It's Black Friday, the day shoppers push retailers into the black and, too often, their own budgets into the red. Holiday shoppers will spend close to a half-trillion dollars on a dazzling array of merchandise. If you're not armed with information, it's easy to get ripped off. A stiff dose of caveat emptor is what we're about today. For instance, make a budget and stick to it. More than 13-million people are still paying off last year's Christmas bills. Tips on smart shopping Friday on The Sound of Ideas.
Sue McConnell, senior vice-president, Cleveland Better Business Bureau
Greg Daugherty, executive editor, Consumer Reports.org
Sheryl Harris, consumer affairs reporter, The Plain Dealer