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.
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- What is a W-4?
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- What is the sales tax deduction?
- What is the federal estate tax?
- What is a budget planner?
- The parts of Medicare
- Dollar-cost averaging definition
- What is a personal check?
- Medicare Advantage companies
- » This article is out of date.
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- What is a home equity line of credit?
- See CD rates by term and type
- What are undervalued stocks?
- What is a debit card?
- Ready to get started? Here's what to do next
- What is asset allocation?
- Find the right business loan
- What is debt factoring?
- What are dividend stocks?
- What is the saver’s credit?
- 1. Go to a museum, aquarium or zoo
- How to join a credit union in 5 steps
- What is Amazon Flex?
- How it works
- What is an index fund?
- Estate planning checklist
- High-dividend ETFs may generate income
- What is value-added tax (VAT)?
- Where can I get IRS tax forms?
- About Farmers home insurance
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- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
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- What is self-employment tax?
- How the Hilton Grand Vacation Club works
- TAP business class seats and aircraft
- What is OASDI tax?
- Can you withdraw money from a 401(k) early?
- 1. Disney FastPass has been replaced
- What is a bounced check?
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- What to expect when flying Japan Airlines economy class
- 6 things to know about United's delayed flight compensation
- How much are United miles worth?
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Spotify Free
- How can a CPA help you with taxes?
- Can you gift stock?
- Frontier refund policy
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- What are airline miles and why do you want them?
- Why are hospitals dropping Medicare Advantage?
- How much is a speeding ticket in California?
- Decide what fees make sense for you
- Debt consolidation calculator
- Are there safe investments with high returns?
- What it means to diversify
- What is a home budget?
- Preparing to buy tips
- How Roth IRAs work
- What are nonqualified stock options?
- How to book with Cash + Points
- Rising debt and delinquencies
- How to write a check in six easy steps:
- January
- How to redeem a Spirit Airlines voucher
- Best places to sell clothes online
- Who can claim the saver’s credit?
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- The best budget apps
- General advice for international money transfers
- Reasons to buy a second home
- How we found the best travel insurance
- Create a budget plan that works for you
- What are the best retirement plans for you?
- What is Walmart+?
- What is short selling?
- Can I cash a check at any bank?
- Major Hawaiian airports
- What is a business loan agreement?
- How much does Amazon Flex pay?
- Which documents should I save? And for how long?
- Calculate your closing costs
- What determines your monthly car payment?
- Three years
- 1. Sell spare electronics
- FuboTV cost per month
- Seven steps to basic estate planning
- Pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C)
- The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- How to open a gym franchise
- Brace for another year of high interest rates — and prices
- Best day to book a flight
- How to start a laundry business in 10 steps
- Valuable features can lower costs
- How balance transfers work
- How do LLC taxes work?
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- APY vs. interest rate: What’s the difference?
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- Best-performing U.S. equity mutual funds
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- 40 best startup business ideas
- 1. Free shipping
- 1. Find a payment strategy or two
- Frugal food tips
- Rewards on spending
- What home insurance is — and isn't
- Review your retirement plan
- How timeshares work
- Bilt airline and hotel transfer partners
- Where to buy bonds
- What types of passport services are available?
- Quick facts about Zelle
- Key takeaways
- What is Medicare supplement Plan G?
- The best investments for beginners
- How do down payment assistance programs work?
- Pros of direct-to-consumer marketing
- What’s deductible
- Estate tax limits and exemptions
- Full coverage insurance explained
- Top American Express cards that don’t charge annual fees
- Calculator: Convert United miles to dollars
- How to choose a business idea
- Stock chart components
- Taxes on 401(k) contributions
- What is adjusted gross income (AGI)?
- When do you need a personal check?
- Identify your servicer
- 5 Ways to get started in real estate investing
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- Late winter and early spring
- Is charitable giving tax-deductible?
- At a glance
- The bull call spread
- When to sell mutual funds
- How to pay your federal taxes in 2024
- The different types of COVID tests
- 1. Sign up for United Airlines credit cards
- 1. Rewards are redeemable only at Athleta and other Gap brands
- 1. It’s a premium travel card at a premium price
- Details about Morgan Stanley CashPlus
- How value-added tax (VAT) works
- What does this value mean?
