I go nuts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. From August until November, I have my online carts ready to go and my fingers just itching to click "checkout." As I've gotten older and wiser, I've learned how to hit these sales with precision and skill. Not only did I walk away with some fabulous finds last year, but I also learned an important life lesson. The bottom line: don't settle.   Whether it's your relationships, your job, your salary, or your emotional needs–you should not feel like you're settling for anything. Waiting to find a job that makes you excited to wake up every day? Holding out for a higher salary? Are you waiting for The One? Hold out. Good things are worth the wait.   Negotiating a salary? Asking your boss for a raise? Here are some tips to help you shop around the job market more efficiently.   Do your research. There are tons of available tools to get up to speed. Check out Glassdoor or if you’re just starting out, consult your college career office. Keep in mind what you made last year and take into account your quality of life, savings, loans, and cost of living.   Be prepared and go into any negotiation (or store) with confidence and determination . And sometimes, you should be prepared to walk away. A simple "I have to think about it" can sometimes lead you to a higher offer.   Don't settle for the first offer. Resist the urge to say "yes" to any salary offers immediately. Take your time and think about the number and position.   Don't forget about taxes. Use tax calculators to figure out how much money you will actually pocket. Keep in mind different state taxes as well.   Remember: research is where it’s at – whether it’s an interview, a salary negotiation or a shopping spree!   Read more bite-sized brilliance on our LinkedIn and Twitter.