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 a W-4?
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- Current promotional CD rates
- See CD rates by term and type
- What Medicare covers
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Part D Plans
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- What is a 401(k)?
- Mortgage rates today: Monday, March 18, 2024
- Robinhood is best for:
- Acorns is best for:
- Why is retirement planning important?
- Compare Medicare Advantage providers
- Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
- Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan
- Broker definition
- What is investment advice?
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Life insurance buying guide
- What is the home office deduction?
- What's an investment strategy?
- Compare types of bank accounts
- Good credit utilization follows the 30% rule
- How to find an old 401(k)
- Yield curve definition
- Tax benefits of buying a home
- Best-performing gold ETFs
- Top-rated low-cost index funds
- Find the best way to send money to India
- What are dividend stocks?
- Does applying for a credit card hurt your credit?
- Determining how much mortgage I can afford
- What are oil ETFs?
- What is a credit freeze?
- How much does HBO Max cost per month?
- What is a VA home loan?
- How do capital gains taxes on real estate work?
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- How to get TSA PreCheck for free
- United fare classes: The differences
- What is a savings account?
- Men’s soccer games typically cost more than twice as much as women's
- Food and drink
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- What is a Roth IRA account?
- Should you use home equity or try an alternative way to pay off debt?
- About the Chase Freedom Flex℠
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- What is the American Airlines children policy?
- What is SSDI?
- Preparing to buy tips
- About Spot pet insurance
- How much does a passport cost?
- Tier benefits
- How to get paid on YouTube
- What are Vanguard index funds?
- What is a fuel surcharge?
- Check out online broker education centers for investment courses
- How much should you spend on rent? It depends
- Wanna Get Away Plus features
- What is a 1099-INT tax form?
- Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
- Bonds vs. CDs
- Investing money is personal
- How do LLC taxes work?
- General advice for international money transfers
- 1. Set your budget
- How do CDs work?
- What determines your monthly car payment?
- January
- 1. Sell spare electronics
- Auto insurance
- What types of business insurance do architects need?
- What is Ozempic?
- The best budget apps
- How to remove an authorized user
- 1. Make extra payments toward the principal
- Robinhood at a glance
- Acorns at a glance
- 3 steps to selling stocks
- How we found the best travel insurance
- Best places to sell clothes online
- Qualifying for first-time penalty abatement
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- Estimate the cost of vet care
- What is options trading?
- What does homeowners insurance cover?
- Clover Health Medicare Advantage pros and cons
- What does a broker do and why do I need one?
- What does this value mean?
- CalHFA highlights and eligibility requirements
- The value of Marriott Bonvoy points
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- Qualifying for an HSA
- Bilt airline and hotel transfer partners
- How balance transfers work
- Do you have to tip an Uber driver?
- 1. There are 2 Emirates credit cards
- Minimum wage over time
- Best day to book a flight
- High CD rates for now
- What are tax refund advance loans?
- Buy down the interest rate: Is it worth it?
- How to budget money
- Late winter and early spring
- 1. Check your account statements
- Yield curve today
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- Roth IRA contribution limits 2024
- Hilton Honors
- American Family
- Daily mortgage rates chart
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- What is an IRS payment plan?
- Can I renew my passport at the post office?
- Travel rewards
- 4 ways to invest 20K
- Small-town business ideas
- When can you withdraw from a Roth IRA?
- How to find and evaluate inquiries
- Best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
- Book an award trip on JetBlue
- Why does applying for a credit card hurt your score?
- Key terms in this article
- What is the gift tax?
- Best-performing oil ETFs
- How does the home office tax deduction work in 2023-2024?
- Average savings by age
- Average savings account rate: 0.47%
- Table of contents
- Is gold a good investment?
- 4 common check fraud scams
- Financial advisor fees
- How do credit union loans work?
- First, what are CDs and bonds?
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- A handful of companies offer term and whole life
- 1. Contact your old employer about your old 401(k)
- 2. Sell your gift cards
- What is a custodial account?
- At a glance
- 7 best investments right now
- What is a flexible spending account, or FSA?
- What the lawsuits are about
- The best money-making apps
- Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA: What's the difference?
- When can you retire?
- If you have private insurance
- American Airlines miles redemptions
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- What are gold ETFs?
- Top-rated low-cost index ETFs
- How to make money online
- 1. Your home is the collateral backing the credit card
- 1. Check your calendar
- What is the interest rate in a sweep account?
