Best Things to Buy Every Month in 2024
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A new year is a good opportunity to take charge of your personal budget and develop a strategy for buying the things you want.
Create a list of the big buys you plan to make this year and use our guide to time each purchase right, so you can save money.
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- What is a charitable donation?
- What is a put option?
- What is investment advice?
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- What is mortgage pre-qualification?
- What are mutual funds?
- What is a meme stock?
- What is a secured credit card?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- How much emergency fund should I have?
- What is an index fund?
- What is passive income?
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- What is Medicare assignment?
- How to make money as a kid
- How to get paid on TikTok
- What is a routing number?
- Inheritance tax definition
- How to buy stocks in 6 steps
- What are Perkins loans?
- Fee-only vs. fee-based
- 1. Go to a museum, aquarium or zoo
- What are CDFIs?
- Where they’re based and where they fly
- What is a VA home loan?
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- Key findings
- What is Amazon Prime?
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- The hotel
- Mortgage options
- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
- What is SSDI?
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- Best Medicare Advantage companies
- Virginia state income tax rates and tax brackets
- Can you withdraw money from a 401(k) early?
- How meme stocks work
- 4 no-credit-check loan options
- What is self-employment tax?
- Check your credit reports
- Defining some health insurance terms
- Vending machine costs
- How do LLC taxes work?
- Review past and current spending
- How to use the mutual fund calculator
- How to estimate your home insurance
- IHG credit cards that offer the 40,000 point annual certificate
- About Fort Lauderdale airport lounges
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- Brace for another year of high interest rates — and prices
- What is Instacart?
- 1. Sell spare electronics
- How to value a small business
- 1. Open an IRA
- Spirit Airlines reputation
- FuboTV cost per month
- What the out-the-door price includes
- 1. Targeted email campaigns
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- How does the SALT deduction work?
- Strategy No. 1: Compare lenders' 'Loan Estimate' forms
- How does a home warranty work?
- January
- How much interest can you earn on $100?
- Where can I cash my coins?
- How much does an Amazon Prime membership cost?
- Late winter and early spring
- Debt vs. equity financing overview
- 1. The courthouse
- How to compare FHA vs. conventional loans
- 17 passive income ideas
- Adyen vs. Stripe comparison
- 4 common check fraud scams
- Is charitable giving tax-deductible?
- What is the gift tax?
- The Pros of SkyTeam Alliance
- TAP Air Portugal partner airlines
- What are the types of cybersecurity coverage?
- Who qualifies for Perkins loan forgiveness?
- 6 hardship loans for bad credit
- What is a tax credit?
- How to Refer a Friend for a Capital One card
- 1. You can use it only on certain health care purchases
- Why do airlines overbook?
- How to start a consulting business in 9 steps
- When to write a financial aid appeal letter
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- A lower rate … and a lower credit score, temporarily
- 11 best investments right now
- The best money-making apps
- Women are less likely to manage their own investments
- How to make money online
- 1. It offers deferred interest
- How do index funds work?
- Lottery tax calculator
- What are estimated tax payments?
- Best credit cards with no credit check
- Day-trading tax rates
- When you’ll need your routing number
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- Is inheritance taxable?
- 2. Sell your gift cards
- The best term life insurance companies in March 2024
- What is a fee-only financial planner?
- 2. Read a book
- 5 pieces of investment advice from the pros
- How to use the car affordability calculator
- Why invest in mutual funds?
- What is the 401(k) early withdrawal penalty?
- How does a VA home loan work?
- Cards that offer customizable rewards
- The self-employment tax rate for 2023
- What is IRS Free File?
- When to choose debt financing vs. equity financing
- Getting started
- Who qualifies for SSDI?
- What is the child tax credit?
- Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare
- Ways to earn money as a younger kid
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- A closer look at CDCUs
- How to use the pre-qualification calculator
- How to pay off dental school debt
- Federal work-study FAQ
- Student loan forgiveness programs
- 1. Request a balance transfer
- 2. At home
- Who pays the gift tax?
