Forget everything you’ve been told about finding the best holiday deals! Black Friday 2017 isn’t going to be quite the shopping extravaganza that it has been in previous years.

Instead, money expert Clark Howard says, the sales — which started around Halloween — will be spread out over six weeks.

Clark predicts that bargains will spike right around Black Friday, particularly Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and to a lesser extent that Saturday and Sunday.

“There still will be a lot of deals on those four days, but nothing like in the past,” Clark said.

RELATED: #1 secret to avoid overspending this holiday season

Beyond Black Friday: Clark’s best days to shop for Christmas 2017!

Clark’s holiday shopping predictions 

For Black Friday (November 24), expect incredible deals on third-tier brands, off-brands and promotional merchandise that’s shipped in just for the shopping event.

Clark says it’s also a good time to shop for the following electronics:

• Google Chromebooks
• Mid-level Android phones
• TVs
• Xbox One and PlayStation 4

RELATED: Early Black Friday 2017: Stores open on Thanksgiving

There are no must-have items this year, so retailers are going to be more promotional than last year.

We’re already getting a sneak peek at the deals because many stores have leaked their ads. Our Clark Deals team is updating the ad scans as they’re released! Find them here.

Clark says great buys will continue after Black Friday until about December 10 — so wrap up your shopping by then!

The key thing to remember is to avoid doing any shopping the week before Christmas. Procrastinators will fill the stores and may wind up paying more to buy (and ship) the hottest gifts.

DOWNLOAD: Click here to print a copy of Clark’s 2017 holiday shopping calendar!

How to budget for holiday shopping

The biggest problem for your wallet during the holiday shopping season is that you spend a lot more time in stores and shopping online than you normally would.

To limit the temptation to spend more, Clark doesn’t get a shopping cart and buys only what he can carry. 

To avoid a January budget hangover, ask yourself: “How much money can I afford to spend through the Christmas shopping season for myself and on others?”

Come up with that number and track your spending using a budgeting app or a pen and paper.

RELATED: 5 ways to not go broke this Christmas

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