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.
- What is an FHA loan?
- What is the federal estate tax?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- What is a W-4?
- What is a home equity line of credit?
- Mortgage rates this week
- What is an ESPP?
- Key takeaways
- What is a charitable donation?
- Medicare Advantage companies
- What Medicare covers
- What is bill pay?
- What is a self-directed IRA?
- Ready to get started? Here's what to do next
- Dividend definition
- What is a bond?
- Our Take
- What is a budget planner?
- See CD rates by term and type
- What's an adjustable-rate mortgage?
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Broker definition
- What is a traditional IRA?
- Can you pay the mortgage with a credit card?
- Hubspot
- Zoho CRM
- What is a brokerage account?
- What is the FIRE movement?
- Life insurance buying guide
- What is a jumbo loan?
- See how to get your business started quickly
- Betterment is best for:
- Wealthfront is best for:
- What is modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)?
- Bitcoin (BTC) definition
- 5 Best Ways to Send Money Internationally
- How to save money with Spirit Airlines
- The difference between Roth and traditional IRAs
- What is overdraft protection?
- What is a hot market in real estate?
- What is a lottery pool and how does it work?
- What is a 529 college savings plan?
- Determining how much mortgage I can afford
- What is an index fund?
- How does an adjustable-rate mortgage work?
- What is passive income?
- Robo-advisor definition
- Allstate home insurance star rating
- How to get a Diners Club card
- What is a Closing Disclosure?
- What is stock research?
- 1. Don’t apply for too many cards at once
- Getting to Denver
- What are commodity stocks?
- Can a non-U.S. citizen get a loan?
- Estate planning checklist
- Hulu subscription cost
- Betterment vs. Wealthfront: Which is right for you?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- What makes a good business idea for teens?
- What is SSDI?
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- How much should you spend on rent? It depends
- What to know before getting The Platinum Card® from American Express
- What is a conventional mortgage?
- SIPC insurance rules
- How to get paid on YouTube
- Which cellular network is best for you?
- Can you gift stock?
- Car leasing insurance requirements
- Step 1: Choose your health insurance marketplace
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- Why would you owe interest on a 0% APR card?
- How do stocks work?
- IHG’s hotel brands
- Online marketplace and auction sites
- Which airlines have lie-flat seats in business class
- 8 types of car insurance (plus 1)
- What is a savings account?
- You can't upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
- How do CDs work?
- What are FHA closing costs?
- What are semiconductor stocks?
- Nerdy takeaways:
- 1. Disney FastPass has been replaced
- Is the U.S. economy growing?
- What are credit history, credit report and credit score?
- HubSpot Marketing Hub: Best overall marketing software
- What is Founderscard and how much does it cost?
- 1. Borrow money at a better interest rate
- Personal loans vs. home equity loans: What’s the difference?
- When are taxes due in 2024?
- Key differences between personal loans and credit cards
- How to calculate interest in a savings account
- Financial consultant definition
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- What is MAGI used for?
- How to write a check in six easy steps:
- What types of passport services are available?
- January
- Frugal food tips
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- General advice for international money transfers
- The best car insurance
- How much will refinancing save?
- 1. Non-retirement goals
- If you have less than $1,000 in your 401(k)
- What is the child tax credit?
- 1. Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor - Baltimore Orioles
- What Medicare covers for outpatient mental health services
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- What is bootstrapping?
- Understanding a self-directed IRA (SDIRA)
- Refinance to a lower rate
- 1. Set your budget
- How long does it take to get an expedited passport?
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- Pros & Cons
- Create a budget plan that works for you
- How do CDs work?
- What is zero-based budgeting?
- What does a broker do and why do I need one?
- Step 1: Check your credit
- What are the best retirement plans for you?
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- How to pay for Airbnb with points
- Understand your goals — and get motivated
- Mortgage rates have climbed all year
- How does a traditional IRA work?
- 1. Open an account at a different bank
- What is tax debt relief?
- How early direct deposit works
- Self-employment taxes are a mystery to many
- What are derivatives?
- The best budget apps
- Types of auto incentives
- How to estimate your home insurance
- Do rent payments affect credit?
- How to manage your money
- 1. Make extra payments toward the principal
- Best farm loan options for agricultural businesses
- Listing income on your application
- What are some e-commerce business models?
- What are the traditional IRA distribution rules?
- How do LLC taxes work?
- Do you have to tip an Uber driver?
- Seven steps to basic estate planning
- Show your income is intact
- Most profitable small businesses
- Betterment at a glance
- Wealthfront at a glance
- Finding wheelchair-accessible vacation rentals by platform
- Installment loan calculator
- Estate tax limits and exemptions
- How to compare FHA vs. conventional loans
- What is a state income tax?
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- How to get Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- How does an ESPP work?
- 1. Check your account statements
- Are charitable donations tax-deductible?
