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 the earned income tax credit?
- What is a budget planner?
- See CD rates by term and type
- What are futures?
- Our take
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
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- Bluevine Business Checking
- Mortgage rates this week
- Betterment is best for:
- Wealthfront is best for:
- What is a self-directed IRA?
- What is the sales tax deduction?
- Ready to get started? Here's what to do next
- What are dividend stocks?
- What is Medicare?
- What is a credit freeze?
- About USAA home insurance
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- What is the saver’s credit?
- What is a 1099?
- What is YouTube Premium?
- What is a Roth 401(k)?
- What is the foreign tax credit?
- How many IRAs can you have? How many Roth IRAs?
- Betterment vs. Wealthfront: Which is right for you?
- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
- Direct mail statistics
- Where can you work as a Dasher?
- What's the average Roth IRA interest rate?
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- What does a credit freeze do?
- What is a general partnership?
- Why Frontier Airlines flights get canceled
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- Capital gains tax on stocks: Do you have to pay?
- How to calculate interest in a savings account
- Best stocks by one-year performance
- Should you go to Disney World while pregnant?
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Snapshot comparison
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- Where they’re based and where they fly
- How much does a passport cost?
- How do LLC taxes work?
- The best budget apps
- 1. There are two card options
- How to start a home business in 9 steps
- How does a trade-in reduce sales tax?
- How we found the best travel insurance
- FuboTV cost per month
- What is a growth stock?
- Calculate your closing costs
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- How to calculate RV loan payments
- Applying for a credit card online
- Who can claim the saver’s credit?
- What is an insurance broker?
- January
- What is Instacart?
- Create a budget plan that works for you
- How do CDs work?
- What is a portfolio?
- What is a business loan?
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- Tread depth
- Pros and cons
- 5 things to know about Spirit delayed flight compensation
- Betterment at a glance
- Wealthfront at a glance
- Life insurance broker vs. agent
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. Discover it® Miles: Rewards
- Understanding a self-directed IRA (SDIRA)
- Do you have to tip an Uber driver?
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- What does homeowners insurance cover?
- 40 best startup business ideas
- Quick facts about Zelle
- Where to find information for the calculator
- International roaming plans: postpaid
- Energy efficient home improvement credit 2023
- 1. There are two Bloomingdale’s credit cards
- How do Frontier’s seat assignment fees work?
- How to budget money
- Can I renew my passport at the post office?
- 1. There are two Merrick Bank credit cards
- How do credit union loans work?
- 1. Credit score and credit history
- How much is YouTube Premium?
- 1. Traditional IRA
- Choose Chase if:
- What are gold stocks?
- Daily mortgage rates chart
- The bull call spread
- HELOCs and home equity loans compared
- What’s deductible
- What are the requirements for delivering with DoorDash?
- Current Treasury rates
- Features and ease of use
- The best money-making apps
- What is the American Opportunity Tax Credit?
- 2. The rewards rate depends on how much you spend at Macy’s
- Where to get home insurance quotes
- The rise of pet insurance
- Banks that offer joint business accounts
- How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- IRA contribution rules
- How to make money online
- Do you pay taxes on stocks you don't sell?
- Summary of cash advance apps
- What is IRS Free File?
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Portfolio management definition
- What is a 1099 form used for?
- Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)?
- How to understand the calculator results
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- What is a futures market?
- U.S. citizens have to report foreign income
- 1. Your home is the collateral backing the credit card
- What is the standard deduction?
- Overview of Disney’s Genie+
- 11 best investments right now
- What is JetBlue like?
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- Medicare eligibility
- Which projects qualify for the home improvement credit?
- How to place an Equifax credit freeze
- Many schools are trying to accommodate FAFSA filers
- How does the earned income credit work?
- How much are closing costs?
- How much does a speeding ticket affect your insurance?
- What is the child tax credit?
- How we found the best auto insurance
- Know your credit score
- Are these the best stocks to buy now?
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
- Choose Wells Fargo if:
- How does Peddle work?
- Why mortgage rates change every day
- Who qualifies for the qualified business income deduction?
- Types of bonds
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- Points: Spending rewards
- Why does Bitcoin need proof of work?
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Georgia: Auto-Owners
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- How to earn a return in a Roth IRA
- What LifeLock does and what it costs
- Where USAA stands out
- The best home insurance companies of 2024
- 1. The annual fee is ridiculous
- When to use an insurance broker
- What does a portfolio manager do?
- If you pay late or skip a payment
- 7 best gold stocks by one-year performance
- What is a CD term?
- How to open a self-directed IRA
- How much should you tip an Uber driver?