- 5 pieces of investment advice from the pros
- Traditional IRA
- How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
- Laying the groundwork for buying and selling
- How does a VA home loan work?
- What to know about American Airlines Landline
- Steps to getting an auto loan with bad credit
- If you've contributed too much to an IRA, fix it before filing taxes
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- Points: Rewards on spending
- What are game apps that pay real money?
- 9 popular investment strategies
- ¿Qué estrategias ha utilizado Yang para generar riqueza?
- What does your travel insurance cover?
- How to fill out a W-4
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- Wise is best for:
- Federal tax brackets and tax rates
- What does the yield curve tell us about a recession?
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
- Banking
- Roth IRA income limits 2024
- Why you need a savings account
- Why mortgage rates change every day
- Where to buy Treasury bonds, notes or bills
- What is the Walmart MoneyCenter?
- Personal loans from online lenders
- Who qualifies for SSDI?
- How to lower your credit utilization
- Why are gas prices going up?
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- Best-performing marijuana ETFs
- The co-branded Mastercard
- Why buy dividend stocks?
- Pacific Life insurance
- What is a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?
- How much debt will I take on for graduate school?
- Changes to Business Select, Anytime fares
- What to do with a 1099-INT tax form
- When can Delta close your account?
- How to calculate your credit utilization ratio
- 2. Categorize your expenses
- 3. Pawn something
- How much is car insurance?
- Carfax may offer more details
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- What now?
- Tax benefits of owning a home
- How does a 401(k) work?
- How to apply for penalty abatement
- Why the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card is better for renters and travelers
- Types of passport applications
- Comprehensive vs. collision insurance
- Who pays the gift tax?
- How an HSA works
- Enroll in a few Udemy courses
- Work out how much of your income should go to rent with the 50/30/20 rule
- How much should you tip an Uber driver?
- Best day to fly
- Several ways you can get in
- The best home insurance companies of 2024
- 1. Pay on time
- Wise pros
- CD rate trends 2024: Higher short-term CDs
- Recent averages for factors that affect a car payment
- Types of custodial accounts
- How much does architect insurance cost?
- Stackable savings at select grocery stores
- What you need to know about savings accounts
- 2. Refinance if you have good credit and a steady job
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- How to open a brokerage account for your kid
- Best car insurance in Pennsylvania overall: Travelers
- If you have credit card points ...
- Understand pet insurance
- 2. Consider your online options
- Roth IRA withdrawal rules
- Does opening a new credit card hurt your credit?
- Grace period
- Median savings by age
- State minimum wages in 2024
- Financial advisor fees by service
- When to open a CD
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Holiday weekends
- 2. Shop for a loan
- February
- Medicare covers Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes
- I Prefer Hotel Rewards
- Personalized versus average interest rates
- How does a Roth IRA work?
- 5 steps for retirement planning
- What to know before getting the Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Best for Medigap plan options: AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- How does a broker make money?
- How much money do I need to buy a house?
- Marriott points calculator
- Information you need to freeze your credit
- The best Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners
- How do Vanguard index funds work?
- Read through Morningstar’s investing classroom
- When do you pay capital gains tax on a home sale?
- Discovered excess IRA contributions after filing taxes? Do this
- 4 ways to invest in gold
- 4 steps to spot a fake check and avoid trouble
- 2. Both earn the same ongoing rewards
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- Popular credit cards with travel insurance
- Where to get tax refund loans
- Wise cons
- Expect higher costs and strict requirements
- 4. Work today for fast cash today
- Do you need an FSA?
- 3. Endorse the check
- Apply for a passport in person at USPS
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- What to do if you spot a problem
- Marijuana ETFs vs. stocks
- How much does it cost to renew a passport?
- What are oil ETNs?
- Partner promotions
- Pacific Life insurance policies
- How to earn Bilt Rewards points
- What does my 1099-INT tax form mean?
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- Other alternatives to Mint
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- Normal yield curve
- Reasons to consider removing an authorized user
- The value of attending a women’s soccer game
- Buyers would set their agents' pay
- What are the Walmart MoneyCenter hours?
- What are the pros and cons of using home equity to pay off debt?
- Text
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- How to invest in gold ETFs
- 2. The card is an alternative to a HELOC, for better and worse
- Clover Health Medicare star ratings
- Is cash in a sweep account FDIC-insured?
- How much comprehensive and collision coverage cost
- Dividend vs. growth stocks
- Can I take the home office deduction as a work-from-home employee?
