I was thinking that I should write something about deflation or some economic factors that can increase a certain country’s economy situation, but I guess that for the first articles I should keep a friendly approach and take things slowly. That’s why I have chosen to tell you something that would get your attention very easily – shopping and discounts from an economical point of view.

If you’re a shopping maniac who goes to great lengths to score the best deals and deepest discounts, you might want to plan a post-Thanksgiving road trip. Of course, you know that Black Friday is the biggest shopping day in the U.S., when stores offer major markdowns, mind-blowing doorbusters and rock-bottom prices. It is estimated that 164 million Americans shop during Black Friday weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. These millions of Black Friday shoppers will score an average discount of around 39% with some discounts over 60%.

But did you know that shoppers in some states end up bagging even better Black Friday deals than consumers in other states? That’s right. If you’re looking to land the best of the best Black Friday deals, it might be time to hit the interstate.

Here are five of the best states for Black Friday shopping.

1. Alaska

Although it’s better known as the Last Frontier, Alaska could be dubbed Black Friday Heaven. Not only does it have absolutely no state sales tax, but two of the state’s largest cities – Anchorage and Fairbanks –also don’t impose a local sales tax. (While Alaska doesn’t collect a statewide sales tax, it lets local jurisdictions enact their own sales taxes.) To sweeten the deal, it costs Alaskan shoppers a whole lot less to drive to their local stores. At just 12.25 cents per gallon, Alaska’s gas tax is the lowest in the country (the highest is Pennsylvania with 58.20 cents per gallon.) Of course, if you live in the Lower 48 (as they call the contiguous U.S. in Alaska), this could be quite a trek for the sole purpose of Black Friday shopping. So you might want to explore some of the other options below.

2. Delaware

Like Alaska, Delaware does not charge a sales tax. To top it off, this sales-tax–free haven is jam-packed with shopping meccas. Just off Interstate-95, there’s the Christiana Mall, which is chock full of department stores, including Nordstrom, Target, JCPenney and Macy’s, as well as more than 165 other stores and shops. Delaware is also home to three Tanger Outlet Centers, which offer Black Friday shoppers sales-tax–free mega-savings. Of course, the state also has plenty of big-box retailers lining the commercial corridor of U.S. 202. By contrast, in neighboring New Jersey you’ll be charged 6.85% sales tax

3. Montana

As far as shoppers are concerned, the Treasure State is truly a treasure. Montana does not collect a state sales tax (although the state does allow some tourist attraction areas to assess resort and local-option taxes of up to 3%). Next door in North Dakota, the state sales tax is 5%.

4. Oregon

Known as the Beaver State, Oregon also does not collect any state or local sales taxes. As a result, Washington State shoppers flock to Portland after Thanksgiving each year, on the hunt for tax-free Black Friday bargains. By comparison, Washington residents pay 6.5% in state sales taxes.

5. New Hampshire

While New Hampshire collects tax on lodging, restaurant meals and car rentals, it does not impose a state sales tax on consumer products. So, if you live in New York (which has one of the highest combined average state and sales tax in the country), a Thanksgiving vacation might yield nearly 8.5% in savings on Black Friday purchases. (Just don’t eat at any restaurants, rent a car or stay in a hotel while you’re there!)

While you will certainly find Black Friday deals across the U.S. post-Thanksgiving, you’ll probably get the biggest bang for your buck in these five sales-tax-free states. Black Friday shoppers in Wyoming, Wisconsin, Virginia, Maine and Hawaii also enjoy relatively good Black Friday deals. That’s because all five of these states have an average combined state and local sales tax of less than 6%.

On the other hand, shoppers in Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Washington and Oklahoma are often considered the biggest Black Friday losers. Folks in these states will have to cough up 8% to 9% or more in sales taxes at the register.

Note that some states, such as New York and California, impose a “use tax” on out-of-state purchases that you then use within the state. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Thanks for your attention and stay tuned:)

This question can be the first that occurs in your mind when you visit this page for the first time. Many people do not find any interest or importance in this subject, but I can assure you that once you start to find out more and analyse this financial science called economy, you will understand its importance.

So, let’s start with a simple definition: what is economy?

According to the dictionary, economy is the state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money. In other words, economy is a term describing the various ways in which people produce, use and exchange all needed and wanted goods and services. Economy is the thing that allows us to survive and thrive, therefore, we must understand that without it, we would not be capable of existing.

Economy is not only “stuff concerning money”. A system where no money is involved and trade is done as direct exchange of goods is an economy too, and that’s why it makes economy even more interesting.

Another concern of the population that is related to the economic part is the wealth that they own. We all know that having enough is extremely important for stability, low crime levels and cultural, scientific and technological progress. For example, if you had enough of everything, would you feel the need to commit crime or wage war on other state in which you would have very high risk of losing what you have? Most probably not.

On the other hand, if you can’t afford to fulfill your human needs such as food, water and entertainment) would you produce works of arts or contemplate the nature of the world? The answer is again a probable no – you would spend most of your time working towards mere survival.

In conclusion, good economical conditions are probably one of the most important factors needed to ensure stability, peace among nations and thriving human culture.

I hope that now you’re curious:)