Money doesn&39;t have to be boring! Each week, CreditBloggers.com takes a look at the lighter side of the personal finance world in a series called Funny Money Friday.

Black Friday is only a week away. This annual "holiday" marks the explosive start of the Christmas shopping season. While it is isn&39;t technically the biggest shopping day of the year, it is one of the busiest and most planned for of the season. Here are some of our tips for gearing up on Black Friday:

Bullriding protective vest  - Each year the headlines are the same: "Black Friday Frenzy at Local Wal-Mart, Four Trampled and Left with Serious Injuries." Protect your ribcage from stampede-related injury with a professional bullriding vest. This particular vest is on clearance for $199 and comes with a kidney protecting "long tail."

Black Magnum Sharpie -  Carry this with you so that you can mark out your credit card number on receipts. Although this practice is now illegal in many states, it is still pretty common to come across stores that will print your entire credit card number on a receipt. Imagine what a lucky identity thief could do with one of those?

The number for compulsive shopping treatment on speed dial - Call Recovery Connection toll-free at 1-800-993-3869 for help locating a treatment center that can help you with your compulsive shopping or spending addiction.

Black Friday t-shirt - Celebrate your love for the sport of competitive, full contact shopping with a custom t-shirt for $16.99. This site also sells sweatshirts, beanies and scarves to help you "dress like a pro."

MRE&39;s - Serious shoppers don&39;t have time to visit the food court. Come prepared with genuine fresh military meals-ready-to-eat. Each days supply includes a main dish, side dish, snack, dessert, instant coffee and water pouch. Imagine the envious looks you&39;ll get from other shoppers!

Accordion File - Keep print-outs of all the best Black Friday deals and store blueprints along with copies of your latest credit card statements and savings account balances organized in this handy file.

Good luck out there shoppers! I&39;ll be wishing you well from the safety and comfort of my living room! Do you have a favorite tip for surviving Black Friday? Share it in the comments section today!