The Best Time of Year to Buy Anything
Gym Memberships: Snag Back-To-School Bargains
We all know about the January deals, but September, when kids
go back to school and parents are free to work out, is also a good time
to get a discount. Live in a college town? Gyms will often slash fees
during the summer, while gyms in resort towns do so during the
off-season. Pay for an entire year up front, and many clubs will tack on
a few extra months for free.
Car Smarts: Wait for Fall
October and November are ideal months to get a great deal on
current model year vehicles, says Michael Waterman, executive editor of
Vehix.com.
Next year's models are already in stores, and dealers are anxious to
move the older—but still new—cars off their lots. Manufacturers will
often help with bigger incentives, cash-back programs and low interest
rates.
Another way to secure a great deal on a new car is to know when a
particular model is being replaced by an updated version. For instance,
in 2011, Ford replaced the old Explorer with a completely redesigned
crossover, and Honda updated the popular Civic with a new model. "Smart
buyers realize these new-model updates often translate to deep discounts
on the current models," says Waterman.
You also have a better chance of getting deals toward the end of the
month. "Dealers might be a car or two short of a monthly sales quota
that will give them a big bonus from the manufacturer," says Philip
Reed, senior consumer advice editor at
Edmunds.com. "That's why they'll discount the car to you—whatever they lose on the deal, they'll make up in their bonus."
Gadgets: High Tech for Low Prices
Have your eye on a new digital camera or MP3 player? Ask the
store manager when a newer model will be released (often October and
November). Beforehand, companies tend to slash prices on the older
models, or bundle the item with extras, like a free printer. Here's why:
Stores close out "old" inventory just before getting the newest gadgets
in time for Christmas, according to Kaplan.
Home Renovations at the Beginning of the Year
Michael Kaplan, author of
The Best Time to Do Everything, says January is the slowest month for contractors - and when they tend to be the most negotiable on fees.
Fresh Flowers: Avoid the Holiday Rush
Sending a floral bouquet for Valentines Day, Mother's Day or
another holiday? Order at least a week beforehand, and have it delivered
two or three days early to avoid the holiday markup—typically 10 to 20
percent. During non-holiday weeks, shop on Tuesdays, often the slowest
sales day of the week. Also be sure to ask the florist to make a bouquet
using whatever flowers are in season. As with produce, you’ll get the
best deal on what’s growing now and it will also be the best quality.
Jewelry: April, July and August
Why? Jewelers will negotiate in April (after tax time), and
in July and August (because there are no gift-giving holidays in those
months)
The Two Key Times of Year to Buy Furniture
The best time to buy furniture is typically January or July,
says Jaclyn Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishing
Alliance. Since new furniture styles hit the showroom floor twice a year
(in February and August), stores will slash prices on older merchandise
in order to make room for new arrivals.
Best Time of Week to Get a Haircut or Manicure Is...
Many salons advertise discounts (up to 50%) for early-week
appointments; nail salons in some neighborhoods also cut prices on
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Groceries and Produce
Taylor Hough shares her best-buy calendar, which she first compiled for
Frugal Living for Dummies. Hint: Go with what's in season.
January: turkey, apples, grapefruit, oranges, and pears
February: candy and chocolates (after Valentine's Day)
March: frozen food
April: broccoli, cauliflower and eggs
May: soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, asparagus, and pineapples
June: dairy products and tomatoes
July: berries, corn, cherries, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, plums, peaches, and nectarines
August: squash, green peppers, lettuce, berries, apples, peaches, apricots, and fresh fish
September: apples, broccoli, cauliflower, and canned goods
October: pumpkins, cranberries, grapes, oranges, sweet potatoes, and yams
November: turkey, sweet potatoes, yams, and post-Halloween candy
December: oranges, apples, and grapefruit
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