What to Buy … and When
Pay less for stuff. Plan to buy when goods are cheapest
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Who doesn’t love to pay less for what they need? If you plan to buy and stock up when goods go on sale, you can benefit your budget.
January
Linens (think annual “white sales”) and home décor tend to go on sale as people want to spruce up their homes during the coldest months of the year. Look for new towels, sheets, table runners, placemats, cloth napkins and throw pillows. If you need a new sofa, bed, table or dresser, it’s the perfect time to shop. Look for sales related to the three-day weekends of Presidents Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Exercise equipment, diet aids, gym memberships, organization tools like bins and shelves, and other “resolution” items are at their lowest prices of the year.
Citrus fruits are in season and on sale through February.
Snack foods, soda, cheese, chips, crackers and other “party” foods also go on sale in anticipation of football parties. In anticipation of Chinese New Year, it’s a good time to shop for Chinese cuisine like canned water chestnuts and soy sauce from late January to early February.
February
After Valentine’s Day, snap up reduced-price décor and other items. But resist buying candy for next year, as it will go stale by then. You could find discounted fragrances and jewelry to give for birthdays and anniversary.
March
As Frozen Food Month, March is when many retailers clear their freezer cases through discounts. Stock your freezer with bargains.
April
After Easter and Passover, shop for holiday items. Some stores may have overstocked holiday foods, so look for deals on ham, lamb and eggs.
May
Shop for Mexican food after the May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), like salsa, tortillas, sauces and more. Memorial Day weekend often marks significant deals on all sorts of products, from lawn mowers to TVs. After Memorial Day, shop for picnic fare as some retailers may have overstock marked down.
June
This is National Dairy Month, so expect promotions on dairy products. It’s also time to start looking for farm stands with in-season produce at terrific prices. Keep shopping farm stands through autumn for tasty deals.
July
As National Ice Cream Month, stores gear up with plenty of cartons and tubs. It’s the perfect time to stock your freezer.
Amazon hosts its annual Prime Big Deal Days in July, so watch for notices.
Summer gear and clothing begin to go on sale in mid-to late-July through the end of the summer. If you need some new togs, patio equipment, lawncare tools or beach umbrella, shop now. Seeds, gardening tools and potting soil are also less costly, beginning in July. As for seeds, sunscreen and bug spray, check the packaging for expiration dates.
August
Back to school time is not just for the kids. It’s the ideal opportunity for shopping for your home office supplies and equipment.
September
Labor Day sales can offer you the chance to clean up on all sorts of goods.
As most people don’t vacation during the first month of the school year, it’s an ideal time to take a getaway, as it’s slower for places of lodging and entertainment. Some of the overstock from back-to-school may be on sale also. Baking season is beginning, so look for deals on cake mixes, flour and more.
October
Look for deals on seafood in celebration of National Seafood Month. Retailers often start gearing up early for black Friday sales.
November
Grab your Halloween costumes and décor for next year, along with leftover candy. It’s also the ideal time to buy a couple of pie pumpkins leftover from Halloween for Thanksgiving baking (pumpkin roll or pie, anyone?). Look for small, round varieties for best flavor, not the large, jack-o’-lantern style.
From now through the end of the year is the best time to buy a vehicle as dealers want to unload the current year’s models.
Small appliances, housewares and numerous other items go down to their lowest price of the year for black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). But instead of only buying items as gifts, replace your worn-out stuff or indulge in something you’ve wanted for a while. Want that Mickey Mouse Belgian waffle iron? Go for it.
December
Large appliances go on sale this month as most people are so holiday-focused that household sales are slow. This is the perfect time to replace an ailing refrigerator, upgrade to a nicer vacuum or spring for a basement freezer.
Baking items continue to stay on sale as many retailers are well-stocked for the holiday baking rush.
It’s also a good time to buy holiday items half off after Christmas. But don’t think that these deals apply only to gift wrapping paper. Think outside of the designated holiday. You can also buy half-off green plates for St. Patrick’s Day and red napkins for Valentine’s Day or your Independence Day barbecue. Plain white tissue paper fills birthday gift bags and is half off after the holidays. If you’re planning a wedding or other celebration, look for Christmas décor that can work for your other event, like plain white candles.