- The timeline to lower inflation
- How put options work
- 3. Pawn something
- Do I have to pay Virginia state income tax?
- 3. Catch a movie
- What reasons can you withdraw from your 401(k) early?
- 2. Curated social media
- NerdWallet's car insurance estimator
- Secured credit cards vs. unsecured credit cards
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Contact your credit card company
- How to start a vending machine business: A step-by-step guide
- Why invest in index funds?
- How do lottery taxes work?
- How tax-deductible donations work
- How to redeem TAP Miles&Go miles
- What is a fee-based financial planner?
- How do tax credits work?
- What fees will I pay?
- Active vs. passive mutual funds
- Grace period
- Strategy No. 2: Know where the savings are
- The self-employment tax rate for 2024
- How much interest can you earn on $1,000?
- Holiday weekends
- Where to stash your emergency fund
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Play favorites
- 4 steps to spot a fake check and avoid trouble
- How the new student loan repayment plan differs for other IDRs
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- IHG One Rewards dynamic award pricing
- How to find your routing number
- Consolidation vs. refinancing
- Is there a federal inheritance tax?
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- Who gets bumped on overbooked flight?
- What is the SALT deduction?
- Meme stock history
- Who is eligible for Free File?
- February
- What are the benefits of Amazon Prime?
- 3. An Airbnb or hotel rental
- How much is the 2023 child tax credit?
- How high can excess charges get?
- When are estimated taxes due?
- Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
- Learn more
- Terminal 1: United Club lounge
- 4. Work today for fast cash today
- Making referrals: Caveats and considerations
- 2. It’s a deferred interest card ...
- Use out-the-door price when negotiating
- 3. Strong SEO strategy
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- Other alternatives to Mint
- Where can you work for Instacart?
- 4. Play a game inside
- How to determine how much car you can afford
- VA home loan eligibility
- How to apply for federal work-study
- How to calculate self-employment tax
- What does a home warranty cover?
- How much interest can you earn on $10,000?
- Airfare
- Features
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- Consolidating private student loans
- How to apply for Perkins loan forgiveness
- Am I a resident for Virginia state income tax purposes?
- How do CDFIs work?
- 2. Set financial priorities
- AmEx Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Deciding factors
- What’s behind the pre-qualification calculation?
- How to estimate car insurance costs
- How secured credit cards work
- Strategy No. 3: Push back on lender fees
- What to include in your financial aid appeal letter
- 2. Wait for the transfer to go through
- About 7 in 10 women learned how to choose investments
- 2. You won't want to carry a balance
- What is an index?
- Will your disability benefits change when you turn 65?
- Inheritance taxes vs. estate taxes
- Buying a put option
- 5. Seek community loans and assistance
- Fee-only financial planner or fee-based: Which type is best for me?
- 5. Play a game outside
- Travel credit card availability
- Know your carrier’s bumping policies
- Negotiate a lower credit card APR
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- Child tax credit 2024
- 3 active trader tax breaks
- How much do full-service shoppers make?
- 3. … and it can also be a low-interest card
- 4. Promotions that speak to your target audience
- Average daily balance
- Who has to pay self-employment tax?
- How does the IRS Free File program work?
- March
- 3 ways to minimize the effects on your credit
- Alternatives to cash
- All year
- 4. Parks and beaches
- How long will your mortgage loan last?
- Estimated tax payments 2024
- Best for extra perks: Aetna
- 6. Ask for forbearance on bills
- What is a hardship loan?
- Best term life insurance policies for 2024
- 6. Volunteer
- Referral bonus annual limits
- How to apply for a VA home loan
- 5 best-performing meme stocks
- Other student loan forgiveness programs
- When should you start saving?
- Coinsurance vs. copay
- 3. Cardholders enjoy a longer return period and exclusive offers
- Plan for future goals
- How common are excess charges?