- VA home loan eligibility
- Cards that earn Southwest miles
- A long non-winning stretch, but still hope
- Does raising the minimum wage cause inflation?
- Best homeowners insurance companies: Pros and cons
- Use a credit utilization calculator
- What is identity theft?
- 3. Build a budget that works for your expenses
- Current CD rates: high-yield and national averages by term
- 2. Find your 401(k) with your Social Security number
- Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if my income is too high?
- Savings accounts with strong APYs can help your money grow
- Traditional 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k)
- For people with Medicare
- If you have frequent flyer miles with an airline ...
- How to trade options in four steps
- Spot pet insurance plans and coverage
- 3. Call your company
- What state has the highest gas prices?
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- CalHFA first-time home buyer loan programs
- Historical national rates
- How much rent can you afford?
- How much do Uber drivers make per hour?
- Earn Delta miles quickly
- Una perspectiva opcional para FIRE
- 2. Try to keep most of your credit limit available
- Wise transfer methods and options
- How credit scores affect monthly car payments
- 5. Seek community loans and assistance
- Credit cards
- How investing pays off later
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Who is eligible for an IRS payment plan or installment agreement?
- Fill out IRS Form 843
- Will your disability benefits change when you turn 65?
- The cost of passport changes
- What mortgage can I afford?
- How do Marriott Bonvoy points compare to other hotel programs?
- Roth IRA
- How to get a Companion Pass faster
- Are Vanguard index funds a good investment?
- HSA-eligible expenses
- Take a college course on investing
- Compare car insurance rates
- Common reasons for excess IRA contributions
- When to consider bonds
- Some policies offer guaranteed coverage
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- March
- AutoCheck is better for the price conscious
- Flat or humped yield curve
- Top options for architect insurance
- How to use a health care FSA
- Amica
- How your credit score affects your rate
- Negotiations would be more complex
- Best Pennsylvania car insurance for your budget: Travelers
- Mortgage selection tips
- 4. Contact the IRS
- The risks of marijuana ETFs
- Learn more:
- How are dividends paid out?
- Average daily balance
- How to avoid fuel surcharges on award travel
- Good balance transfer cards
- The bottom line
- Do all workers earn at least the minimum wage?
- Free Wi-Fi is a big draw
- All year
- Standard deduction
- 6. Ask for forbearance on bills
- Custodial account rules
- Bonus cash back on memberships at gyms and fitness clubs
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- What can you invest in with a Roth IRA?
- Be persistent
- Get pet insurance quotes
- Book an award trip on JetBlue using Cash + Points
- How much does a stock broker make?
- Pacific Life insurance rates
- How to calculate your home office tax deduction
- How to apply for a VA home loan
- What happens if you don’t tip?
- 3. You’ll get instant status, but keeping it long-term is pricey
- 3. Get a secured credit card
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- Roth IRA contribution limits 2023
- How a savings account works: withdrawal limits
- What services are available at Walmart MoneyCenters?
- Postal mail
- Personal loans from credit unions
- What about domestic airfares?
- Don’t worry about the rest
- Best for member satisfaction: State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance
- How the annual gift tax exclusion works
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.07%
- Advantages of HSAs
- Get personalized help
- Price vs. yield
- Is per-card or overall utilization more important?
- 7 types of identity theft and the warning signs
- 7. Request a payroll advance
- Inverted yield curve
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- Will Medicare pay for Ozempic for weight loss?
- When you should lock your mortgage rate
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- What state has the lowest gas prices?
- Getting an expedited passport
- How do you find a broker?
- How to unfreeze your credit
- How much does it cost to buy Vanguard index fund shares?
- Game apps that pay real money: before you play
- Free food and drinks
- ¿Qué significa la riqueza generacional para Yang?
- 4. Get a credit-builder loan or secured loan
- More options could be on the horizon
- 4. Find the right car for you
- Roth IRA income limits 2023
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Relaxing rewards at the spa and salon
- Where to watch soccer
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- How to apply for an IRS payment plan
- Are Roth IRAs insured?
- See if you qualify for other types of penalty relief
- 3. The rewards rate is high
- What does Clover Health Medicare Advantage cost?
- Money market account vs. brokerage sweep account
- 6 types of dividends
- Does Max cost the same as HBO Max did?
- How to limit graduate school student loan debt
- How to transfer Bilt Rewards
- Perks: Goodies that come with the card
- Using the mortgage points calculator
- How loan term affects your monthly car payment
- How to use a dependent care FSA
- 3. Enroll in autopay
- What it means for buyers and sellers this spring
- Should you get a home equity loan or HELOC?
