Best Buys for Each Month Offer Yearly Sales and Savings - Guide to 201...

Best Buys for Each Month

Save money throughout the year with these monthly sales offers

Excerpted from the 2013 As the saying goes, for everything there is a season. And there is a season for when you should — and shouldn't — buy a car, a dining room set, a new refrigerator. Here's how your calendar can help you be a . JANUARY Sporting goods: Cold weather puts the chill on two-wheeling leisure and ball-field activities, so expect prices to drop with the temperature — at least in colder climates. Furniture: Many furniture companies introduce items in February, so retailers are eager to make room for new inventory. on previous-year merchandise. Linens and bedding: So-called white sales are a tradition that's been around since 1878. No reason to expect that will change this year. Corbis Your month-to-month guide to 2013's best buys. FEBRUARY Air conditioners: Need you ask why? Early winter is also the best time to have existing units serviced — along with lawn mowers. Cameras: Some industry trade shows occur in January to unveil new models, so older inventory is marked down, and you can snap up bargains. Luggage: With a lull between the busy holiday travel rush and the beginning of spring break, it's a good time to bag deals. MARCH China and flatware: Between the holidays and the upcoming wedding season, retailers dish out discounts. Gardening tools: Before spring fever hits, inventory may be sparse. But what's available should be cheaper than in coming months. : Who thinks about parkas, gloves and hats toward the end of March? Retailers with leftover inventory, that's who. Look for deals and be ready for next winter's wrath.

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APRIL Athletic footwear: Check out spring sale savings on sneakers. Computers: As tax refunds arrive, so do discounts, especially for laptops. Vacuum cleaners: Find spring savings before new models come out in the coming months. MAY BBQ accessories: Stock up on charcoal and lighter fluid before barbecue season. But hold off on buying grills for now. : The new stuff hits stores, along with seasonal sales on it and on leftover stock. Spring and summer clothing: Sales begin in shower-filled April, but the better bargains are in May — especially around Memorial Day weekend. JUNE Health club memberships: Gyms empty as more fitness fans opt for outdoor workouts. Look for healthy savings. Men's suits: Ties may be a classic Father's Day gift, but suits and dress shirts are a better buy. Tools: Expect sawed-off prices just before and after Father's Day. JULY Kitchen appliances: Look for discounts on refrigerators, ranges and microwaves starting mid-month. Grills: After July 4, expect plenty of markdowns. Lawn and gardening supplies: As summer reaches its midpoint, prices dip on remaining lawn mowers, as well as on lawn and gardening supplies.

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To share your own frugal tips, send us an email telling us . AUGUST Camping equipment: These summer supplies take up a lot of room in stores, which need to display winter gear. Look for deals on tents and sleeping bags. Linens and storage containers: College-bound kids need 'em, and good sales abound on these and other dorm supplies. Wine: Many vineyards release new wines in the early fall, so it's a good time to stock up on the existing inventory.

AARP 2013 Almanac

Learn more about the coming year with a free download of the new E-book . Visit for details. SEPTEMBER Bicycles: Retailers try to unload last season's models. Cars: Post-Labor Day, you won't have to work so hard haggling on existing new models. Also look for financing deals, especially toward the end of the month. Grills and lawn mowers: These summer staples can be a wintertime display and storage headache. Shop after Labor Day. OCTOBER Cookware: Retailers discount prices for early holiday shoppers. Lingerie: Get special discounts this month and maybe next. RVs: As with cars, new models arrive in the fall — and prices on existing inventory get slashed. Look for this trend to continue through the winter months. NOVEMBER GPS devices: Navigate toward unexpected discounts around the end of the month. Baby products: A good selection — with prices to match — makes this the month to buy clothing and accessories for grandkids' first holiday. Televisions and electronics: Black Friday and Cyber Monday, of course, offer well-publicized deals. But with more retailers kicking off the holiday shopping season on Thanksgiving Day itself, it's the perfect time to cruise the Internet for those discounts. DECEMBER Cars: Traditionally, this is a slow time at dealerships, since consumers' attention turns to holiday spending. But sales quotas still must be met. Translation: a good time to bargain on new and used vehicles. Small appliances: Toasters, blenders and mixers make for easy last-minute holiday gifts. Retailers make it easier with seasonal promotions. Tools: As with Father's Day, the holidays offer hands-on savings for the handy. Toys: For the very best seasonal savings, wait until mid-month; the 10-day period before Christmas is when most toys are drastically discounted.

Also of Interest

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