- How the annual gift tax exclusion works
- How to invest in mutual funds
- Fubo add-ons
- Strategy No. 4: Shop for title and settlement services
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- Child tax credit expansion: What the tax deal could mean for you
- Are you a day trader for tax purposes?
- Terminal 2: Delta Sky Club
- 7. Request a payroll advance
- 7. Visit the farmers market
- 5. Sales that create a sense of urgency
- Factors that affect the cost of car insurance
- Secured credit cards: Examples
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- Other transportation
- 5. In the street
- Bank of America routing numbers
- Miles&Go sweet spots
- What happens if you’re approved?
- How to get a hardship loan
- Accepting a Capital One referral: Caveats and considerations
- What’s the difference between pre-qualification and preapproval?
- Use out-the-door price when shopping online
- Student loan cancellation programs
- Consider all your options first
- The good outweighs the bad
- 3. Pay off your balance
- Copay vs. deductible
- How much do index funds cost?
- Do you have to contact anyone to switch from SSDI to Social Security?
- Are excess charges allowed in all states?
- Who should make estimated quarterly tax payments?
- Finding IHG’s hidden reward calendar
- 8. Go thrift shopping
- 4. Your account is available immediately upon approval
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- Volunteer to get bumped
- 6. Events that resonate with your community
- Pros and cons of VA home loans
- Do I have to accept work-study aid?
- How to pay self-employment tax
- What to do if your appeal is unsuccessful
- What isn’t covered by a home warranty?
- 2024 IRS Free File: Participating tax software providers
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- 6. Libraries and museums
- 4. Home Depot offers a separate card for bigger projects
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- States that have estate taxes, inheritance taxes or both:
- Which businesses need cybersecurity insurance?
- 8. Take a loan from your retirement account
- Terms connected to meme stocks
- April
- Women tend to be less confident, more anxious than men about investing
- How to consolidate private student loans
- What does this mean for your financial decisions?
- What you need to work for Instacart
- 9. Go for a walk
- A quick guide to popular and new tax credits for 2024
- 7. Strategic partnerships with other businesses
- Student loan discharge programs
- Coinsurance vs. deductible
- 7. Aquariums and zoos
- Diversifying with index funds
- Cons of SkyTeam Alliance
- 9. Borrow against life insurance
- 5. It’s one of several ways you can pay for medical expenses
- How to calculate an out-the-door budget
- File a trip delay insurance claim
- Secured credit cards vs. prepaid debit cards
- Tax deductions for self-employment
- What's next?
- Choose a savings account that will pay you more
- Mattress-buying tips
- 5. Loyalty doesn't always pay off
- Fees
- Should you claim early Social Security benefits?
- Does Medigap cover excess charges?
- Best for local support: Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Tax breaks for regular investors
- Additional functionality
- Watch out for capital gains taxes
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- Other hardship loan options
- 10. Take a hike
- What is a meme stock ETF?
- How much car insurance you need
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Where to find an eligible work-study job
- The caveats
- Food and drinks
- 8. Cafes, restaurants and bars
- Should I file taxes now or wait for the child tax credit expansion?
- Ways to earn money as a teenager
- Chase routing numbers
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- Does pre-qualification affect your credit score?
- Airline loyalty programs
- 8. Take advantage of free advertising
- Interest rate
- 7 steps to appeal your financial aid
- Home warranty vs. homeowners insurance
- How it all works together
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Gift tax limit 2023
- What does cybersecurity insurance exclude?
- 11. Ride a bike
- Consider the costs of cashing out your 401(k)
- What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?
- May
- LLC payroll taxes
- Types of mortgage loans
- Can you collect SSI and Social Security disability or retirement benefits?
- How to sign up for Instacart
- Buying a put option vs. short selling
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- 9. Get local and online press
- What is the VA loan limit?
- How much is the SALT deduction?