- How do credit union loans work?
- How does bill pay work?
- HELOCs and home equity loans compared
- Small-town business ideas
- Cash back
- What alternatives are available?
- What is the gift tax?
- Guide to tipping hotel housekeeping staff
- Taxes on 401(k) contributions
- 17 passive income ideas for 2024
- The bull call spread
- Best fleet fuel cards
- What is a hotel franchise?
- The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card vs. the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card
- How to budget money
- The merge: an overview
- Best day to book a flight
- When is open enrollment for Medicare?
- Typical loan terms overview
- 1. It can only be used at Maurices
- How does a credit-builder loan work?
- 1. Fill out the FAFSA
- What is a home equity loan?
- For first-timers
- Average savings account rate: 0.46%
- Mute the mania
- 1. Sell to a third-party dealer
- How do brokerage accounts work?
- Common size analysis formula
- Who can qualify for a conventional home loan?
- Government startup business grants and resources
- Reviewing the Closing Disclosure
- What is the average credit score by age?
- 2. Know what’s in your credit reports
- When to use a personal loan
- 7 best-performing commodity stocks
- 5 of the best index funds tracking the S&P 500
- How to invest in mutual funds
- How to pay federal taxes online
- How does a jumbo loan work?
- 1. ‘I love this car!’
- Build credit before you need it
- Identify your servicer
- Hulu Live TV cost
- What is a recession?
- At a glance
- Best business money market accounts
- 6 ways to buy Bitcoin
- How to send money online, on mobile or in person
- The best money-making apps
- How to make money online
- Wise
- Roth vs. traditional IRA
- Should you apply for a dental credit card?
- 1. Fly Southwest
- 11 best investments right now
- Key takeaways
- A lower rate … and a lower credit score, temporarily
- Find out how much your car is worth
- How does overdraft protection work?
- How hot is the real estate market now?
- How does a business budget work?
- How much do Instagram influencers make?
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- How do index funds work?
- 50 best small businesses to start
- What is a flexible spending account, or FSA?
- AAA auto insurance pros and cons
- What is ‘cash stuffing’?
- 28 ways to save money
- Summary of cash advance apps
- What is a business credit score?
- Breakdown of central air costs
- Frontier Airlines Discount Den is for you if …
- What is the standard deduction?
- What minimum credit score is needed to buy a car?
- What is mortgage pre-qualification?
- 1. Participate in paid market research
- Eligible hotel properties
- Rite Aid
- How do expense trackers work?
- Rewards on spending
- 1. Don’t assume any one company is the cheapest
- How minimum payments are calculated
- Credit definition
- 2. Qualify for the best credit card deals
- Discover savings bonus
- No relief from high prices
- 4 steps to research stocks
- Securian Financial life insurance
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- What is a personal guarantee for business cards?
- How to use this calculator
- What’s a good credit score with FICO vs. VantageScore
- How to lower your credit utilization
- Who qualifies for SSDI?
- Do you need insurance to rent a car?
- The benefits of gifting stocks
- What is a life insurance policy?
- How a home equity sharing agreement works
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- Are lottery pools a good idea?
- What you’ll pay for outpatient mental health care
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- Holiday Inn pet policies
- How does GivemetheVIN work?
- Why you need a savings account
- ARMs vs. fixed-rate mortgages
- How it works
- 1. T.J. Maxx loyalists can rake in rewards ...
- Ways to avoid PMI
- At a glance
- Does closing a credit card hurt your credit?
- What can you do during Medicare open enrollment?
- Business loan repayment terms
- How to pay your mortgage with a credit card
- Types of derivatives
- What you can dispute
- The difference between bad credit and no credit
- Where Allstate stands out
- 1. Take inventory of your finances
- Quick background
- Why SSI has limits for married couples
- Personal loans from online lenders
- Major airlines flying to Denver
- SBLI life insurance
- Which withdrawals avoid the 10% penalty?
- What does a financial consultant do?
- Why the Discover it® Cash Back is better for most people
- How does Bitcoin work?
- How the federal estate tax works
- Cheap car insurance
- Work out how much of your income should go to rent with the 50/30/20 rule
- Comparing government loans and conventional mortgages
- How to fill out a W-4
- If you have between $1,000 and $5,000 in your 401(k)
- ESPP lookback feature
- How much is the child tax credit worth?
- 2. Hotel Commonwealth - Boston Red Sox
- 2. Categorize your expenses
- Lottery tax calculator
- Banking industry lines up against the proposal
- 529 plan benefits
- How to calculate your home equity
- How to open a self-directed IRA
- What are dividend stocks and why buy them?
- Adjustable-rate mortgage pros
- AAA auto insurance
- Liability insurance
- 1. The ongoing rewards rate is excellent
- Bank wire transfer
- Are robo-advisors worth it?