- How to renew a passport with USPS
- Do you have to contact anyone to switch from SSDI to Social Security?
- How opening a new card can help your credit
- How to save on comprehensive and collision insurance
- How to make the money work
- Pacific Life customer complaints and satisfaction
- How to increase your savings account balance
- Pros and cons of VA home loans
- How to buy gold stocks, mutual funds and ETFs
- Other airline miles that don’t expire
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- April
- 8. Take a loan from your retirement account
- Which vehicle history report should you get?
- Steep yield curve
- What’s a spousal Roth IRA?
- Are Walmart MoneyCenter services worth it?
- Transfer your points and miles
- Consider your peace of mind
- 5. File taxes without a W-2
- What's next?
- Book an award trip on Hawaiian Airlines
- Factor in other costs
- Credits
- A quiet retreat
- What else will change for tax year 2024?
- How much is car insurance in my state?
- Does Medicare cover Wegovy?
- Today’s rates for specific kinds of mortgages
- Know when to get help
- Secure websites
- For Medicaid beneficiaries
- 4. Interest rates are lower than the industry average
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Simplified version vs. actual expense deduction
- Compare at a glance
- 5. Become an authorized user
- W-4 form 2024
- 9. Borrow against life insurance
- Calculate your reduced Roth contribution
- Auto-Owners
- Best Pennsylvania car insurance for customer satisfaction: Auto-Owners
- More about Pacific Life insurance
- Does HBO Max allow password sharing?
- What states are increasing minimum wages in 2024?
- Additional functionality
- Mattress-buying tips
- Is United’s basic economy worth it?
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- Understanding the yield curve
- Determine your annual FSA contribution
- How much to keep in your savings account
- What to do after removing an authorized user
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- Should you claim early Social Security benefits?
- Best for premium discounts: Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Other considerations about sweep accounts
- Do I need comprehensive and collision insurance?
- The bottom line
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- If you’re worried that your Delta SkyMiles will expire …
- CDs vs. Treasurys vs. savings bonds
- How do tax refund loans work?
- How does credit utilization affect my credit score?
- Estimating your car payment
- 3. Search unclaimed property databases
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- How to open a custodial account
- Does Medicare cover Mounjaro (or Zepbound)?
- Card details: Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Tax benefit of selling a home
- Personal loans from banks
- 6. Request more time to file
- Why you may prefer the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- How are gas prices determined?
- Using a passport agency for urgent travel
- How has the Marriott points value changed over time?
- Interest rate
- Gold investments and diversification
- 6. Get a co-signer
- May
- 4. Make biweekly payments
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- Important Treasury Bond Terms
- How to open a Roth IRA in 6 steps
- Expedited passport services
- JetBlue Vacations
- Gift tax limit 2023
- How to fit HBO Max into your budget
- Which Bilt transfer partners are best?
- Look for savings
- Should I do a balance transfer?
- 4. The premium card offers additional perks
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- LLC payroll taxes
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- Minimum monthly payments for IRS installment plans
- Fax
- Can you collect SSI and Social Security disability or retirement benefits?
- What’s not covered
- 5. Balance transfers are possible — but not advisable — with the Aven credit card
- First-time home buyer programs near California
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- How different airlines handle fuel surcharges
- What is the VA loan limit?
- How to buy physical gold
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- What you’d pay out of pocket for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- Best Pennsylvania car insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- How did we determine the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- What not to do
- Disadvantages of HSAs
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- Minimum wage increases
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Strategies for keeping your credit utilization low
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- Other Roth IRA rules
- What are the fees for an IRS payment plan?
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- More from tax filing resources:
- Available Medicare Advantage plans
- Comparing lenders to get a bad credit auto loan
- How long will it take to rebuild my credit?
- What else you need to know
- The 50/30/20 budget calculator
- 12. Get a personal loan
- 5. Pay off capitalized interest
- Track your USPS renewal passport process
- Before you apply for a credit card
- Costs of using a passport courier
- National first-time home buyer programs
- Is transferring your Bilt Rewards worth it?
- Calculating capital gains tax on a home sale
- 5. A general travel rewards card is better for most
- What is the median household income in the U.S.?
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- What to do with an old 401(k)
- Custodial accounts and financial aid
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Country Financial
- Next steps:
- Final thoughts on redeeming American Airlines miles
- Travel and shopping protections
- Best for extra benefits: Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Should you use a sweep account for savings?
