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It’s the bargain-hunter’s favorite season-or is it? Before you brave the crowds this Black Friday, take a few minutes to read through our list of what to buy and what to skip so you come home only with true bargains.

Q: I’ve recently landed a better-paying job and I can now afford the occasional (and not-so-occasional) luxury, but I’m wondering if I should indulge. Am I better off living beneath my means to avoid falling prey to the trap of luxury? Is there a safe way to enjoy the more comfortable lifestyle that I can now afford?

1. When you don’t need it. It can be dirt cheap, but you’d still be wasting money to buy something that is not necessary.
2. If it will spoil before using it. That’s just money in the garbage— literally—even at a bargain price.
3. When the “sale price” isn’t really a sale. Sometimes, the “sale price” is actually the highest the item’s ever been sold for at this location.
4. When it’s part of a liquidation sale. Such sales tend to be riddled with rip-offs.
5. When you’re paying the BOGO price. This is sort of like #1 and #2 combined. If you only need one or cannot consume the second one, you may be paying extra for no reason.