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.
- Life insurance buying guide
- About Roth IRAs
- What is a brokerage account?
- See how to get your business started quickly
- What is the home office deduction?
- What is the sales tax deduction?
- What is the earned income tax credit?
- What is the FIRE movement?
- What is a W-4?
- Nerdy takeaways about where to exchange currency
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- What is stock research?
- What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?
- 2023 Ohio state income tax rates and tax brackets (taxes filed in 2024)
- What is a UTMA or UGMA account?
- What are dividend stocks?
- Top-rated low-cost index funds
- Determining how much mortgage I can afford
- What is inflation?
- Bullish vs. bearish: What’s the difference?
- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- What is the AmEx Trifecta and why should you have it?
- Georgia state income tax rates and tax brackets
- How to get paid on YouTube
- United fare classes: The differences
- Online marketplace and auction sites
- Food and drink
- Best Prepaid Debit Cards
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- What is SSDI?
- Microsoft Office Excel budget templates
- What to bring to an interview
- Discover it® Cash Back
- How we found the best travel insurance
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- What is a call option?
- Who can access your credit report or score
- FuboTV cost per month
- Understanding the basics
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- Comparing the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 1. It charges a flat rate for most moves
- January
- How much does FHA mortgage insurance cost?
- How to remove an authorized user
- Do rent payments affect credit?
- How to manage your money
- Best-performing marijuana stocks
- Most profitable small businesses
- What is net worth?
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- What types of passport services are available?
- 1. Bundle the policies you need
- How many bank accounts should I have?
- How does a second mortgage work?
- What is GoodRx?
- What are AI ETFs?
- What does this value mean?
- First, some background
- What you need to know
- Why do some hotels require credit cards?
- 4 common check fraud scams
- How do credit union loans work?
- How to compare FHA vs. conventional loans
- How much interest can you earn on $100?
- How do brokerage accounts work?
- Who buys and sells life insurance policies?
- 1. Fill out the FAFSA
- HELOCs and home equity loans compared
- What is an exchange or swap fund?
- How does the home office tax deduction work in 2023-2024?
- Late winter and early spring
- What’s deductible
- What is Schedule E?
- They're told it's 'good debt'
- The differences between dealerships and independent shops
- How to establish residency to qualify for in-state tuition
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- The bull call spread
- Breakdown of central air costs
- How to make money online
- The best money-making apps
- A lower rate … and a lower credit score, temporarily
- 4 steps to research stocks
- Top 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs by fee
- Rite Aid
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- Summary of cash advance apps
- The best term life insurance companies in March 2024
- Fixed vs. variable student loan?
- Top-rated low-cost index ETFs
- 1. You can pre-qualify for the card
- Average inflation rate
- Investing in Bitcoin
- 1. Your home is the collateral backing the credit card
- Best place to exchange currency: Your bank or credit union
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- What is the interest rate in a sweep account?
- Which airlines have free checked bags?
- Northwestern Mutual life insurance
- How to lower your credit utilization
- Do I have to pay Ohio state income tax?
- Why use a UTMA or UGMA account?
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- 1. Take inventory of your finances
- What is the average American net worth?
- How does the earned income credit work?
- Why is it good to have multiple bank accounts at different banks?
- How to fill out a W-4
- Why buy dividend stocks?
- Places to cruise without a passport
- Who qualifies for SSDI?
- Hotel satisfaction is worse than ever
- How to calculate your home equity
- Why marijuana stocks are unique and risky
- Types of life insurance for seniors
- 2. Shop around
- How to choose the best crypto wallet
- Who qualifies for the Fresh Start program
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Georgia: Auto-Owners
- Google Sheets budget templates
- What is the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- How life settlements work
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Washington: Nationwide
- Which services will report your rent payments?
- Who fills out Schedule E?
- How much money do I need to buy a house?