- 7 top semiconductor stocks by one-year performance
- If you pay late or skip a payment
- Home sales have slowed
- Chase 5% categories calendar
- 2. Genie+ costs money
- A closer look at Alaska credit card offers
- Best senior-specific plans
- 2. Add a joint owner
- Gig work tax basics
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- Top 5 travel benefits for Founderscard members
- When a personal loan is best
- 3. Apply for cards that fit your credit score
- Factors we considered when picking cheap travel insurance plans
- How much should you tip an Uber driver?
- Lemonade life insurance
- Know what servicers can (and can’t) help you with
- Frugal shopping tips
- Roth vs. traditional IRA: How to choose
- 2. Cash management accounts
- How state income tax rates work
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- 2. Hold Southwest elite status
- Today’s HELOC rates
- How many Instagram followers do you need to make money?
- How tax-deductible donations work
- What happened to gas prices in March?
- How much money do I need to buy a house?
- Why invest in index funds?
- Pros and cons of bootstrapping
- Refinance to a longer term
- Types of bonds
- What you need to know about savings accounts
- What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- How credit scores affect auto loans
- What is the cheapest car insurance in Texas?
- 2. Become a virtual assistant
- Why travelers will prefer the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- What is the U.S. unemployment rate?
- Best day to fly
- 5 tax relief options
- 2. The card has two sign-up bonuses
- Who benefits the most from credit-builder loans?
- 2. Sell to a participating dealer
- Which services will report your rent payments?
- Conventional loan credit score requirements
- 2. Refinance if you have good credit and a steady job
- How SAVE differs from other student loan repayment plans
- Types of commodity stocks
- 2. ‘I’ve got to have a monthly payment of $350.’
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Florida: Nationwide
- How installment loan rates and terms affect monthly payments
- February
- Student loan refinancing calculator
- Should you choose postpaid or prepaid?
- Pros and cons of home equity sharing agreements
- Step 2: Compare types of health insurance plans
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- Create your free account
- Holiday Inn pet fees
- 2. Shop for a loan
- How the annual gift tax exclusion works
- Zero-based budgeting example
- How does a broker make money?
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- Are the rate increases working?
- Chase 5% calendars from years past
- Low credit limit, growing business
- What are the benefits of a traditional IRA?
- Consolidation vs. refinancing
- Tips for booking travel rewards as a family
- What types of institutions offer early direct deposit?
- 2. Search for scholarships
- Where Allstate falls short
- Examine recent spending, then ruthlessly reduce
- How to choose a brokerage account provider
- Vertical vs. horizontal common size analysis
- 3. Get favorable terms on a new cell phone
- The verdict: Are Discover savings bonuses worth it?
- Securian Financial life insurance policies
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Applying for a personal loan as a non-citizen
- Jumbo loan requirements
- Debt isn’t required to build credit
- Free up extra cash
- What causes a recession?
- 1. Exhaust all other reasonable funding sources
- High CD rates for now
- FHA vs. conventional loans
- 3. Endorse the check
- SIPC vs. FDIC: What is and isn’t covered
- Trading in a car with positive equity
- Tips for navigating a hot real estate market
- How do lottery taxes work?
- Why should you own stocks?
- Airlines that don't have lie-flat seats in business class on wide-body aircraft
- Do you need an FSA?
- AAA auto insurance coverage
- Is an ARM a good idea?
- How are business credit scores calculated?
- Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
- Explore options to lower interest rates
- How to use Marriott points for free nights
- House prices aren't rising as fast
- 3. Get an account that's in a different ownership category
- 2. Don’t ignore local and regional insurers
- Best car insurance in Michigan overall: Auto-Owners
- What you shouldn’t dispute
- Getting a mortgage with nontraditional credit
- How does a home equity loan work?
- Flying to Denver on points and miles
- SBLI life insurance policies
- The pros and cons of a life insurance trust
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- Hulu add-ons
- 28 business ideas for teens
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- Alternatives to dental credit cards
- ESPP eligibility and limits
- How to monetize your Instagram with fewer followers
- What Medicare covers for inpatient mental health services
- How do I find the best 529 plans?
- Why do entrepreneurs choose bootstrapping?
- Advantages of a self-directed IRA
- How to expedite a U.S. passport application
- How the cash stuffing method works
- Selling a car to GivemetheVIN
- Taxes on 401(k) withdrawals
- What are the different types of semiconductor stocks?
- How the standard deduction works
- 3. Transcribe audio and video
- Best hotel franchise opportunities
- Best iOS personal expense tracker apps
- What you can deduct
- Mailchimp: Best email marketing software
- How does FIRE work?
- 4. Improve your chances of renting a home
- Conventional mortgage debt-to-income requirements
- Know the limitations
- 4. Pay your bills on time
- When your income isn’t enough
- What if I didn't make the 2024 tax deadline?