- 1. Ongoing rewards are lackluster
- Where can I cash my coins?
- Discover Bank CD rates
- How to use the debt consolidation calculator
- 1. Credit score and credit history
- 1. There are actually two Walgreens cards
- 1. Clean up your credit
- Types of SBA loans for buying equipment
- How do I play the lottery?
- Principal Financial life insurance
- How to budget money
- How to send money online, on mobile or in person
- Strategies to build your 705 credit score
- The best renters insurance companies for 2024
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- 2. Read a book
- Do you pay taxes on stocks you don't sell?
- Best-performing energy ETFs
- The self-employment tax rate for 2023
- How to make money online
- Ria is best for:
- How do expense trackers work?
- What is the 401(k) early withdrawal penalty?
- What is the standard deduction?
- Credit definition
- The best life insurance for seniors in March 2024
- How much do Instagram influencers make?
- How to start with Amazon Flex
- Compare Medicare Supplement plans
- Bounced check fees: Overdraft and NSF
- How to invest in stocks in 6 steps
- How did GDP in 2023 compare to recent years?
- The best money-making apps
- The three benefits of dollar-cost averaging
- How do index funds work?
- 2. Sell your gift cards
- 7 high-dividend ETFs
- Spotify Premium cost
- IRA contribution rules
- Lottery tax calculator
- Key takeaways
- The best term life insurance companies in March 2024
- Existing airlines are offering more flights and routes
- Common IRS tax forms you should know about (and where to get them)
- How to use the car affordability calculator
- Why are stocks undervalued?
- Here's how to get a debit card
- What is an insurance deductible?
- How discretionary income is used
- Best no medical exam life insurance for March 2024
- What are the key asset classes?
- How does debt factoring work?
- 5 steps to get preapproved for a home loan
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
- How to fill out a W-4
- How does OASDI tax work?
- Why you should get preapproved for an auto loan
- Cons of direct-to-consumer marketing
- How does a business loan agreement work?
- ASPCA: Best for broad coverage
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- How much are closing costs?
- Six years
- Alternatives to personal checks
- Why are gas prices going up?
- A closer look at Capital One credit card offers
- 'An antidote to anxiety'
- Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is better for most people
- The benefits of gifting stocks
- How to Refer-A-Friend with Chase
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- How to sign up for a frequent flyer account
- Straightforward rewards
- A
- 2. Foodie benefits
- Roth IRA pros and cons
- Where Farmers stands out
- 3. Catch a movie
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Cost
- Ria pros:
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- How the federal estate tax works
- The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter
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- How we ranked the top life insurers
- 2. Genie+ costs money
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- Cash back cards
- 3. Pawn something
- Know what servicers can (and can’t) help you with
- The timeline to lower inflation
- Best day to fly
- Bank wire transfer
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- MassMutual life insurance
- Is there VAT in the U.S.?
- Who is Warren Buffett?
- Safe, FDIC-insured and government-backed options
- How to make a home budget
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- More about the best renters insurance companies
- The self-employment tax rate for 2024
- The 'most valuable miles' winner is ...
- How many Instagram followers do you need to make money?
- United MileagePlus Miles value over time
- How food prices have changed over time
- Recent averages for factors that affect a car payment
- Why invest in index funds?
- Seven years
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- 2. Cash management accounts
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- How tax-deductible donations work
- 1. IRS Direct Pay
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- Today’s HELOC rates
- How to convert American miles to dollars (calculator)
- Which one is important to know for savings accounts?
- Request an offer, then consider it
- Grace period
- More details about Discover Bank CDs
- What's the difference between a debit and credit card?
- Portfolio rebalancing strategies
- Frugal shopping tips
- Cheap(er) cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T
- Is booking with Cash + Points a good deal?
- Financial issues take a mental toll
- How much debt is forgiven with an income-driven repayment plan?
- Rental housing built in the construction boom comes to market
- How much is the Mega Millions jackpot?
- More about Principal insurance
- February
- Why invest in energy ETFs
- 12 online banks that use Zelle
- Who can get down payment assistance?