- Gift tax limit 2024
- Marriott Bonvoy's exclusive transfer partners
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- 4. Use budgeting or expense-tracking apps
- June
- Contributing too much to a Roth
- 3. Bonds
- For the uninsured
- Bottom Line
- Spot coverage options
- Types of gas
- Days in the cycle
- Refinancing a VA home loan
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- How much does a tax refund loan cost?
- 13. Rent out a room
- How much is car insurance by company?
- Covering weight loss drugs would be costly for Medicare
- The bottom line
- Full list of the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania
- What's next?
- How to use JetBlue credit
- When should you freeze your credit?
- Other home office deduction rules and considerations
- Next steps
- LLC self-employment taxes
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- 6. Stick to the standard repayment plan
- Summary of pros and cons of personal loan lenders
- Clover Health Medicare Advantage service area
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- How to evaluate dividends
- Alternatives to paying more for a bad-credit auto loan
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- World of Hyatt
- The bottom line
- So, how much is a U.S. passport?
- Where to get investment advice
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- 5. Explore other expense-tracking methods
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- How to choose a lender
- Restrictions and waiting periods
- Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners to avoid
- Types of VA home loans
- You can buy gold, but should you?
- Bottom line
- July
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- How do I make changes to an IRS payment plan?
- Potential tie-breakers
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- Cons of a credit freeze
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- What's next?
- Average money market account rate: 0.67%
- Will you owe capital gains taxes on your home sale?
- Next Steps
- Pros and cons of tax refund loans
- LLC sales taxes
- 7. Use 'found' money
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- Best for nationwide availability: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- 6. Look for ways to lower your expenses
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- Other ways to sell clothes online
- Why are California gas prices so high?
- Credit union vs. online lender
- The Hanover
- Can I apply for an IRS payment plan myself?
- Spot pet insurance rates
- 2023-2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- How many times can you use a VA home loan?
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Home shopping tips
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- How to avoid capital gains tax on real estate
- August
- Other loyalty programs
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- Why a financial advisor's fee structure matters
- Tax refund loan alternatives
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- When to consider Global Entry instead
- Lounge benefits
- Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- How much is auto insurance based on your driving record?
- How to sell clothes online
- The bottom line
- Medigap plan types
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- What is credit card consolidation?
- More about the card
- What homeowners insurance won't cover
- Which card should you get?
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- After deciding
- Compare car insurance rates by driver history
- 11 ways to prevent identity theft
- An ever-changing situation on Maui
- Investing for teens
- Options trading examples
- Does the president control gas prices?
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- Getting the timing right
- Are dividends taxed?
- What is the normal fee for a financial advisor?
- Next steps
- September
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- Discounts
- If you want to leverage Marriott’s transfer partners ...
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- Principles of investment strategies
- 10. Make the purchase
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- Next steps
- Hotel-friendly benefits
- More resources on investing
- Lenders that offer small loans and fast funding
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- Final thoughts on getting TSA PreCheck for free
- 4. Funds
- Nationwide
- State availability
- Final thoughts on fuel surcharges
- Is there an over-55 home sale exemption?
- W-4 calculator
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- How does the Israel-Hamas war affect gas prices?
- Related articles
- How to avoid gift tax
- Other ways to make money
- October
- Avoid risky loans
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Apparel and shoes
- Consumer experience
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- What it's like to take the American Airlines bus service
- Investing
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Why trade options?
- Can't finance before you sell?
- What if you're not eligible?
- November
- State Farm
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- OK, what's next?
- Services
- More resources
- What are tax deductions?
- Spot vs. competitors
- What are the Roth IRA rules?
- Home purchasing tips
- Mortgages
- December
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- Does homeowners insurance cover ... ?
- Do I need additional travel insurance?
- Travelers
- What are tax write-offs?
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- Types of homeowners insurance policies
- How we review insurance
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Beauty and personal care
- How to make money from home
- 10 ways identity theft happens
- How much is auto insurance for good and poor credit?
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- USAA
- How to compare car insurance quotes
- Cards with travel insurance, recapped
- 5. Stocks
- Personal loans
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Access to unique experiences
- Other home insurance companies to consider
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- How we chose the best home and auto insurance bundles
- How homeowners insurance works
- How much is auto insurance based on age?
- Student loans
- 6. Alternative investments
- Convenient features
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- How to make money offline
- How to find the right business idea for your small town
- Entertainment
- Taxes
- 7. Real estate
- Travel rewards
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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.