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- Americans perceive investing advantages, disadvantages for women
- 9. A boat
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- How can I avoid excess charges?
- Current Build Card
- 3 ways to avoid inheritance tax
- 3. Get disability and life insurance
- Strategy No. 5: Ask the seller to contribute
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- Debt financing options for small businesses
- What's next?
- How to calculate quarterly estimated taxes
- Wells Fargo routing numbers
- Terminal 3: Escape Lounge
- 12. Sleep in the woods
- How to increase your pre-qualification amount
- Can I make money with meme stocks?
- How to use a secured credit card to build credit
- The catch: Your health plan's network
- 10. Schools and universities
- Earning Miles&Go miles with partners
- Start taking Instacart jobs
- How do I get cybersecurity insurance?
- 12. Get a personal loan
- On-time performance
- 10. Manage review sites
- Why some cars cost more to insure
- Average work-study award
- Strategy No. 6: Consider a 'no-closing costs' mortgage
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- Claiming tax-deductible donations on your tax return
- Gift tax limit 2024
- Final thoughts on SkyTeam benefits and drawbacks
- Federal student loan consolidation
- 13. Gaze at the stars
- How much does a home warranty cost?
- 11. Theaters
- Best for low-cost plan availability: Humana
- Some helpful links from the IRS
- What’s the filing deadline for my Virginia state income tax bill?
- Getting the most from your pre-qualification limit
- Refinancing a VA home loan
- Days in the cycle
- How fast does a secured card build credit?
- Strategy No. 7: Sign loan papers near the end of the month
- June
- 3. Bonds
- Equity financing options for small businesses
- 13. Rent out a room
- 14. Listen to music
- 11. Tap into your existing customer base
- How does work-study pay?
- Save money on wedding venues near you
- LLC self-employment taxes
- How Adyen and Stripe compare
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- Online bank and credit union routing numbers
- Strategy No. 8: Ask your bank about discounts and rebates
- How to choose a home warranty company
- How do Instacart shoppers get paid?
- Best cybersecurity insurance options
- 15. Make some music
- Where to get investment advice
- Does work-study affect future financial aid?
- Sharing a Prime membership Using Amazon Household
- Additional child tax credit
- When is the new IDR plan available?
- 6 things to know about Virginia state income tax
- Finding a car you can afford
- 12. Sponsor local events
- Types of VA home loans
- How to save on car insurance
- You can negotiate closing costs
- Interest-based passive income ideas
- NerdWallet home insurance calculator methodology
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- 16. Make something
- How long does it take to get pre-qualified for a mortgage?
- What's next?
- What taxes aren’t covered by the SALT deduction?
- July
- Doing the math on copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- LLC sales taxes
- How to estimate taxes for an income tax extension
- Charitable deductions 2023
- How to top up your certificate
- Terminal 4: Priority Pass dining
- Small-business valuation methods
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- What are alternatives to a home warranty?
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- 17. Learn a new skill
- Extra fees
- Why is it called the SALT tax?
- Best of the Blues: Highmark
- 2023-2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- How to consolidate federal loans
- 13. Become a trusted resource on online platforms
- How many times can you use a VA home loan?
- Is Amazon Prime worth it?
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- 18. Exercise
- What is a no-credit-check loan?
- Next steps
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- How to claim the child tax credit in 2024
- Varo Believe Secured Credit Card
- August
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- How to pay estimated taxes
- 19. Have a potluck
- Bottom line: Is Spirit Airlines a good airline and should you fly them?
- Ways kid creators can earn online
- If you’re looking to maximize your annual IHG certificate
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- Who can sign up for the new repayment plan?
- Fort Lauderdale airport lounges recapped
- Elite benefits on partner flights
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- 20. Do something productive
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- After deciding
- Selling a put option
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans
- September
- Frequently asked questions about estimated tax payments
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- 21. Host a yard sale
- In-flight experience
- The bottom line
- Other spending
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- How much cybersecurity coverage do I need?