- Ria cons:
- Why short a stock?
- Which Medicare Supplement plan has the highest coverage?
- Available credit cards and their terms
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- The 50 best business ideas for women
- Holiday weekends
- Where can I get a COVID test for travel?
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- 2. The annual fee is mitigated by a huge statement credit, sign-up bonus
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- 2. Points values vary and redemption is inflexible
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- How to write a thank-you email after an interview
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- Where Farmers falls short
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- Recent changes to food costs
- Indefinitely
- 4. Work today for fast cash today
- How to calculate adjusted gross income
- Pros of personal checks
- Can you live off ETF dividends?
- 3. Endorse the check
- Roth IRA income and contribution limits 2023
- How big an issue is it?
- 2. Income
- How to earn Bilt Rewards points
- Learn about top-rated life insurance companies
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- 4. Play a game inside
- How to calculate self-employment tax
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- How the standard deduction works
- Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft
- What airlines go to Hawaii?
- Best life insurance for seniors in March 2024
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- How Amazon Flex works
- Merchant fees for a bounced check
- Why did GDP increase in Q4 2023?
- How do United miles compare with other airlines?
- Taxes on 401(k) withdrawals
- MassMutual life insurance policies
- 2. New cardholders get a little extra incentive
- How to get a VAT refund
- How do American miles compare to other airlines?
- What to do after you get a speeding ticket in California
- Example of the difference between APY and interest rate
- Introductory incentives
- How to determine how much car you can afford
- What to consider when opening CDs
- What's the difference between a debit and an ATM card?
- Choosing your insurance deductible
- 3. American Express Pay It Plan It
- Start research early
- Advantages of debt factoring
- 17 traditional banks that use Zelle
- The 'fastest mile-earning' winner is ...
- Estate tax rates
- Does a Walmart+ subscription cost less than Amazon Prime?
- Issuer pre-qualification pages
- Do research and prepare your questions
- What state has the highest gas prices?
- How Medicare Advantage plans work
- What to consider when you're referring
- How to choose the best mutual funds for you
- What is Berkshire Hathaway?
- 2. Rebalance your debts and income
- What the saver’s credit is worth
- 5. Play a game outside
- What Medigap Plan G covers
- Use a budget planner
- 21 most-shorted stocks by short interest
- What Medicare Supplement plan is most popular?
- How should I organize records?
- Booking your Japan Airlines economy award ticket
- Examples of dollar-cost averaging (versus lump purchases)
- Basic stock chart terms to know
- How credit scores affect monthly car payments
- What is an index?
- What tax records to keep
- 5. Seek community loans and assistance
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- The cost of convenience
- Best car insurance in Florida for your budget: Geico
- Steps to getting a refund from Frontier Airlines
- 2. You’ll earn a bonus with your first purchase
- Take care of any payroll deductions
- State availability
- Retail therapy revised
- The single-family home rental market still lags
- March
- What to know about Spirit Reservation Credits
- Episode transcript
- Who has to pay self-employment tax?
- Types of credit
- What is the fastest way to cash a check?
- 3. It gets you toward the front of the line
- Will food prices go down in 2024?
- Roth IRA income and contribution limits 2024
- Who might prefer the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The bear put spread
- Good balance transfer cards
- 3. Its rewards program is lucrative
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- Earning airlines miles when booking with an OTA
- Budget airlines are bringing down prices
- APY to interest rate calculator
- You can ask for offers all year
- Average daily balance
- Examples of thank-you emails
- What is debt consolidation?
- 3. Monthly debt payments
- B
- What's the difference between regular debit cards and prepaid debit cards?
- Mortgage selection tips
- Consider home insurance costs
- How nonqualified stock options work
- Choosing the best asset allocation
- When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
- Get a secured credit card
- How far in advance should I get preapproved for a mortgage?
- 6. Volunteer
- Business class fare types: Executive vs. Top Executive
- OASDI limit 2023
- TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Features and ease of use
- 12 credit unions that use Zelle
- How to find down payment assistance programs
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans
- 5 ways to make money on Instagram
- When is the best time to use United miles?