- How to calculate your home equity
- Types of passport applications
- Best-performing growth stocks
- Savings bond calculator
- 2. You may need an offer by mail to apply
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in North Carolina: Travelers
- Grace period
- RV loan calculator
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- Rides to avoid at Disney World while pregnant
- 2. Cash management accounts
- Who gets a 1099?
- What are the Roth 401(k) contribution limits?
- The benefits of having multiple IRAs
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Medicare at a glance
- How does DoorDash work for drivers?
- U.S. Treasury bonds
- 2. New cardholders receive a two-day discount
- But I think I can get more for my car
- What pet insurance costs
- Information you need to freeze your credit
- 12 online banks that use Zelle
- What to do if Frontier cancels your flight
- Who is eligible for Free File?
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- February
- Where we are now: 2024
- 2. Roth IRA
- Personalized versus average interest rates
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. Discover it® Miles: Fees
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- What is a limited partnership?
- How do you calculate closing costs on a house?
- Apply for a passport in person at USPS
- Mortgage payoff calculator help
- Where USAA falls short
- Roth IRA income and contribution limits 2023
- How much is the 2023 child tax credit?
- How are stocks taxed?
- The pros and cons of a life insurance trust
- How to find the best stocks to buy now
- 2. Income
- Active vs. passive portfolio management
- What are the benefits of a Roth 401(k)?
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- Or go with an alternative
- Using futures
- Tire age
- What is "qualified business income"?
- How much does it cost to renew a passport?
- Original Medicare
- What if I don’t pay for seat selection?
- Earned income tax credit 2023
- 3. Get ready to pay some fees
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- Car insurance rates after a speeding ticket, by company
- Best homeowners insurance companies: Pros and cons
- Where can you work for Instacart?
- What is a business line of credit?
- How much is YouTube Music?
- Some foreign income may be tax-free
- Selling a car to Peddle
- 2. The card is an alternative to a HELOC, for better and worse
- How the standard deduction works
- Short-term CDs (1 year or less)
- Online life insurance agent or broker
- Advantages of a self-directed IRA
- How to take advantage of the sales tax deduction
- High CD rates for now
- U.S. Treasury notes
- 3. Your rewards can be redeemed only at Macy’s
- State availability
- 17 traditional banks that use Zelle
- Less ‘urgency’ to innovate for customers, skeptics say
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Secured vs. unsecured RV loans
- 2. You’ll earn points, but no bonus
- Do I need a 1099 form to file my taxes?
- What are AI stocks?
- Types of gold stocks
- How much do Uber drivers make per hour?
- International roaming: prepaid
- How much do DoorDash drivers make?
- Miscalculation is latest error in a long list for FAFSA
- How to find growth stocks
- What the saver’s credit is worth
- Use a budget planner
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- More money now vs. later
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Basic checking accounts
- See CD rates by bank
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. Discover it® Miles: Additional benefits
- About home equity loans
- The cost of passport changes
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
- Support
- How to rebook after a Frontier flight cancellation
- Roth IRA income and contribution limits 2024
- Child tax credit 2024
- Average daily balance
- How does the IRS Free File program work?
- How brokers are paid
- March
- How much do full-service shoppers make?
- An alternative to chasing the best stocks
- 3. Monthly debt payments
- How the foreign earned income exclusion works
- How your credit score affects your rate
- The bear put spread
- How much Genie+ costs
- Best homeowners insurance in Georgia for coverage: Openly
- U.S. Treasury bills
- Heat pump tax credit 2023
- 4. Opening the card gets you an instant discount
- 3. Reward rates are solid, but reward values are meh
- Uncertain? Do the math
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- How to pay off a mortgage early
- USAA home insurance coverage
- 4. Neither card offers perks
- 12 credit unions that use Zelle
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- When should I receive my 1099?
- If you cannot pay your student loans
- 3. SEP IRA
- Signs you might need new tires
- How to qualify for the QBI deduction
- Proof-of-work and mining
- What happens if you don’t tip?
- General partnerships vs. limited partnerships: Similarities
- Fubo add-ons
- Should you buy growth stocks?
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- Is LifeLock worth the price?
- I bonds calculator
- Best homeowners insurance in North Carolina for coverage: Erie
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- CD rates: 1980s to 2000s
- Is YouTube Premium worth it?
- Price vs. yield
- Bottom line: Choosing the best card for you
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- When can you withdraw from your Roth IRA?
- What is Frontier stretch seating?
- Who can open a joint business account
- How to unfreeze your credit
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- Traditional IRA deduction limits 2023-2024
- Child tax credit expansion: What the tax deal could mean for you
- 3. It offers highly specific perks
- Savings account simple interest vs. compound interest
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Business line of credit vs. loan: How to choose
- Stock futures investing
- When you should lock your mortgage rate
- Travel and entertainment perks
- Traditional life insurance broker or agent
- When is Genie+ worth it?