- How to calculate the inflation rate
- Cheap(er) cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T
- Bluebird by American Express
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- Best AI ETFs by one-year performance
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in California: Travelers
- What hotels do not require a credit card?
- 4 steps to spot a fake check and avoid trouble
- Can you upgrade the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- February
- How much interest can you earn on $1,000?
- How to choose a brokerage account provider
- 2. Search for scholarships
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- Holiday weekends
- Four ways to afford out-of-state tuition
- Who is GoodRx best for?
- Etymology of bullish vs. bearish
- Marriott points calculator
- What is a mega backdoor Roth?
- Northwestern Mutual life insurance policies
- How an exchange fund works
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- Average net worth by age
- 8 best hot wallets
- Another money-change option: Online currency converters
- 3. Endorse the check
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Other alternatives to Mint
- Am I a resident for Ohio state income tax purposes?
- 2. You have to put down a deposit
- FHA insurance vs. PMI costs
- Reasons to consider removing an authorized user
- Do I have to pay Georgia state income tax?
- Can I take the home office deduction as a work-from-home employee?
- How to take advantage of the sales tax deduction
- Earned income tax credit 2023
- How does FIRE work?
- Dividend vs. growth stocks
- 2. The card is an alternative to a HELOC, for better and worse
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- Is cash in a sweep account FDIC-insured?
- Buying a call option
- Putting alcohol in your bag
- How we chose the cheapest companies in Texas
- What are AI stocks?
- What is a Roth IRA account?
- How much interest can you earn on $10,000?
- How to choose marijuana stocks
- How to use average car interest rates
- 2. Its $59 annual fee is on the high side
- What do financial pros say about Bitcoin?
- Less ‘urgency’ to innovate for customers, skeptics say
- Types of second mortgages
- Types of AI ETFs
- NerdWallet’s budget planner
- What to say in an interview
- What is a Bitcoin strategy ETF?
- Joann
- How much will I get from a life settlement?
- 3. Choose an affordable school
- About home equity loans
- Benefits of exchange funds
- What mortgage can I afford?
- Why is it bad to have multiple bank accounts at different banks?
- How to get a Fresh Start
- Will your disability benefits change when you turn 65?
- The problem with the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- How do Marriott Bonvoy points compare to other hotel programs?
- Mega backdoor Roth 2024
- Earning rates that maximize the AmEx trifecta
- March
- 2. Build a money management blueprint
- The loans don't feel real
- How are dividends paid out?
- Where to exchange currency outside the U.S.
- The bear put spread
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- 3 ways to minimize the effects on your credit
- 3. Add-on options are available
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- Removing mortgage insurance
- Best term life insurance policies for 2024
- How to calculate your net worth
- How to calculate your home office tax deduction
- All year
- Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- Best homeowners insurance in Georgia for coverage: Openly
- How to buy AI ETFs
- Best homeowners insurance in California for coverage: Chubb
- Top 9 Bitcoin strategy ETFs by fee
- Fubo add-ons
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- How does a Roth IRA work?
- When should you start saving?
- Best homeowners insurance in Washington for coverage: State Farm
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three
- Investor responses to bull market vs. bear market cycles
- Which airlines offer free carry-on bags?
- How to book a hotel without a credit card
- Cheap car insurance in Texas by age
- What is my Georgia residency status for state income tax purposes?
- 3. Customize your policies
- What are the potential drawbacks of GoodRx?
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- The Federal Trade Commission’s budget worksheet
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Northwestern Mutual customer complaints and satisfaction
- Caveats about UTMA and UGMA accounts
- Potential pitfalls of life settlements
- Why is net worth important?
- How to claim the sales tax deduction
- Earned income tax credit 2024
- Local sales
- 6 types of dividends
- 3. The rewards rate is high
- Qualifying for a second mortgage
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- Money market account vs. brokerage sweep account
- The good outweighs the bad
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- Kirkland’s
- 4. To finalize your quote, you'll need to talk to a rep
- About home equity lines of credit
- Do you have to contact anyone to switch from SSDI to Social Security?
