Save Money by Shopping the Seasonal Sales

by Sean Bryant on October 1, 2016
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3d Sale text, on white background

As a smart shopper, you are always on the lookout for ways to save money. From clipping coupons and watching the weekly ads at the grocery store to taking advantage of websites like Groupon — if there is a deal out there, chances are you will find it.

Another great way to save some serious money is to follow the seasonal sales schedule. Depending on what you need, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year by waiting until a certain month to purchase a wanted item. With this in mind, here’s what’s on sale month-by-month.

January

Retailers know that many of us have created New Year’s resolutions centered on being more organized and/or healthy. As a result, January is the prime time to purchase storage totes, cleaning appliances and exercise equipment. Many stores also feature a “White Sale” in January, where you’ll find deals on bed linens and towels.

February

The two major holidays of the month, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day, can lead to some great savings. Count on jewelry and perfume sales, and big savings on furniture, rugs, mattresses, appliances and computers.

March

March is the time to stock up on cold weather clothing. It’s also when Easter sales start, so you can take advantage of bargain prices on kids’ clothing, dresses for women and suits for men.

April

It’s the time of year when tax returns come in, graduation is upcoming and newer appliance models are coming out. Look for sales on used cars, deals on laptops and computers, and reduced prices on vacuums.

May

Mattress stores need room for the newer models that are coming in, so this is when they are most likely to offer major discounts. Memorial Day Weekend is also a huge sales event; items typically included are major electronics like a flatscreen TV or computer. Dealerships also offer lower prices and great incentives on new cars during May.

June

In honor of wedding season, June brings sales on household items galore, including dishes, kitchen appliances and silverware. Father’s Day means that dad-friendly items like barbecues, golf sets and power tools will be marked down.

July

With fall coming up fast, July is when most retailers will start marking their summer clothing down. Stock up on swim suits and sandals for next year for the whole family.

August

This is the prime back-to-school sale time; you’ll see deals on backpacks, lunch boxes, inexpensive furniture items and small fridges. Even if you don’t have kids heading to class or teens moving to the dorms, this is the time to load up on office supplies.

September

If you love hunting, fishing and camping, September a great month to save on anything related to the great outdoors.

October

Columbus Day sales are a great time to find low prices on furniture including beds and recliners. And as the weather cools off, this is the time to find deals on fans and air conditioners.

November

This month holds the holy grail of shopping days: Black Friday. Watch for insane mark downs on electronics, gaming consoles and popular toys. Earlier in the month, Veteran’s Day sales usually bring great prices on cars, as dealerships want to move out the current stock for the next year’s models.

December

Many holiday-related items go on sale during December, especially during the second half of the month. Look for deals on decorations, toys and artificial trees.The day after Christmas, head out to find major bargains on gift wrap, tags and bows for next year.

Around Major Holidays

There are also numerous items that should be purchased around major holidays. For example, if you’re buying a new mattress, shopping around Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day can get you big savings. If you’re planning to use credit for these items, there are less expensive options that will also allow you to avoid finance charges.

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Sean Bryant

Sean Bryant created OneSmartDollar.com in 2011 to help pass along his knowledge of finance and economics to others. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in economics he worked as a construction superintendent before jumping into the world of finance. Sean has worked on the trade desk for a commodities brokerage firm, he was a project manager for an investment research company and was a CDO analyst at a big bank. That being said he brings a good understanding of the finance field to the One Smart Dollar community. When not working Sean and his wife are avid world travelers. He enjoys spending time with his two kids and dog Charlie.

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