- 6. Ask for forbearance on bills
- How to invest in dividend ETFs
- How to choose the best Medicare Advantage plan
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- All year
- Cash App
- Best term life insurance policies for 2024
- When is the best time to use American miles?
- 3. It comes with a welcome offer
- Alternatives to cash
- About Discover Bank
- How to find undervalued stocks
- 4. AmEx Pay Over Time
- 2. Consider debt consolidation
- Frugal entertainment tips
- Best no-exam life insurance policies in 2024
- What to watch for when you buy bonds
- Best homeowners insurance in Iowa for coverage: State Farm
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- Which states have an estate tax?
- How to get paid
- Being put in a database due to a bounced check
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- Fubo add-ons
- 3. Becoming an "Icon" unlocks more perks
- What can patients do?
- Ways to consolidate debt
- 3. Rewards are in the form of Walgreens Cash
- Health insurance deductible
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three
- How many borrowers have received income-driven repayment forgiveness?
- How much is the next Powerball jackpot?
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- 7. Visit the farmers market
- What Medigap Plan G doesn’t cover
- When can you withdraw from your Roth IRA?
- OASDI limit 2024
- What to know if you take online surveys
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- The risks of short selling
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- Medicare Supplement Insurance plan comparison chart
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- How to keep your tax records
- 7. Request a payroll advance
- Where to find your AGI on your 1040
- Cons of personal checks
- Gather key documents
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- Things to consider about the account
- Taxation on nonqualified stock options
- Farmers home insurance coverage
- Where you can use your Hilton Grand Vacation Club points
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- How to apply for mortgage down payment assistance
- How to claim the sales tax deduction
- Standard deduction 2023
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- MassMutual customer complaints and satisfaction
- 2. Electronic funds withdrawal (EFW)
- A return to normalcy after COVID-19
- Average car insurance rates after a speeding ticket in California
- Think twice before canceling
- Travel-friendly features
- Average mutual fund return
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- Here are some typical debit card fees
- 3. Don’t ask for too much cash
- How to transfer Bilt Rewards
- There may be fewer new construction projects to come
- What a 705 credit score can get you
- Saver’s credit rates for 2023
- 8. Go thrift shopping
- How are dividends taxed?
- What to know about joining a credit union
- How to pay self-employment tax
- Is the OASDI tax mandatory?
- How to sign a check over to someone else
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- When to estimate closing costs
- More advanced stock chart terms
- Why is food so expensive?
- How loan term affects your monthly car payment
- How much do index funds cost?
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- How does Spotify fit into your budget?
- Best car insurance in Florida for having few customer complaints: Auto-Owners
- Which card should you get?
- Frontier Airlines flight credits
- Earning airline miles after you’ve booked with an OTA
- 4. It’s light on fees
- 4. There are limitations on earning rewards
- Worthwhile timeshare offers, by chain
- When is the next Powerball drawing?
- April
- How to get Spirit Airlines flight credits
- The 'overall most-valuable' winner is … Alaska Airlines
- 4. Genie+ doesn’t include all rides
- Cost of full coverage car insurance
- Choose a Medicare Supplement Insurance company
- 8. Take a loan from your retirement account
- Block out a chunk of time for the call
- How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- 'The easier it is to pay, the easier it is to spend'
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- How does a HELOC work?
- Which stocks is Warren Buffett buying?
- 4. Assets and additional applicants
- C
- 5. AmEx Send & Split
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Consolidate investment accounts
- Identify debt leaks
- The Department of Education is implementing income-driven repayment fixes
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- 9. Go for a walk
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- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- How to make a claim
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Can United miles be used on other airlines?
- The significance of adjusted gross income
- Should you order checks?
- What does this mean for your financial decisions?
- Learn more
- How MassMutual compares to other insurers
- 4. Athleta clothing pairs nicely with a free trial of obé Fitness
- How has the value changed over time?
- Here's what to do if your debit card is stolen
- Farmers home insurance rates
- Cooling rents still aren’t showing up in inflation data
- Tax deductions for self-employment
- W-4 form 2024
- Standard deduction 2024
- How do I keep documents safe?
