Cyber Monday (the online holiday shopping season which starts the Monday after Thanksgiving) to help you plan your purchases and reduce your susceptibility to impulse buying.

On a side note, another color that will be prevalent in the coming weeks is red, as the Salvation Army recently launched its annual Red Kettle Campaign. So if you are one of the brave souls that will be heading to the malls this Friday, take a minute to drop some change into one of the kettles.