- Risks of self-directed IRAs
- Getting an expedited passport
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Video: Different types of Treasurys
- Who qualifies for the energy tax credit?
- 5. It comes with some other perks, too
- Earned income tax credit 2024
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- Your tax rates now vs. later
- The cost of debt without a balance transfer
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Basic savings accounts
- How the foreign tax credit (FTC) works
- 3. The rewards rate is high
- Standard deduction 2023
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- How to claim the sales tax deduction
- So what is the best Roth IRA?
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- When to estimate closing costs
- Treasury bond and note calculator
- How to renew a passport with USPS
- How are dividends taxed?
- 2024 IRS Free File: Participating tax software providers
- Saver’s credit rates for 2023
- Does paying student loans build credit?
- 4. Nondeductible IRA
- If you’re over the income limit
- Midrange CDs (2-3 years)
- Airline loyalty programs
- About home equity lines of credit
- What are the risks of investing in Treasurys?
- How to claim the home improvement credit
- What to do once your Equifax credit freeze is in place
- General partnerships vs. limited partnerships: Differences
- How to get a refund from Frontier
- How much interest will I earn on $10,000?
- April
- Managing expectations
- 4. Assets and additional applicants
- Types of 1099 forms
- Working YouTube Premium costs into your budget
- The drawbacks of multiple IRAs
- Alternatives to proof-of-work
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Refunds, audits and other considerations
- How much does Frontier Airlines stretch seating cost?
- How to apply for a joint business bank account
- USAA home insurance rates
- 5. There are no other Merrick Bank credit cards to graduate to
- 4. Get access to a personal advisor
- Decide among low interest, 0% or rewards
- What you need to work for Instacart
- Portfolio management: Things to keep in mind
- Where to get a business loan or line of credit
- How to invest in AI stocks
- Key details about Peddle
- 4. Interest rates are lower than the industry average
- Today’s rates for specific kinds of mortgages
- Things to consider when choosing an agent or broker
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- Best homeowners insurance in Georgia for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- Exceptions to IRA contribution limits
- Common questions about RV loans
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- Standard deduction 2024
- Making the choice
- How long does it take to make money with DoorDash?
- Is the energy efficient home improvement credit refundable?
- What is the Lifetime Learning Credit?
- What info do you need for a home insurance quote?
- How to qualify for the earned income credit
- Car insurance rates after a speeding ticket, by state
- Best homeowners insurance in North Carolina for consumer experience: Nationwide
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- Workers fear losing hard-fought union benefits
- Types of life insurance trusts
- Saver’s credit rates for 2024
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- How does refinancing student loans affect my credit?
- 5. Spousal IRA
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Certificates of deposit
- What are futures contracts?
- The long straddle
- More small-business data from NerdWallet
- How to unfreeze your credit with Equifax
- 4. Don’t let those points go unused for long
- What do closing costs include?
- Treasury bills calculator
- Should I file taxes now or wait for the child tax credit expansion?
- Interest rate
- 5. Appearances matter
- How do balance transfers work?
- Using a passport agency for urgent travel
- Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
- How to calculate your credit
- Watch out for fees
- What pet insurance pays for
- Expedited passport services
- Credit cards can get your money back
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?
- May
- Pros and cons of investing in gold stocks
- How the qualified business income deduction works
- The bottom line
- Other things to consider
- LLC payroll taxes
- 5. Watch out for the interest rate
- Discounts
- How to sign up for Instacart
- Next steps: Compare and apply
- Average CD rates: 2010-2024
- How credit scores affect new student loans
- Roth 401(k) withdrawal rules
- How to find AI ETFs
- 5. Balance transfers are possible — but not advisable — with the Aven credit card
- What is California's standard deduction?
- How can you make more money with DoorDash?
- How to buy Treasury bonds, notes and bills
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Calculating the value of the saver's credit
- 6. SIMPLE IRA
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- You may also have to report foreign assets to the IRS
- Standard deduction for those 65 or older
- What’s the right number of IRAs?
- Long-term CDs (4-5 years)
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- What about Frontier Airlines first class?
- No-closing-cost mortgages
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in North Carolina
- What is net investment income tax?
- Insurance broker vs. independent agent
- Big banks, small rates
- The risks of futures trading: margin and leverage
- Spirit Airlines delayed flight compensation recapped
- TurboTax vs. TaxAct: Which one is right for you?
- How to compare home insurance quotes
- Track your USPS renewal passport process
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- Start taking Instacart jobs
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- Check your credit if your federal loan servicer is Great Lakes
- What to look for in a balance transfer card
- Costs of using a passport courier
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Minimum vs. full coverage after a speeding ticket
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- Next steps
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Medicare Part D (prescription drugs)
- How much money can you put in a Roth IRA?