- What to do if you bounce a check
- Diversifying with index funds
- 9. Borrow against life insurance
- Exceptions to IRA contribution limits
- How to gift stock
- If you need a COVID test to travel
- What if Frontier Airlines won’t refund you?
- 4. Points can't be transferred to other travel programs
- Airfares are falling, but don't wait to book
- 5. Carrying a balance can be expensive
- 5. You won't want to carry a balance
- Car insurance deductible
- 3. Work with your creditors
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- 10 largest lottery jackpots
- Decent AmEx transfer partners
- Best homeowners insurance in Iowa for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- Saver’s credit rates for 2024
- 10. Take a hike
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- Auto loan preapproval vs. pre-qualification
- How to build your credit
- Membership Rewards cards
- When to enroll in Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Embrace: Best for many ways to save
- How did personal income change in Q4 2023?
- Types of life insurance trusts
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Mattress-buying tips
- Google Pay
- The long straddle
- More about MassMutual
- 2. Sign up for credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® and transfer to United
- 5. The interest rate is high
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- How to make an appointment at a passport agency
- Get a credit-builder product or a secured loan
- Ways to reduce the cost of flying with a bicycle
- Booking TAP business class flights with points and miles
- What is the difference between an inheritance tax and an estate tax?
- What is a short squeeze?
- What if you don’t have enough JAL miles?
- What do closing costs include?
- Estimating your car payment
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- How are gas prices determined?
- How to apply with a Refer-A-Friend link
- Is Morgan Stanley CashPlus right for you?
- When to book with an OTA
- How flexible are American miles?
- Interest rate
- Protections: Shopping and travel benefits
- E
- 6. Cell phone coverage
- Check on your taxable investments
- 4. Consider a co-signer
- Get help in days, not weeks
- May
- 11. Ride a bike
- Should I join the Hilton Grand Vacation Club?
- Is OASDI tax the same thing as Social Security tax?
- Consider the costs of cashing out your 401(k)
- 5 types of employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Best homeowners insurance in Texas for consumer experience: Nationwide
- When to consider adding additional insurance to your rental
- Pre-tax vs. Roth 401(k)
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- Should I do a balance transfer?
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Which stocks is Warren Buffett selling?
- Hotel perks
- When should you book with Cash + Points?
- Which Bilt transfer partners are best?
- Borrower enrollment by IDR plan
- Why use an SBA loan to buy equipment?
- What is California's standard deduction?
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- Alternatives to writing a check
- 5. Genie+ is available at multiple parks
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- Be firm but polite
- How to switch Medicare Advantage plans
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- Best car insurance in Florida for ease of use: State Farm
- 3. The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
- LLC payroll taxes
- Next steps: Compare and apply
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Most rent remains unaffordable
- Disadvantages of debt factoring
- Calculating the value of the saver's credit
- Can I get my Social Security tax back if I’ve overpaid it?
- TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Support
- How to get a preapproved car loan
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- Standard deduction for those 65 or older
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- What is your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)?
- 5. It comes with other travel goodies
- Cheapest car insurance companies after a speeding ticket in California
- 7. Retail benefits
- Discounts
- How to avoid Spirit cancellation fees
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- 12. Sleep in the woods
- Buy Medigap Plan G during Medigap open enrollment
- What is net investment income tax?
- The bottom line
- IRAs
- If you're considering booking a rental car with your Southwest card
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- How did we determine the value of United miles?
- No-closing-cost mortgages
- How are food prices tracked?
- F
- Homeowners insurance deductible
- How often and when to rebalance your portfolio
- 4. Seek help through debt relief
- Where can I get an SBA loan to buy equipment?
- How to reduce or avoid the federal estate tax
- What is naked short selling, and why is it illegal?
- 6. Genie+ can sell out
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- Compare Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k)
- 12. Get a personal loan
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- How did we determine the value of American miles?
- Pick your coverage limits
- Review your estate plan
- Is transferring your Bilt Rewards worth it?