- An overview of the best cheap travel insurance plans
- How to find a financial consultant
- Lemonade life insurance policies
- Who does the personal guarantee apply to?
- How does Bitcoin make money?
- What is identity theft?
- Estate tax rates
- First things first: Check your IRA eligibility
- How much rent can you afford?
- 3. Spend on Southwest credit cards
- Are your investments covered?
- If you have at least $5,000 in your 401(k)
- Why is a business budget important?
- Issuer pre-qualification pages
- 3. Hyatt Regency San Francisco - San Francisco Giants
- 3. Build a budget that works for your expenses
- What to do
- Apply for mortgage forbearance
- Changes coming April 8, 2024
- 2. Redemption options are limited
- Savings accounts with strong APYs can help your money grow
- Why you should apply for Global Entry first
- How we chose the cheapest companies in Texas
- How to use average car interest rates
- How to open a traditional IRA
- Consolidating private student loans
- Shopping and entertainment protections and perks
- 3. Ask about discounts
- What can’t you do during Medicare open enrollment?
- Financial institutions with early direct deposit
- State availability
- Historical national rates
- Specific Diners Club cards
- Commodity stock benefits
- How much do Uber drivers make per hour?
- Do research and prepare your questions
- Will your disability benefits change when you turn 65?
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- When are state income tax returns due?
- 4 ways to avoid overdraft fees
- What’s covered by Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- Qualified vs. non-qualified ESPP plans
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- What you’ll pay for inpatient mental health care
- Why are gas prices going up?
- What mortgage can I afford?
- What is an index?
- How to set up bill pay
- About home equity loans
- Dividend vs. growth stocks
- Use a budget planner
- 2. ... But it's not ideal for everyday purchases
- What is mortgage preapproval?
- Joann
- 3. Choose an affordable school
- Factors to consider when paying a mortgage with a credit card
- 3. Buy your car to sell or keep
- 5. Receive better car and home insurance rates
- 5. Watch your credit utilization
- 3. ‘My lease is up next week.’
- What happens during a recession?
- 2. Parents: Don’t sacrifice retirement savings
- Types of installment loans and how to calculate payments
- March
- 2. Today vs. tomorrow
- How to find a pet-friendly Holiday Inn hotel
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- How to use a health care FSA
- The bear put spread
- Skip Frontier Airlines Discount Den if …
- What is a FICO Auto Score?
- 4. Sell stuff online
- The Fed chief talked rates higher
- 3. It gets you toward the front of the line
- How fast are wages growing?
- What should investors know about the merge?
- Important dates
- 3. You can earn double points, but watch their expiration
- 2. Build a money management blueprint
- Types of credit
- Conventional loan down payment requirements
- What can cause a 3-day closing delay?
- Reliable but cheap travel insurance providers
- How to get started
- Lemonade life insurance rates
- What are AI stocks?
- Frugal entertainment tips
- OFX
- What kinds of conventional loans are available?
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- Is SIPC coverage enough?
- 3 ways to minimize the effects on your credit
- Trading in a car with negative equity
- How to buy a life insurance policy
- 5 ways to make money on Instagram
- 529 plans by state
- Travel
- Auto insurance discounts
- How do these changes affect new customers?
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- Do personal credit scores affect business credit scores?
- Cash App
- How much does a stock broker make?
- 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans
- If you cannot pay your student loans
- When should I close my credit card?
- For families
- Maximize your exemptions
- 6. Create a diverse range of credit
- When to use a credit card
- Other tips for flying to Denver
- What happens if you don’t tip?
- Keep your credit score up
- Does Hulu allow password sharing?
- You decide: Is Bitcoin a good investment?
- FHA loan requirements
- Which states have an estate tax?
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Will I qualify for student loan refinancing?
- How to claim the child tax credit
- 4. Live! By Lowes - St. Louis - St. Louis Cardinals
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- What does it mean when you own stocks?
- Apply for loan modification
- How are dividends paid out?
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- Personal injury protection and medical payments coverage
- How a savings account works: withdrawal limits
- How to save money when applying
- Types of adjustable-rate mortgages
- How to start a zero-based budget
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- How to choose and manage a credit-builder loan
- Avoiding penalties
- Best budget auto insurance in Michigan: Geico
- Allstate home insurance coverage
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.08%
- 6. Skip utility deposits
- When a home equity loan is best
- Different booking timelines
- Does age affect your credit score?
- Personal loans from credit unions
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- 4. ‘I want $10,000 for my trade-in, and I won’t take a penny less.’
- Price vs. yield
- Best homeowners insurance in Florida for coverage: State Farm
- What happens if you don’t pay your business credit card?
- Who might prefer the Discover it® Chrome
- 3. Borrow only what you need
- 7 types of identity theft and the warning signs
- Types of state income tax
- How to create a business budget in 6 steps
- What Original Medicare doesn’t cover
- Risks of self-directed IRAs
- 3. It’s free of some fees
- How do you find a broker?
