Yet more often than not, you can anticipate life’s necessary expenses — and even some nice-to-haves. Before an impulse purchase empties your bank account, check out our convenient month-by-month calendar for the best times to buy nearly everything. You might be surprised by the bargains each season brings!
Our Guide to the Best Time to Buy Everything
Be a savvy buyer and time your purchases using this calendar, which highlights the best discounts by month.
What to Buy in January
Start the year with substantial savings.
TVs
Retailers expect new TVs and electronics to be unveiled at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January. That makes January a great month to buy a television, with steep discounts — if you can resist the latest premium models.
It’s also no fluke that the Super Bowl is held in early February. Around 100 million people tune in, and most of them watch the game on a TV.
Calendars
There’s no need to race to the store in December for a new wall or desk calendar. Purchasing one in January can net you a discount.
Analog planners and physical organizers still appeal to many shoppers, said Trae Bodge, a Smart Shopping Expert who’s appeared on CBS, CNBC andThe Today Show.People like having something tangible.
There’s a certain satisfaction in crossing items off your to-do list. We understand.
“Planners also remain popular because many are built to help people stay organized and more mindful,” Bodge said, “so there’s a self-help/self-care aspect.”
Gym Memberships and Home Fitness Equipment
Gyms typically offer attractive promotions to sign up and get fit in the New Year. Home fitness equipment and scales also go on sale in January, according to Consumer Reports. Here’s advice on what gear you’ll need for an affordable home gym.
You’ll also find deals on smartwatches and fitness trackers to support that resolution.
Linens
The tradition of the white sale dates back to the 1870s, when linens were sold only in white. Today’s white sales, however, include bedding and home goods in every hue.
Don’t be seduced by very high thread counts — focus more on the fabric type. You’ll also get more value if you care for your new sheets properly so they last longer.
Christmas Gear
You’ve got almost 11 months until the next ugly sweater party, but you can browse racks now for heavily discounted holiday sweaters. Other Christmas items — like cards and decorations — are also marked down in January.
What to Buy in February
Fall in love with these bargains in February.
Mattresses
If your holiday spending is behind you and you need a new mattress, look at Presidents’ Day sales. The long weekend is often the first major mattress sale of the year.
Mattress retailers also use holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day to offer substantial discounts if you need more time to decide between foam and innerspring.
Jewelry
One of the best windows to buy jewelry is in February — but wait until after Valentine’s Day.
Look for deep markdowns once stores take down their romantic displays. It’s not worth paying the “love premium” to celebrate, anyway.
Also hunt for bargains on other Valentine’s Day items like cards and chocolates after the holiday.
Winter Coats
Winter coats occupy a lot of closet space and retail floor space. Help stores clear inventory this month and you’ll score a significant discount.
What to Buy in March
Spring forward by making these smart purchases in March.
Luggage
Don’t wait until the week before a big family trip to buy a new suitcase. March is the prime month for luggage sales, tempting shoppers eager to escape their snowy winters and head out for spring break.
Just make sure you remember where you stored it when it’s time to pack.
What to Buy in April
Smart shoppers plan ahead.
Tools
You don’t need to wait until Father’s Day in June to find great prices on tools and home improvement supplies.
If you’re itching to start spring DIY projects, now is a good time to shop.
Sneakers
With everyone heading outdoors again, stores swap winter shoes for brighter spring and summer styles. Sporting goods retailers discount fresh kicks to help you keep that New Year’s resolution (remember?).
What to Buy in May
Is your refrigerator on the fritz? May is an excellent month to replace it.
Small Appliances
Blenders, juicers, coffee makers, slow cookers, toasters and toaster ovens often go on sale during Memorial Day promotions. While many deals peak at month’s end, sales can appear at least a week earlier or run throughout the month. (See also November.)
Besides replacing worn kitchen gadgets, consider these as options for bridal or shower gifts.
Refrigerators
New fridge models typically debut in summer. Buy in May to get last year’s model at a reduced price.
You probably won’t notice much difference between last year’s and this year’s models, right? We didn’t think so.
Also watch for discounts on essential appliances like freezers, oven ranges and air conditioners, per Consumer Reports.
What to Buy in June
Here come the … bargains?
Vacation Tickets
Booking a summer getaway? Travel in early or late summer instead of the busiest periods. You’ll also save on airfare by flying midweek.
“Because fares can spike, consider redeeming any points you’ve accumulated and pay with the card that yields the most rewards so you maximize your purchase,” Bodge advised.
Outdoor Gear
With summer in full swing, outdoor equipment — tents, backpacks, lanterns and even fitness gear — tends to be discounted.