- 13. Gaze at the stars
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Full list of the best home insurance companies in Texas
- 7 ways to reduce your 401(k) taxes
- Take notes
- Claiming tax-deductible donations on your tax return
- PayPal
- If you want to earn airline miles on an OTA booking
- HELOC requirements
- What are Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings?
- Which lender is right for me?
- Renters insurance deductible
- 8. Travel-related benefits
- Things to consider
- Asset allocation calculator
- 5. Use collateral to secure the loan
- U.S. passport agency locations
- The U.S. needs way more rental housing
- Use a co-signer
- June
- What happens to a 705 score with a late payment?
- Is getting a Spirit credit worth it?
- Is Plan G the best Medicare Supplement Insurance plan?
- How much money can you put in a Roth IRA?
- Who needs full coverage car insurance?
- Types of gas
- Days in the cycle
- When undervalued stocks become popular
- Consumer complaints
- Secure 2.0 changes: Saver's match
- 14. Listen to music
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- If you inherit or bequeath something, watch out for capital gains tax
- Final thoughts on JAL's economy class
- 13. Rent out a room
- Full list of the best car insurance in Florida
- The long strangle
- Mutual fund fees
- Are Roth IRAs safe?
- Fund investing accounts for dependents
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Iowa
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- Disney FastPass recapped
- Consider a DIY approach — but only in some cases
- LLC self-employment taxes
- How to get a home equity line of credit
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- Travel and status perks
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- Consumer experience
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- 15. Make some music
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Texas?
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Should you trade like Warren Buffett?
- G
- 9. Hotel benefits
- Become an authorized user
- Standard deduction for dependents
- The bottom line on short selling
- United Airlines flight delay compensation, recapped
- How to start dollar-cost averaging
- Finding a car you can afford
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- Alternatives to Roth IRAs
- 6. Find the right lender
- July
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- 16. Make something
- Summary: Buying a second home
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- Next Steps
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- 4. Debit card
- What's next?
- Other types of insurance deductibles
- Who qualifies for timeshare presentation offers?
- Looking for past years' saver's credit thresholds?
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- Retirement accounts for small-business owners and self-employed individuals
- What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
- What to consider before starting your own business
- If all else fails, complain
- Charitable deductions 2023
- Venmo
- LLC sales taxes
- How much can you borrow with a HELOC?
- 10. Credits for popular spending
- 5. Lower your living expenses
- Can you get a passport in one day?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Iowa?
- Other ways to sell clothes online
- 17. Learn a new skill
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- Why are California gas prices so high?
- Can you lose money in mutual funds?
- Next Steps
- Farmers vs. competitors
- Other renters insurance companies to consider
- Why investing is important
- When can't you take the standard deduction?
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Texas by city
- Co-branded travel cards
- 18. Exercise
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Refunds, audits and other considerations
- Related articles
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- Mutual funds: The bottom line
- 11. Access to AmEx Offers
- Home shopping tips
- August
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- How to save on full coverage car insurance
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- How much does it cost to start a gym franchise?
- H
- What is no-exam life insurance?
- What’s next?
- If you’re tempted by a timeshare presentation offer
- As a last resort, contact your member of Congress
- Is debt factoring right for my business?
- 19. Have a potluck
- What are the tax rules for a Roth IRA?
- What advice do other female entrepreneurs have?
- Redeeming Capital One Miles
- The synthetic long
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- Get credit for the bills you pay
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Iowa by city
- How to sell clothes online
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- How much is my 2023 standard deduction?
- The cheapest home insurance in Texas
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Types of stock charts and how to read them
- Walmart2Walmart
- More about the card
- 12. AmEx Experiences
- 20. Do something productive
- More reading for active investors and traders
- Flights to Hawaii, recapped
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- Other types of tax preparers
- J
- How to get a passport in 24 hours
- The worst AmEx transfer partners
- TAP business class recapped
- Never done it before? Here's what to consider
- Business loan agreement: Terms to know
- Does the president control gas prices?
- Is getting a HELOC a good idea?
- 13. Concierge Service
- Alternatives to debt factoring
- September
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- 5. Credit card
- 3. Sign up for Marriott credit cards and transfer Bonvoy points to United
- Alternatives to no medical exam life insurance
- The cheapest home insurance in Iowa
- 21. Host a yard sale
- TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Which one is right for you?