- Available Delta credit cards and their terms
- Standard deduction 2023
- Other factors can help you buy a car with bad credit
- Cheap car insurance in Texas by age
- 5. Housesit
- Who is eligible for a traditional IRA?
- 4. Join a credit union
- 4. Work on your credit
- What's available during Medicare open enrollment?
- What are the benefits of early direct deposit?
- Pros and cons of derivatives
- Shop mortgage lenders
- What can I use a home equity loan for?
- Don't skew your view
- Startup business grants from private companies and nonprofits
- 7. Consider a secured card to build credit history
- Securian Financial life insurance rates
- Savings account simple interest vs. compound interest
- SBLI life insurance rates
- What is the difference between a financial consultant and a financial advisor?
- Gather key documents
- How does Hulu fit into your budget?
- What a good credit score can get you
- Rental car insurance vs. your own auto insurance
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- Do you need a family cell phone plan?
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- Local sales
- Airlines that offer lie-flat seats on smaller aircraft
- 4. Find the right car for you
- Gift tax limit 2024
- No interest, no late payments
- Where to find credit-builder loans
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Know what your car is worth
- What to apply for instead
- Conventional loan limits
- Report errors or ask questions ASAP
- When are state taxes due in 2024?
- Hotels on points in Denver
- Commodity stock risks
- Lemonade customer complaints and satisfaction
- Do you have to contact anyone to switch from SSDI to Social Security?
- 3. Other investment options
- How to sign a check over to someone else
- The good outweighs the bad
- When to consult with an advisor
- Which life insurance policy is right for me?
- 5. Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel - Toronto Blue Jays
- How much do index funds cost?
- About home equity lines of credit
- Adjustable-rate mortgage cons
- How to use a dependent care FSA
- GivemetheVIN details and FAQs
- 4. There’s no welcome offer
- Does paying student loans build credit?
- HELOC rates will rise
- Is inflation going down?
- Kirkland’s
- 5. Use IntraFi Network Deposits
- Common size income statement analysis
- 7. Get a job
- 3. Enroll in autopay
- 5. ‘I’ve been looking all over for this color.’
- 4. Make payments during school to save on interest
- April
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Why the Roth IRA works for many savers
- Factor in other costs
- How does a HELOC work?
- Other coverage options
- What state has the highest gas prices?
- Prepaid 529 plans by state
- Eliminate mortgage insurance
- 6 types of dividends
- Pricing based on tracked driving habits
- What is a good business credit score?
- 3. There's an upfront incentive, but it won't fund a shopping spree
- Cheap car insurance in Texas for 20-year-olds
- Make smart money moves
- Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be more appealing for some
- 4. Genie+ doesn’t include all rides
- More about the card
- What is a loan maturity date?
- Are there any issues with early direct deposit?
- 4. Use grants if you qualify
- Other factors affecting minimums
- Dispute responsibly
- How to build credit
- Keap: Best for dedicated support
- Take advantage of savings programs
- How much interest will I earn on $10,000?
- Top 3 index funds for the Nasdaq-100
- How Lemonade compares to other insurers
- Block out a chunk of time for the call
- What should you do if you can’t pay your business credit card?
- Gap insurance for a leased car
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- How many banks have collapsed?
- How to reduce your FHA closing costs
- The pros and cons of zero-based budgeting
- Standard deduction 2024 (taxes filed 2025)
- Is PMI worth it?
- Will the Fed keep raising rates in 2023?
- How to consolidate private student loans
- 6. Open a cash management account
- 4. You'll save 10% on every purchase, plus get other perks
- Home equity loan rates in 2023
- For crowd-haters
- How to open a brokerage account
- Securian Financial customer complaints and satisfaction
- SBLI customer complaints and satisfaction
- How long do recessions last?
- Are my finances stable enough to refinance?
- What if you have a Roth and a traditional IRA at one brokerage?
- Final steps
- How to gift stock
- Additional child tax credit
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- Diversifying with index funds
- Gift tax limit 2023
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages
- How much to tip housekeeping
- Is a robo-advisor right for you?
- 6. Write online reviews
- Best car insurance in Michigan for having few customer complaints: The Hanover
- How to choose a rent-reporting service
- What is a good credit score for your age?
- You can get a credit card while unemployed, but is it a good idea?
- Information is power
- 5. Choose the right repayment plan before you graduate
- How to make an appointment at a passport agency
- Should you claim early Social Security benefits?
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Advantages of conventional loans
- W-4 form 2024
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- How to make a rental car insurance claim
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- The bottom line
- Clothes, vintage and crafts
- How do bonds work?