- How to get Frontier seat assignments for free
- Who counts as a qualifying child for the earned income credit?
- Bottom Line
- Consumer complaints
- Consider travel insurance
- Days in the cycle
- You don’t need to have $10,000 to take advantage of compound interest
- June
- American Express® Gold Card
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- Protection and insurance benefits
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Georgia
- Bottom line
- When should you freeze your credit?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in North Carolina?
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- Secure 2.0 changes: Saver's match
- 7. Self-directed IRA
- How to buy gold stocks
- The long strangle
- 3. Bonds
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Next steps:
- How TurboTax and TaxAct compare with other providers?
- Other loan calculators
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- Tips for navigating Disney World while pregnant
- How to manage your own portfolio
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Consumer experience
- If your Frontier flight is canceled
- How to earn more interest in a savings account
- Choose between cash-back and travel rewards
- How do Instacart shoppers get paid?
- High-yield CD rates: 2018-2024
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- Reporting your foreign bank accounts might be on the to-do list
- Disney’s Genie+ recapped
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- So, how much is a U.S. passport?
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
- Can I claim the EITC without a child?
- Additional child tax credit
- Other ways to buy insurance
- Standard deduction for dependents
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Georgia?
- Cons of a credit freeze
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- What's next?
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- July
- Next Steps
- How to start trading futures
- Build a CD ladder to bridge the gap
- LLC sales taxes
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina by city
- Fear of store closures in small towns, despite assurances
- Looking for past years' saver's credit thresholds?
- American Opportunity Tax Credit vs. Lifetime Learning Credit
- How to claim the earned income tax credit
- Credit union vs. online lender
- Enrolling in Medicare
- USAA vs. competitors
- Portfolio management vs. wealth management
- When can't you take the standard deduction?
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia by city
- The cost of veterinary care
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- The cheapest homeowners insurance in North Carolina
- How to claim the child tax credit in 2024
- August
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- More about the card
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- Education tax forms
- What are the tax rules for a Roth IRA?
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- The synthetic long
- Is paying for seats worth it on Frontier Airlines?
- Consequences of an EIC-related error
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- Being pregnant at Disney World, recapped
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- Bond Funds
- How much is my 2023 standard deduction?
- The cheapest home insurance in Georgia
- Choose CDs based on your goals
- A regular IRA may be enough
- What homeowners insurance won't cover
- What to know about North Carolina homeowners insurance
- Next steps
- Compare car insurance rates by driver history
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- September
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- What to know about Georgia homeowners insurance
- Can I still get a past year's earned income tax credit?
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- Who should avoid JetBlue Airlines?
- Home insurance quote comparison example
- Alternatives to pet insurance
- Which type of bond is right for you?
- 2023 vs. 2024 standard deduction
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- Choose between a general or co-branded travel card
- 4. Money market funds
- California state tax credits
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- October
- If you’re considering flying JetBlue
- Can you keep your doctor on Medicare?
- When to claim the standard deduction
- Next Steps:
- The bottom line
- State child tax credits
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- What Medicare doesn't cover
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- November
- 5. Mutual funds
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- So, is pet insurance worth it?
- North Carolina Department of Insurance
- What are tax deductions?
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Which homeowners insurance companies should I consider?
- Looking for more insurance in North Carolina?
- Medicare vs. Medicaid
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- Classes of service
- 6. Index funds
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- December
- Does homeowners insurance cover ... ?
- Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
- What does a 1099 employee mean?
- Looking for more insurance in Georgia?
- How to track your California state refund
- Where can I find out more?
- How much does home insurance cost?
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- What are tax write-offs?
- Types of homeowners insurance policies
- What goes into a homeowners insurance quote?
- California state sales tax
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- How to make money from home
- Additional resources
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Other home insurance companies to consider
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- Extra fees
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- Discover it® Miles
- 8. Stocks
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- How to get a cheap homeowners insurance quote
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- How to get cheap car insurance
- How homeowners insurance works
- Etihad vs. Emirates vs. Qatar recapped
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- Tips for running a successful and profitable home business
- Citi Premier® Card
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- How to make money offline
- 9. Alternative investments
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- How to choose a startup idea
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
- How to compare car insurance rates
- 11. Real estate
- How to find the best car insurance company for you
- Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- Different types of car insurance
- Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance
- Why is car insurance so expensive?
- How to find the best home insurance policy in five common scenarios
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Types of travel insurance
- How to choose an insurance company
- How to compare homeowners insurance
- Watch out for making money scams
- What does travel insurance cover?
- What’s not covered?
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- How we ranked the best homeowners insurance companies
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How to choose the best travel insurance policy
- What are the top travel destinations in 2024?
- More resources for travel insurance shoppers
- Methodology
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.