My favorite time of year is upon us – sale season! The week of Thanksgiving through the end of January marks the number one time to get the best deals of the year.

As many of you may have noticed, the sales have already started. No need to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save some serious cash. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Tips for how to navigate the often overwhelming, stressful sale season.

Make sure your list is ready and read on!

1. Go to the mall and try on everything you’ve been eyeing to narrow down.

When the sales hit, pounce. This allows you to determine the correct size and fit, see the quality in person, and eliminate anything that doesn’t work ahead of time. No second-guessing, no over buying.

Shopping win: staying on budget and not hassling with returns.

2. Use the wish list feature on all your favorite retailers’ sites.

When the sales hit, simply click on your wish list to see what went on sale and start buying.

Shopping win: time saver. No fumbling around the web to see what went on sale or trying to remember who made that jacket you’ve been coveting. Everything is in one tidy place.

3. Buy now, price adjust later.

If something you’ve been eyeing is likely to sell out, just buy it now at full price and go back when the sales hit for a price adjustment. Make sure you only do this for places that honor price adjustments and/or have return policies.

• Bonus tip: whenever possible, buy designer items from department stores or large online retailers. Most designer boutiques won’t price adjust, price match or return merchandise.

Shopping win: CYA; not losing out on popular items.

4. Befriend shop associates.

They have the inside scoop on what will go on sale and how much inventory is in stock. I have a shoe guy at Nordstrom that sets things aside for me and texts me photos so I can narrow down my list and not risk something selling out. Develop these relationships.

• Bonus tip: develop these relationships at multiple locations to cover the most ground. Different stores have different merchandise so it’s always good to cover your bases.

Shopping win: these relationships will continue to serve you well throughout the year. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

5. Cross reference prices via department stores.

For example, there’s a Vince sweater I want. I’ve added the sweater to my wish lists at Vince, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Net-a-porter. Because some retailers do tiered sales (20% off $250, 30% off $500, etc.) you could get a better deal somewhere else. Do your research.

• Bonus tip: remember sales tax and rewards systems.  Bergdorf Goodman doesn’t charge sales tax to California residents so take advantage! This is especially key for higher priced items.
• If you have a department store credit card like Nordstrom, for example, try to keep all your purchases in one place so you accrue points (like Nordstrom Notes), which can be used towards future purchases.