- Cheap car insurance in Texas for 20-year-olds
- April
- 4. Use grants if you qualify
- Drawbacks of exchange funds
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- 3. The interest rate runs high
- Does FDIC insurance cover multiple accounts at the same bank?
- Where to avoid exchanging currency
- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions
- Where Northwestern Mutual stands out
- The Bitcoin ETF price war
- What is Ohio’s standard deduction?
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- How to invest in AI stocks
- 5. Additional charges may apply
- How to open a brokerage account
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Do pot stocks deserve a spot in your portfolio?
- Simplified version vs. actual expense deduction
- 4. Interest rates are lower than the industry average
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- Downsides to upgrading the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- What to ask before you sell your life insurance policy
- How to choose a rent-reporting service
- How to increase your net worth
- Inflation example
- 4. Prepay your annual premium
- W-4 form 2024
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- Skip currency exchange: Use a credit or debit card
- Best homeowners insurance in Georgia for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- Best homeowners insurance in California for consumer experience: Nationwide
- More ways to take charge of your budget
- Additional functionality
- What can you invest in with a Roth IRA?
- How to get started with a UTMA or UGMA account
- Choose a savings account that will pay you more
- What to do after removing an authorized user
- Best homeowners insurance in Washington for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- Mattress-buying tips
- How to fill out Schedule E
- How to make an appointment at a passport agency
- How to qualify for the earned income credit
- Is United’s basic economy worth it?
- Clothes, vintage and crafts
- They lack information
- Workers fear losing hard-fought union benefits
- What should I do if I want to insure more than $250,000?
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- Fresh Start benefits available now — without enrolling
- Bear market vs. recession: What’s the difference?
- The long straddle
- Should you claim early Social Security benefits?
- Other considerations about sweep accounts
- Your 401(k) lets you move your after-tax money
- Where Northwestern Mutual falls short
- How to check in to a hotel without a credit card
- 5. Limit claims by managing your risks
- How do you get a second mortgage?
- Which one is better?
- How has the Marriott points value changed over time?
- Other ways to skip baggage fees
- Buying a call option vs. owning the stock
- What’s the filing deadline for my Ohio state income tax bill?
- May
- 5. Get a work-study job
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- How to ensure you get hotel service you deserve
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- What is California's standard deduction?
- How to find AI ETFs
- Does paying rent build credit?
- What is Georgia's standard deduction?
- Cost of life insurance for seniors
- 4. Better cash-back offers exist
- What kind of investment is Bitcoin?
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- 5. Balance transfers are possible — but not advisable — with the Aven credit card
- Can you collect SSI and Social Security disability or retirement benefits?
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- More about Northwestern Mutual
- Do spot Bitcoin ETFs have custodianship risk?
- Who can't access your credit
- Shipping alcohol
- 5 things to know about Ohio state tax
- Are Roth IRAs insured?
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Become a marijuana stock investor
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- How did we determine the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?
- How to upgrade the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Brokerage accounts are taxable accounts
- How to sell your life insurance policy safely
- 6. Work for an employer that pays for college
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- Full list of best homeowners insurance in California
- You’ve got money left over for savings
- Which American Airlines flights can be changed online
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- What else you need to know
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Washington
- 5. There’s a path to a credit limit increase
- U.S. passport agency locations
- What is hyperinflation?
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- Things to consider
- Other stock market changes: Dips, corrections and crashes
- Should you use a sweep account for savings?
- How you can get your credit reports and scores
- If you're considering an upgrade from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Roth IRA eligibility rules
- June
- Is an exchange fund right for you?
- Next steps
- Which rate is better for student loan refinancing?
- What's the tax filing deadline for my Georgia state income tax bill?
- Who counts as a qualifying child for the earned income credit?
