Strapped for cash and looking for ways to save money in whatever way possible? Heed my advice on what to buy when. You’ll be buying these items at the cheapest price possible – so you’ll be getting more bang for your buck! Just watch your savings grow!
In January:
· Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza decorations and wrapping paper. The holidays are over so anything holiday themed is on clearance. They are always AT LEAST half off because stores are trying to sell all they can before it has to be gone! Buy everything in advance and be prepared for the next year!
· New appliances. Stores make room for new models at the beginning of the year. That means the older models will be on clearance! Look for that new toaster, blender, coffee maker, etc. to use in your apartment.
In February:
· Sporting goods. Once again, everything is on clearance! Most major sports have concluded their seasons, so all those jerseys will be on the sales racks to make room for the new and updated jerseys for the next season. Other things to buy? Get those new soccer cleats or a new softball bat before the season starts.
· If your air conditioner is getting old and in need of a replacement, now is the time to buy one. Most people think only about the heater during the winter. You’ll be able to find great deals on a new air conditioner or fan.
In March:
· Surprisingly, March is a good time of the year to buy travel gear. Normally, luggage is very expensive. Go to your favorite department store and scope out new luggage for a future trip. Any other travel gear to think about? If you’re a skier, skis and other winter sports items will be cheaper. Since spring is on the way, stores want to get rid of what’s in stock. So go pick them up before your spring break trip to Colorado!
In April:
· Everything winter! April is officially the welcoming of spring. Get deals on everything from mittens, hats, and gloves to cozy sweaters and boots. You may not find the fashions you really want because whatever is on clearance is what’s left, but you’re sure to find something you love somewhere on the clearance racks.
In May:
· May is the time for Mother’s Day. Get deals in fine jewelry! All of those jewelry ads on TV are enticing. Go on and splurge, the prices will be the lowest of the year!
In June:
· Now it’s time for Father’s Day. There are sales on all things male. Get shirts and ties for dramatically reduced prices as well as other clothing items for men.
· Other things on sale? Power tools. Not only are they Father’s Day oriented, but June is the beginning of summer. Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have sales on summer items for home improvement projects.
In July:
· Electronics are on sale. Buy that new iPod you’ve been dying to have or a CD player (yes, they still exist!)
· Beach items. You see them everywhere. Bikinis are relatively cheap around this time as well as items to take with you to the beach. Going to be on vacation by the beach? Go to your local beach store, there’s probably one on every block. You can find a lot of items like shovels or totes for under $10.
In August:
· This time of year, all you see on TV are back to school commercials. Most of them are about supplies. Purchase enough to get you through the year and then some. Walmart is a good place to go, they’re always reliable with their cheap prices and even match the price of an item if you find it cheaper elsewhere.
· Another plus about back to school? All the sales on clothes! It’s a girl’s dream. Virtually all stores have slashed prices for fall clothing. Make-up is usually on sale to help you with your back to school outfits. So toss anything that’s old and replace it with whatever you find on sale.
In September:
· More fall fashions! Prices are still reduced around this time. Summer clothes are also in sale too.
· Garden supplies. As the weather is getting colder, stores want to get rid of gardening tools. Get your gardens ready for next year and buy everything now so you’re ready to go as soon as possible!
· You’re so used to seeing commercials for cars, right? Car commercials are more frequent this time of year so places can get rid of the current models to make room for next year’s models. Cars are on sale big time this month, most car companies call it the “Year End Sales Event.”
In October:
· You’ve heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but Pre-Black Friday? The weekend before Halloween has Pre-Black Friday sales. Use this to your advantage and buy a new laptop for as much as 30% off.
· Jeans. Retailers expect to sell most of their jeans in September as part of their back to school sales. Any jeans that weren’t sold are discounted at such great prices.
In November:
· On November 1st, you’re most likely able to find Halloween items on sale for a very small fraction of the original price. Stock up on ghoulish decorations for next year. I wouldn’t recommend buying candy though unless you’re going to eat in sometime soon.
· Black Friday. Do I need to say anything more?
In December:
· More decorations are on sale! This time it’s for Thanksgiving.
· Tis the season for sales! Black Friday has died down, but that doesn’t mean the sales have. Find endless deals on everything from house wares to clothes.