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- Determine your annual FSA contribution
- Complaints and customer satisfaction
- 5. Reap extra benefits through American Express
- How much to keep in your savings account
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- Google Pay
- The long straddle
- Frontier’s Discount Den benefits
- 4. You may get first dibs on merchandise ...
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- Pre-qualification vs. preapproval
- How does refinancing student loans affect my credit?
- Alternatives to canceling a credit card
- 5. Skip comprehensive and collision coverage for an older car
- What is a prepayment penalty?
- Allstate home insurance rates
- How to find auto deals and incentives
- How to build your credit
- Find your conventional loan limit
- Reasons to get a personal loan vs. home equity loan
- Asia in the spotlight
- Still, there are challenges
- 8. Find a co-signer
- More about SBLI
- Types of life insurance trusts
- 6 personal loans for non-citizens
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- More about Lemonade
- Shop around for a good rate
- Best homeowners insurance in Florida for having few consumer complaints: Chubb
- How do recession differ from depressions?
- MAGI vs. AGI: What's the difference?
- How to store the Bitcoin you buy
- What affects your credit score?
- What is the difference between an inheritance tax and an estate tax?
- Xoom
- 4. Refer a friend to a Southwest credit card
- How to save on hotels during baseball season
- How to activate Chase 5% categories
- 7. Put your money in a MaxSafe account
- 5. You won't want to carry a balance
- What are the other 2024 tax deadlines to know?
- How personal loans and credit cards are similar
- Personal loans from banks
- More about Securian Financial
- Do I need financial consulting services?
- How to invest in AI stocks
- May
- Less painful payments
- Look for savings
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- What happens if your brokerage goes out of business?
- Insurance for leased cars at a glance
- What state has the lowest gas prices?
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- Should I tip housekeeping if they don’t enter the room?
- Pre-tax vs. Roth 401(k)
- If you're looking to apply for Global Entry
- How ARM rates are set
- 5 types of employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Get pre-qualified or preapproved?
- 7. Start a blog
- Master of organization
- Should I contribute to a traditional IRA if I can’t deduct it?
- Other options for building credit
- 5. Get a work-study job
- Obstacles to paying a mortgage with a credit card
- 4. Make biweekly payments
- What are some types of e-commerce revenue models?
- Pros and cons of jumbo loans
- Compare business credit cards
- What is a business money market account?
- How to calculate your modified adjusted gross income
- Storing your Bitcoins: Hot wallets vs. cold wallets
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Can you collect SSI and Social Security disability or retirement benefits?
- Alternatives to writing a check
- What plans are best for seniors?
- How much life insurance should I buy?
- What does a shared equity agreement cost?
- Is an ARM right for you?
- How to find business class lie-flat seats on domestic flights
- What is California's standard deduction?
- The pros
- What are fleet cards?
- Standard deduction for those 65 or older
- Choose your target
- How credit scores affect new student loans
- 5. Genie+ is available at multiple parks
- Best value plans
- 8. Opt for an account with both FDIC and DIF insurance
- 6. Raise your deductible
- Ways to get the best home equity loan rates
- For the frugal traveler
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- Remember, this is just another life cycle
- Does paying rent build credit?
- Common size balance sheet analysis
- 9. Build credit early
- LLC payroll taxes
- Be firm but polite
- How to prepare for a recession
- Which card should you get?
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- 5. Direct spending toward Southwest credit card bonus categories
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- 4. Whether it's time for a financial advisor
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- Step 3: Compare health plan networks
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- 5. ... But you won't want to carry a balance
- 8. Game on Twitch
- Which card (or cards) should you get?
- Best Medicare Advantage plans
- Should you use a personal loan to build credit?
- Where to find your card’s minimum
- Constant Contact: Best for unlimited user access
- What are the required minimum distribution rules for a traditional IRA?
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- How to get a good credit score
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- More about AAA auto insurance
- When to get a CD
- IRAs
- How to build your credit before car shopping
- Set a deadline
- 6. Work for an employer that pays for college
- Best Michigan auto insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- Discounts
- Making the most of auto incentives
- Brokerage accounts are taxable accounts
- Big questions remain
- 10. Apply at your bank or credit union
- Bottom line
- Should you open a money market account for your business?
- How to reduce or avoid the federal estate tax
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- Is it time for you to switch to a better plan?
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- The 50/30/20 budget calculator
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Collision and comprehensive coverages
- Why did First Republic Bank fail?
- Do you tip concierge?
- Compare Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k)
- How do fleet cards work?
- What are online planning services?
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- Make your own 'Airbnb credit card'
- 9. Sell photography
- Check your credit if your federal loan servicer is Great Lakes
- 6. Genie+ can sell out
- 7. Consider usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- 5. Pay off capitalized interest
- How to find AI ETFs
- U.S. passport agency locations
- Making the call
- HELOC requirements
- Claiming tax-deductible donations on your tax return
- Are IHG hotels pet-friendly?