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- 22. Engage with your community
- 4. Money market funds
- Other types of mortgage loans
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- How to avoid gift tax
- FHA vs. conventional loans: Summary
- Tips for making money as a kid
- Avoid risky loans
- Mutual fund types
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- October
- Other changes to income-driven repayment in the works
- The bottom line
- Consulting niches to consider
- State child tax credits
- The bottom line
- Things to consider about loans with no credit check
- 5. Mutual funds
- Credit cards used
- November
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- Additional tips for making money on TikTok
- Call vs. put options
- How much we spent: A breakdown
- More resources
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Grow Credit Mastercard
- Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. AmEx Platinum: Minor features to consider
- 6. Index funds
- December
- Factor in the value of credit card points
- The four options market participants and their incentives
- How to shop for no-credit-check loans
- Advantages of put options
- Venmo Credit Card
- How do mutual fund profits work?
- The bottom line
- No-credit-check loan alternatives
- The bottom line
- Other hardship assistance
- How to find the best term life insurance company
- How to make money from home
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- Who might prefer AmEx Platinum over Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Hardship financing to avoid
- Mutual funds vs. ETFs vs. stocks
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Other ways to earn money
- 8. Stocks
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- Pros and cons of starting a vending machine business
- More about term life insurance
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- How to make money offline
- Cred.ai Credit Card
- 9. Alternative investments
- TD Cash Credit Card
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- Other ways to save money
- 11. Real estate
- GO2bank Secured Credit Card
- Truist Enjoy Cash credit card
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- Self Secured Visa® Credit Card
- U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
- Credit cards that didn't make the list
- Watch out for making money scams
January
With a fresh page on the calendar comes a fresh start for sales. These items are discounted in January:
Bedding and linen. Department stores hold bedding and linen “white sales” in January with deep discounts on sheets and towels.
Fitness equipment. Retailers will meet goals to get in shape with decent deals. Expect workout gear and apparel sales to abound at sporting goods stores. (Tip: Tread lightly on a treadmill purchase unless you're sure you’ll use it. It’ll always be cheaper to walk around the block.)
TVs and electronics. Just before the Super Bowl, retailers normally discount TVs and other home theater essentials.
Mark your calendar: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 15.
Freebie day: National Spaghetti Day is Jan. 4.
February
It’s the month of love and gift-giving, but February might be a better time to buy major items for yourself than trinkets for your loved one. Options include:
TVs. Television sales spill over from January into February ahead of the Super Bowl. Aside from Black Friday, this is one of the best times to buy a TV.
Winter items. With winter winding down, retailers will be looking to unload inventory of cold-weather products. Look for sales on apparel and winter sports gear that you'll need later in the year.
Home goods. Expect retailers to put home stuff on sale for Presidents Day and the weekend preceding the holiday.
Leftover chocolate. The savvy couple does Valentine’s Day a week late to save a buck. Grab a heart-shaped box of candy on Feb. 15, when stores will be discounting their Valentine’s Day leftovers. It’ll be easier to get a dinner reservation after Feb. 14 too.
Mark your calendar: Super Bowl Sunday is Feb. 11, Valentine's Day is Feb. 14 and Presidents Day is Feb. 19.
Freebie day: National Frozen Yogurt Day is Feb. 6.
March
There aren’t any major shopping holidays in March, but that doesn’t make for a total lack of sales. Look for deals on these products:
Tax software. Retailers like to discount tax software in March, ahead of Tax Day in April.
Grills. Buy your summer grilling necessities now to avoid a spike in prices when summer arrives.
St. Patrick’s Day essentials. Around St. Patrick’s Day, online retailers and department stores usually discount green clothing, party supplies and jewelry.
Vacuum cleaners: Some retailers will be ready to reward early spring cleaners with a deal on a Dyson, Shark or other brand of vacuum.
Mark your calendar: St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 and Easter Sunday is March 31.