- Exchange frequently? Consider a multicurrency account
- What do the approvals mean for Bitcoin?
- Taking a sip down memory lane
- Other home office deduction rules and considerations
- How to shop for senior life insurance
- How to protect against inflation
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Georgia
- The long strangle
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in California?
- The bottom line
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- Electronics
- How to evaluate dividends
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- Bottom line
- How to rebook your American Airlines flight for a cheaper fare
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- 7. Take out federal loans if you have to
- Bitcoin and volatility
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- Fresh Start benefits available later — after enrolling
- Brokerage accounts vs. IRA
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Washington?
- Can I claim the EITC without a child?
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- The best place to exchange currency at the end of your trip
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in California by city
- Selling a call option
- July
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Georgia?
- How to finance central air installation
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- How to track your Georgia state tax refund
- Can you get a passport in one day?
- Fear of store closures in small towns, despite assurances
- What’s a spousal Roth IRA?
- Credit union vs. online lender
- How to claim the earned income tax credit
- Where to exchange currency: Frequently asked questions
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- Walmart MoneyCard
- The cheapest home insurance in California
- The bottom line on how to research stocks
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington by city
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- What do the approvals mean for other crypto investments?
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- The bottom line
- August
- 8. Borrow private loans as a last resort
- 2024 Georgia state income tax changes
- As a last resort, contact your member of Congress
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia by city
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- 3. Make the most of your savings
- The synthetic long
- Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA: What's the difference?
- Consequences of an EIC-related error
- Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes
- More reading for active investors
- The cheapest home insurance in Washington
- 3 things to know about Georgia state tax
- How to get a passport in 24 hours
- The cheapest home insurance in Georgia
- Can you cruise without a passport?
- What is credit card consolidation?
- What you need to know about California homeowners insurance
- After deciding
- Next steps
- Are dividends taxed?
- Additional help
- September
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- Next steps
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- What to know about Washington homeowners insurance
- Can I still get a past year's earned income tax credit?
- Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
- What to know about Georgia homeowners insurance
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Why call options can make sense
- How to open a Roth IRA in 4 steps
- When do you file Schedule E?
- Types of FIRE
- W-4 calculator
- California state tax credits
- Other ways to make money
- FHA vs. conventional loans: Summary
- October
- Apparel and shoes
- Cheapest for 30-year-old drivers
- Don’t expect new defaults for awhile
- What else to know about Form W-4
- 3 best cold wallets
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- Where to get Schedule E
- November
- California Department of Insurance
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- How to find additional student loan help
- Cash App debit card: Prepaid-like option
- Looking for more insurance in California?
- Schedule E vs. Schedule C
- Limitations of FIRE
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- Best prepaid debit cards: Summary
- December
- Washington insurance department
- What are prepaid debit cards?
- Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
- 4. Be persistent
- How to track your California state refund
- Next steps
- Looking for more insurance in Georgia?
- Looking for more insurance in Washington?
- How to find cheap American Airlines flights
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
- California state sales tax
- How to find the best term life insurance company
- How to make money from home
- What if you're not eligible?
- Beauty and personal care
- Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Getting cheap AA flights when rebooking recapped
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- What are the Roth IRA withdrawal rules?
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- More about term life insurance
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Cheapest for 40-year-old drivers
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- How to make money offline
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Entertainment
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Get your free birthday stuff and deals
- Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
- How to start a profitable business
- Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe
- Cheapest for 50-year-old drivers
- Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance
- Types of travel insurance
- Watch out for making money scams
- Cheapest for 60-year-old drivers
- What does travel insurance cover?
- What’s not covered?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- Cheapest for 70-year-old drivers
- How to choose the best travel insurance policy
- What are the top travel destinations in 2024?
- More resources for travel insurance shoppers
- Methodology
- Cheapest car insurance for military families
- How to get cheap car insurance in Texas
- Minimum car insurance requirements in Texas
- Auto insurance alternatives in Texas
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.