Cookware and China
June is peak wedding season and retailers expect you to have thought ahead for registry gifts.
Those items often go on sale now, making it a good time to replace or upgrade your own cookware. While sorting through your old pieces (or your grandmother’s), keep an eye out for china patterns that might have collector value.
What to Buy in July
Don’t sweat these discounts.
Furniture
New furniture lines usually arrive in February and August, so July is a month stores use to clear out older inventory, especially around Fourth of July weekend — making it an ideal time to buy furniture.
Dehumidifiers
July brings humidity. Pick up a dehumidifier in July or August for the best prices, according to Consumer Reports.
What to Buy in August
The late summer doldrums bring some excellent deals.
Computers (Except Apple Products)
Computer makers typically unveil new models over the summer, so back-to-school sales are a fine time to purchase last season’s laptops. The differences in specs may not be noticeable unless you’re a hardcore gamer or creative pro.
Apple tends to announce new products in the fall, so wait if you want the newest MacBook.
Printers
If you’re working from home, consider upgrading your printer. Printers, tablets and wireless earbuds are often discounted during back-to-school promotions.
Grills
Grilling season doesn’t end at Labor Day. Buying a grill at the end of summer lets you enjoy it through much of the year (depending on your location).
What to Buy in September
Back to school — and back to the checkout.
Thanksgiving Flights
If you plan to travel for the holidays, consider purchasing Thanksgiving airfares in September to lock in better rates.
Hit the key booking window — and use our other top tips for saving on air travel.
Swimsuits
Even if your local pool is closed for the season, stocking up on swimsuits in September can score you deals for next year.
Washers/Dryers
Considering a switch to a front-load washer and dryer?
Many manufacturers release new models in September and October, so Labor Day weekend can be an especially good time to save, Bodge says.
What to Buy in October
There’s probably a pun about spooky savings hidden in here.
A House
Buying a home isn’t something you do every day, but if you’re house hunting, consider waiting past the busy spring and summer market.
Your costs can drop a few percentage points once fall arrives (after the kids return to school), making fall one of the better times to buy a house.
Denim
Jeans often see discounts in October, once back-to-school shopping has wrapped up and families have stocked up on fall clothes.
Patio Furniture
Farewell summer, hello savings.
Check out patio furniture if you don’t mind stashing it away for winter. When the first warm spring day arrives, you’ll be ready to soak up the sun.
Leaf Blowers
October brings falling leaves that’ll likely cover your lawn. Pick up a leaf blower now, and while you’re at it, consider a snow blower to prepare for winter — Consumer Reports notes you’ll also find deals on lawn mowers as the seasons change.
What to Buy in November
Days shrink but discounts grow.
Small Appliances, 2.0
Like in spring, fall is prime time for big bargains on small kitchen appliances.
If you want a blender, air fryer, coffee maker or similar gadget to occupy counter space, wait for Black Friday sales in stores and online.
Video Game Consoles
If you’re after a video game console, prices typically hit a low around Black Friday, experts say.
If you (or your kids) are fine with older systems, previous-generation consoles often drop in price when new versions are released.
Video Games
When you buy a new console, you’ll want games to play on it.
Waiting until Black Friday or Cyber Monday often yields bundles that include popular titles, giving you solid value on both hardware and software.
If you purchase games during the year, waiting two to three months after release is usually when prices first fall.
For PC games, check the Steam storefront for summer and winter sales — they feature discounts as steep as 60% during those events.
Wedding Gowns
Bridal boutiques are slow before the holiday proposal season, so the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are a smart time to start trying on gowns.
Ask about sample sales and last season’s styles that may be deeply discounted.
What to Buy in December
Enjoy the holidays by shopping wisely.
Swimming Pools
If your household has been pestering you for a backyard pool, December can be the best time to have one installed. It may be cold, but pool installers prefer avoiding sweltering summer days.
When their workload slows in winter, many contractors will lower prices.
Toys
Toy bargains linger after Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November.
Even if you’ve finished holiday shopping, consider picking up discounted favorites to stash away for birthdays.
Cars
You can’t always foresee when your current vehicle will die, but if you can plan ahead, late in the year is often best for buying a new (or used) car. Dealers offer some of their lowest prices in December as they strive to meet annual sales targets. You’ll also see older models discounted to make room for new inventory.
If you can’t wait until December, try shopping at the end of any month — it’s when dealers scramble to hit monthly quotas.
Contributor Jenna Limbach writes on financial literacy and lifestyle topics for Savinly. Lisa Rowan is a former staff writer. Freelancer Kent McDill contributed to this report.