Freebie day: Pi Day is March 14, because 3.14 (get it?).
April
April has its fair share of spring deals and discounts, including:
Vacuums. April is the real cleaning month and will bring more deals on vacuums. Look for markdowns at department stores as well as on manufacturers’ websites.
Tax-themed items. Year after year, retailers and restaurants try to lighten the burden of Tax Day with discounts and freebies on services like paper shredding. Keep an eye out for these around mid-April.
Beauty products. Time to get outside and look your best. The Sephora spring sale is usually this month.
Sustainable items. To celebrate Earth Day, be on the lookout for retailer deals on sustainable items, such as reusable totes and water bottles, sustainably made clothing and other “green” products. Is this the year you start composting? We support that.
Mark your calendar: Tax Day is April 15.
Freebie day: Earth Day is April 22.
May
April discounts give way to more in May. Here’s a look at some items to consider buying this month:
Spring apparel. By May, retailers will discount spring clothing that has already been hanging on racks for a month or two.
Furniture. Three of the biggest blowout shopping days are Black Friday, Labor Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day is in May, so look for furniture and home decor discounts from big-box stores.
Small kitchen appliances. Use May discounts as an opportunity to buy small kitchen appliances, such as coffee makers and blenders. Typically, these products are included in Memorial Day sales, and they make great gifts for upcoming summer weddings.
If last year’s shopping research is any indication, prices on select kitchen gadgets could drop the Friday before Mother’s Day.
Mark your calendar: Mother’s Day is May 12 and Memorial Day is May 27.
Freebie day: National Hamburger Day is May 28.
June
June is short on days, but long on the list of deals. Smart purchases include:
Lingerie. Stock up on undergarments in June. That’s when Victoria’s Secret, for example, has been known to host its famous semiannual sale. The sale also typically occurs in December.
Other semiannual sales. The midway point is known for sales at lots of stores. In past years, we’ve seen stores like Bath & Body Works and Brooks Brothers hold semiannual sales in June.
Gym memberships. Consider buying a gym membership during the summer, and be sure to negotiate for the best deal. Gyms may be eager for sign-ups when people are more likely to spend time outside.
Tools and other dad gifts. In preparation for Father’s Day, many retailers will offer deals on a variety of power tools and outdoor gear, as well as things like men’s clothing. Solo Stove has discounted its portable fire pits around this time in the past.
Mark your calendar: Father’s Day is June 16.
Freebie day: National Doughnut Day is June 7.
July
In July, prices drop like it’s hot. Consider buying these:
Summer apparel. The sun is still out, but demand for summer clothes starts to go down. So, buy up shorts, tanks and flip-flops while stores make it worth it. Buy only what’s on sale, though.
July Fourth items. Retailers like a reason to celebrate. In the days leading up to Independence Day, there’s usually an abundance of sales on red, white and blue products, as well as on barbecue and backyard items, sporting goods, jewelry and furniture.
Personal electronics on Prime Day. Amazon’s Prime Day happened on July 11 and 12 in 2023, so you can likely expect similar timing in 2024. It’s basically Black Friday in July, and it’s a hot sale for electronics and gadgets, among other categories. It also drives other retailers to compete with copycat sales.
School supplies. Kids won't want to think about the end of summer yet, but retailers start putting school supplies on sale in late July. If you have supply lists in hand, shopping back-to-school early can help you avoid the August rush.
Mark your calendar: Independence Day is July 4.
Freebie day: National Ice Cream Day is July 21 and National Lipstick Day is July 29.
August
Close out summer by buying summer products? That’s right. Look for end-of-season clearance sales in August on:
Back-to-school supplies. The start of school marks the need to buy low-cost items such as notebooks and pencils and more expensive ones like calculators and laptops. Generally, the closer to the start of the school year you buy, the better your chances of getting a good price.
Backyard products. Ride out the end of summer with a big deal on lawn mowers and other seasonal outdoor equipment, like a grill.