- If you're ready to start a budget
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- K
- 14. AmEx Auto Purchasing Program
- Invest in bonds: next steps
- What to know about Texas homeowners insurance
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- The bottom line
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- Practice good credit habits
- 22. Engage with your community
- W-4 calculator
- 2023 vs. 2024 standard deduction
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- How does the Israel-Hamas war affect gas prices?
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- California state tax credits
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- If you’re considering a Capital One credit card …
- What is a tax consultant?
- Western Union
- L
- October
- What to know about Iowa homeowners insurance
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Avoid risky loans
- When to claim the standard deduction
- Should I use a CPA or tax accountant?
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Is it better to get a home equity loan or line of credit?
- More about the cards
- How do TurboTax and H&R Block compare with other providers?
- The bottom line on investing for beginners
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- Check your credit scores and reports
- November
- Business cards
- 6. Same-day wire transfer
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- Prosper® Card
- What to do if you can’t keep up with your HELOC payments
- M
- What are tax deductions?
- Best stocks for beginners
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- More resources
- Zelle:
- More about buying life insurance with a health condition
- Other life insurance options for seniors
- The bottom line on how to read stock charts
- Home purchasing tips
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for dogs
- December
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- N
- If you want to redeem your AmEx points for good value
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- The bottom line on investing in stocks
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Iowa insurance department
- How to track your California state refund
- 7. Check, money order or cashier’s check
- Texas Department of Insurance
- What to know about the best ways to send money
- What are tax write-offs?
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- P
- Looking for more insurance in Iowa?
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- 4. Earn United miles on credit card bonus categories
- Looking for more insurance in Texas?
- California state sales tax
- How to find the best term life insurance company
- How to make money from home
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- 8. Cash
- S
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Other notable options
- AvantCard Credit Card
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- Nationwide: Best for exotic pets
- More about term life insurance
- T
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- 5. Earn United miles on flights
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- 9. Mobile via IRS2Go
- U
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- Tips for reviewing a business loan agreement
- V
- How to make money offline
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- Quick snapshots
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 10. IRS payment plan or installment agreement
- Pets Best: Best flexible plans
- Apple Card
- 6. Shop on the United MileagePlus shopping portal
- How to choose a startup idea
- Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
- The best renters insurance policy for five common scenarios
- Venmo Credit Card
- Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe
- Spot: Best for straightforward waiting periods
- 7. Visit restaurants through MileagePlus dining
- Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance
- Find the best cheap renters insurance in select states
- 8. Use the United MileagePlus X app
- How we ranked the best renters insurance companies
- Types of travel insurance
- 9. Transfer points from hotels to United
- How much is pet insurance?
- 10. Earn United miles for staying at hotels
- Watch out for making money scams
- How to find the best dog insurance
- What does travel insurance cover?
- 11. Reserve vacation homes through Vrbo
- How to find the best cat insurance
- What’s not covered?
- 12. Book car rentals
- 13. Go on a cruise
- How much does it cost?
- How to compare pet insurance companies
- 14. Book a vacation through United Packages
- 15. Get identity protection from LifeLock with Norton
- Do I need travel insurance?
- 16. Purchase flowers
- How to choose the best travel insurance policy
- 17. Take online surveys with e-Rewards and Opinion Miles Club
- 18. Enroll in Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)
- What are the top travel destinations in 2024?
- 19. Purchase wine with Vinesse
- 20. Shop on MyPoints
- More resources for travel insurance shoppers
- 21. Order travel documents from VisaCentral
- 22. Donate to charity
- Methodology
- 23. Purchase tickets to Broadway plays
- 24. Get the Timeshifter app to help with jet lag
- 25. Take out a home loan through Rocket Mortgage
- How we ranked the best pet insurance companies
- 26. Take out a business loan from MerchantRefi
- 27. Purchase flying wellness products from Therabody
- 28. Use energy providers NRG or Reliant
- 29. Buy a home security system through SimpliSafe
- 30. Purchase United MileagePlus miles
- Final thoughts on earning United miles
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.