- 7 ways to reduce your 401(k) taxes
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- PayPal
- How to use Marriott points for free flights
- Other types of IRAs
- Federal student loan consolidation
- Is a credit-builder loan good for my situation?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- How much can you borrow with a home equity loan?
- Other financing options
- How to check your credit score
- Take notes
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Florida
- June
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- 6. Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Primary vs. secondary coverage
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- 4. Use budgeting or expense-tracking apps
- Bootstrapping tips
- Life, home and renters insurance from AAA
- The cons
- 2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- How to open a CD
- How your car loan can help you build better credit
- Cash-back rewards defray costs
- Next steps
- What's next?
- Who qualifies for the SAVE plan?
- You don’t need to have $10,000 to take advantage of compound interest
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- If you inherit or bequeath something, watch out for capital gains tax
- 3. Bonds
- How repayment of the equity investment works
- How are gas prices determined?
- How to confirm if a flight has business class lie-flat seats
- The bottom line
- The long strangle
- How to make a claim
- 10. Pet sit
- FAQs
- Should you pay your mortgage with a credit card?
- It's best to pay more than the minimum
- For adults
- Common size cash flow statement analysis
- How borrowing affects your credit score
- Want more context?
- Business money market account rates
- MoneyGram
- How to get a home equity line of credit
- How much do life insurance policies cost?
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- Electronics
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- Final thoughts on hotel tipping
- CD vs. savings account
- See if zero-based budgeting is right for you
- Disney FastPass recapped
- Rent vs. inflation
- Best Android personal expense tracker apps
- Full list of the best auto insurance companies in Michigan
- Consumer complaints
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- 6. Stick to the standard repayment plan
- When will I get my refund?
- Summary of pros and cons of personal loan lenders
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Consider a DIY approach — but only in some cases
- If you’d like to find a pet-friendly Holiday Inn…
- Are bonds a good investment?
- Which is better?
- Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?
- Standard deduction for dependents
- 11. Do freelance work
- How to safely cancel a credit card
- 8. Check insurance costs when buying a car
- 7. Take out federal loans if you have to
- How to buy derivatives
- Home equity loan requirements
- Zoho CRM: Best overall CRM software
- How to earn more interest in a savings account
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- More Florida home insurance companies
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- 5. Explore other expense-tracking methods
- How to evaluate dividends
- Who benefits from the cash stuffing envelope system
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- Pros and cons of investing in semiconductor stocks
- What's next?
- Brokerage accounts vs. IRA
- How to choose a lender
- Jumbo loans and conforming loan limits
- What to do with the Bitcoin you buy
- July
- Using your credit card for rental car coverage
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Step 4: Compare out-of-pocket costs
- Who pays the gift tax?
- Gap insurance
- Interest-based passive income ideas
- CD vs. bond
- More ARM terms to know
- Consumer experience
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- NerdWallet home insurance calculator methodology
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- Next Steps
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- Can you get a passport in one day?
- How much can you borrow with a HELOC?
- Charitable contributions 2023
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- What's next?
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- How to finance central air installation
- Venmo
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- Retirement accounts for small-business owners and self-employed individuals
- 7. Use 'found' money
- How to apply for the SAVE plan
- Personal loans vs. credit cards for debt consolidation
- LLC sales taxes
- Find local conforming loan limits
- If all else fails, complain
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- Where to get a home equity sharing agreement
- 6. Look for ways to lower your expenses
- Credit union vs. online lender
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- If you need to expedite a U.S. passport…
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- How do I get my business credit score?
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- Credit cards to use for primary coverage
- When can't you take the standard deduction?
- 12. Create a podcast
- When will interest rates go down?
- Which airlines are partnered with Alaska Airlines?
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- Tax Day resources
- Finding other wheelchair-accessible vacation rentals
- Types of gas
- Types of CD strategies
- You can refinance an ARM
- How to buy a hotel franchise
- How to consolidate federal loans
- The best time to visit Disneyland, recapped
- Ways to get the best jumbo mortgage rates
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- How to get Discount Den membership for free (or cheap)
- 13. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for shopping
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- The bottom line on how to research stocks
- Calculating MAGI: Example
- As a last resort, contact your member of Congress
- August
- Buying rental car insurance on your own
- If you're looking to book business class lie-flat seats
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- Why did Signature Bank fail?
- How to buy semiconductor stocks
- 8. Borrow private loans as a last resort
- When is the SAVE plan available?
- What is the highest credit score, and how many people have it?
- Western Union
- Should I get The Platinum Card® from American Express?
- 4 key things to know about bonds
- The synthetic long
- How much is my 2023 standard deduction?