Swimsuits. There may not be many swimming days left by the time August rolls around, but that’s exactly why swimsuit clearance sales will crest. Buy swimsuits now for next year.
Tax-free shopping. Back-to-school can be expensive. However, to aid in the purchase of school supplies, clothes, personal computers and other approved necessities, many states offer a tax-free weekend. If yours does, check the date and have your list ready.
Mark your calendar: For many school districts, the first day of school is in August.
Freebie day: National Waffle Day is Aug. 24.
September
With deals on items as varied as mattresses and pool toys, September is a surprising month for good buys. Score reasonable prices on these:
Mattresses. Year after year, September is a good time for mattress sales. Expect deals from department stores and mattress centers, usually as a part of Labor Day promotions.
iPhones. Apple often announces its latest iPhone lineup and other products in September. The unveiling is usually followed by a drop in prices on the models that have been around awhile. Check out used iPhones around this time too.
Appliances. Expect a series of blowout deals in the week leading up to Labor Day, including promotions on appliances big and small.
Mark your calendar: Labor Day is Sept. 2.
Freebie day: National Cheeseburger Day is Sept. 18.
October
Retailers won't ghost you in October. There will be plenty of deals on these product categories:
Outdoor furniture. Expect deals on patio furniture and outdoor living products when the weather turns cool.
Jeans. Fall inventory arrives in stores in August and September, but you’ll pay top dollar unless you wait a few weeks. October is a great time to buy a new pair of jeans.
Candy. The closer you get to Halloween, the better your chances of snagging a discounted bag of candy for trick-or-treaters.
Holiday gifts. Amazon has held a Prime Day-like shopping event in October for the past two years. The multi-day event sparked similarly-timed sales from retailers like Target, Walmart and Best Buy and featured deals that rival Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These events have made early October a top time to buy gifts or things you need for yourself.
Mark your calendar: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day are Oct. 14 and Halloween is Oct. 31.
Freebie day: National Taco Day is Oct. 4 and National Dessert Day is Oct. 14.
November
November is the real month for Black Friday sales, which means some of the most popular technology products fall to their lowest prices. Expect most retailers to offer some kind of deal on products in nearly every category — not just on Black Friday, but throughout the month.
Electronics. Gadgets like TVs, tablets and laptops take center stage during Black Friday sales. Look for discounts on headphones, smart speakers and activity trackers, too.
Clothing. November has to be the busiest month for clothing catalogs. Scan the brands you like for discounts, and shop stores like Gap, Land’s End and American Eagle directly online for surprise coupon codes.
Streaming subscriptions: As if you need another password to remember, November has become a great time to sign up for a new streaming service. Popular content providers like Hulu and Paramount+ have offered solid subscription discounts during extended Black Friday sales in the past.
Mark your calendar: Thanksgiving is Nov. 28 and Black Friday is Nov. 29.
Freebie day: National Sandwich Day is Nov. 3.
December
The end of the year is just the beginning of discounts in some product categories. Look for sale prices on these items in December:
Electronics. Those Black Friday electronics deals from late November will spill over into the new month.
Small kitchen appliances. Cyber Monday 2024 falls on Dec. 2, and it’ll likely be a great time to get an air fryer. NerdWallet monitored prices on 10 popular products during every major sale of 2023. Each of the three kitchen gadgets on our list — an air fryer, stand mixer and coffee machine — hit low prices on Cyber Monday.
Toys. Toys are popular holiday gifts, and stores generally drop prices as the season draws to a close. Look on Black Friday but buy in December.
Christmas decorations. Beginning the day after Christmas, shop sales for deep discounts — often upward of 50% — on decorations, wrapping paper, ornaments, artificial trees and similar seasonal fixings.
Mark your calendar: Christmas is Dec. 25. Hanukkah starts Dec. 7.
Freebie day: National Cookie Day is Dec. 4.