- Using travel rewards for the family requires a mindset shift
- Allstate vs. competitors
- 3. Make the most of your savings
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- 7. Rent cars with Southwest car rental partners
- If you’re considering booking a rental car with your Chase Freedom credit card
- Compare top-rated life insurance companies
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- Other car insurance types
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- Walmart2Walmart
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- When to consider adding insurance to your rental
- 14. Tutor
- What to look for in marketing software
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Florida?
- How to get a passport in 24 hours
- Consider all your options
- State child tax credits
- A regular IRA may be enough
- What are CD rates right now?
- The other Frontier program: Frontier Miles
- How’s the stock market doing?
- Choose the best Alaska credit card offer for you
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- How to get a farm loan
- More reading for active investors
- 11 ways to prevent identity theft
- Is getting a HELOC a good idea?
- Compare insurance rates by driver history
- Next steps
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- Should I choose a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance?
- If you’d like to get a Founderscard membership
- How to design an e-commerce business model
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- September
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- Why are California gas prices so high?
- What’s happening with Silvergate Capital Corp.?
- Best AARP discounts
- 8. Visit restaurants through Rapid Rewards Dining
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- Are dividends taxed?
- 10. Make the purchase
- If you’re considering booking a rental car with your Delta SkyMiles credit card
- 15. Rent out items
- How to pool Marriott points with other members
- If you're ready to start a budget
- Find the best life insurance policy for you
- Alternatives to bootstrapping
- Common gift tax return triggers
- What happened to Credit Suisse?
- What are promotional CD rates?
- 2023 vs. 2024 standard deduction
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida by city
- What is credit card consolidation?
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Step 5: Compare benefits
- Next steps
- California state tax credits
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- 16. Use cash back apps
- Latest mortgage interest rates
- Types of FIRE
- W-4 calculator
- 9. Earn Southwest points while eating and drinking
- Other ways to make money
- 4. Money market funds
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Western Union
- If you’re considering joining the Discount Den
- Small-business incubator programs
- October
- Types of FHA loans
- FHA vs. conventional loans: Summary
- When to claim the standard deduction
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- Other changes to income-driven repayment in the works
- Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in Florida?
- Car rental insurance: The bottom line
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- Understanding life insurance quotes
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- Cheapest for 30-year-old drivers
- Using Marriott points recapped
- The bottom line
- Modified adjusted gross income: The bottom line
- How to choose among the best ways to send money internationally
- Is it better to get a home equity loan or line of credit?
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- Does the president control gas prices?
- Are other banks are in trouble?
- What else to know about Form W-4
- The bottom line
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- November
- 5. Mutual funds
- Should I take my money out of the bank?
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- What to do if you can’t keep up with your HELOC payments
- Prosper® Card
- How does the Israel-Hamas war affect gas prices?
- Alternatives to startup business grants
- Zelle:
- What to know about Florida homeowners insurance
- If you’re searching for a wheelchair-accessible vacation rental
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- 10. Shop online through Rapid Rewards Shopping
- Summary: How to choose health insurance
- Are we in a recession?
- Best pay-as-you-go plans
- Limitations of FIRE
- 6. Index funds
- December
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- FHA loan limits
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- How to track your California state refund
- 4. Be persistent
- Are we headed for a depression?
- Next steps
- Other ways to pay your taxes
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Prime Visa
- What to know about the best ways to send money
- Alternatives to traditional personal loans for non-citizens
- How to apply for an FHA loan
- California state sales tax
- 11. Spend money with Southwest's other retail partners
- How to make money from home
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- 10 ways identity theft happens
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- The final word
- Pros and cons of FHA loans
- 12. Take online surveys with e-Rewards and Rewards for Opinions
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- 13. Book packages with Southwest Vacations
- Florida department of insurance
- 14. Sign up with Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Looking for more insurance in Florida?
- 8. Stocks
- AvantCard Credit Card
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- 15. Move your Marriott Bonvoy points to Southwest
- Target Circle™ Credit Card
- Ways to get the best FHA mortgage rates
- Best flexible plan
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- Cheapest for 40-year-old drivers
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- 16. Sign up for a Hyatt credit card and transfer points to Southwest
- How to make money offline
- How to find the right business idea for your small town
- Best emergency cell phone plan
- 9. Alternative investments
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- 17. Leverage other hotel partnerships
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- Other ways to save money
- Apple Card
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- How to compare car insurance rates
- The bottom line
- 11. Real estate
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Venmo Credit Card
- PlayStation Visa Credit Card
- How to report identity theft
- How to start a profitable business
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- How to find the best car insurance
- What happens when you report identity theft?
- 18. Purchase Rapid Rewards points
- Cheapest for 50-year-old drivers
- There are many easy ways to earn Southwest points
- What is the best identity theft protection service?
- Best Buy credit cards
- Want to start a business?
- Xbox Mastercard
- How to choose an insurance company
- Watch out for making money scams
- Cheapest for 60-year-old drivers
- Cheapest for 70-year-old drivers
- 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.