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.
- Learn more about cryptocurrencies
- Helcim
- Square Payment Processing
- Stripe
- Stax By Fattmerchant Payment Processing
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- What is a W-4?
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- What is a SEP IRA?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- What is a lady bird deed?
- What is a critical illness rider?
- » The Uber Credit Card is no longer available
- Mortgage rates today: Thursday, April 18, 2024
- Medicare Advantage companies
- What Medicare covers
- Life insurance buying guide
- What is modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)?
- What is the Section 179 deduction?
- Quick tips for where to exchange currency
- Ideal ingredients for credit-building
- What about cash?
- Credit cards for kids: Pros and cons
- A potentially challenging recipe
- Debit cards for kids: Pros and cons
- How to file taxes for free
- What is equity compensation?
- Investing 101: A summary of the basics
- What to know about secured loans
- What is the Bags on Time guarantee?
- What is a construction loan?
- What is a credit freeze?
- Estate planning checklist
- The best pet insurance companies at a glance
- What is predatory lending?
- How therapy can increase income
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- What is the fastest commercial passenger jet?
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- How to get paid on YouTube
- Summary of Visa Signature benefits
- Invest based on your goals
- Top commercial car insurance providers
- Best Prepaid Debit Cards
- What is a savings account?
- Snapshot comparison
- What is MAGI used for?
- The best car insurance
- What is options trading?
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- Frugal food tips
- General advice for international money transfers
- Reasons to get life insurance in your 40s and 50s
- Ski resorts where Chase cardholders get discounted lift tickets and other perks
- How many bank accounts should I have?
- SEP IRA contribution limits
- Medicare Part A late enrollment penalty
- What is the child tax credit?
- First, some background
- Spirit Airlines reputation
- QuickBooks Online pricing
- What is net worth?
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- What is GoodRx?
- Is the stock market crashing?
- What is mortgage forbearance?
- Vending machine costs
- For United Airlines flights
- Key differences between Oahu and Maui
- When is a construction loan used?
- Frontier baggage fees: The basics
- The best budget apps
- 1. Thinking Medicare Advantage is Medicare
- What’s required to get coverage for Inspire
- Seven steps to basic estate planning
- What the Federal Reserve does
- What is a passport?
- Illinois state income tax rates and tax brackets
- January
- Definition: What are stablecoins?
- 1. Ongoing rewards are lackluster
- Why employers issue equity compensation
- What is a state income tax?
- Xoom is best for:
- What is Costco?
- 5 pool financing options
- How do credit union loans work?
- What does a business use for collateral?
- How to invest in mutual funds
- How much is HelloFresh?
- Car insurance premiums
- How does a lady bird deed work?
- What is Opendoor?
- Difference between Medicare and Medicaid
- 1. It’s a premium travel card at a premium price
- Understanding car values
- Daily mortgage rates chart
- How to find a currency exchange near you
- Choose Chase if:
- Summary of Visa Infinite benefits
- For first-timers
- How to pay federal taxes online
- Average savings account rate: 0.46%
- Buying an existing business checklist
- How the Section 179 tax deduction works
- How to budget money
- Signs of predatory lending
- Why do employers check credit?
- Subsidized vs. unsubsidized student loans
- How do expense trackers work?
- Credit cards with no balance transfer fees
- How to find your EIN
- How to make money online
- First, a court decision
- Pets Best pet insurance
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- The best Chase transfer partners
- Book an award trip on JetBlue
- What is a business credit report?
- Which airlines have free checked bags?
- If you have private insurance
- Fixed vs. variable student loan?
- How to use the car affordability calculator
- What is a credit score?
- How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- What happened at the MOHELA Senate hearing
- Free tax filing options in 2024
- What kinds of businesses accept ACH payments?
- How much is car insurance?
- How to lower your credit utilization
- Saving vs. investing
- What is the best streaming service?
- Xoom pros
- Reasons your credit line gets boosted
- Costco membership price
- Why is it good to have multiple bank accounts at different banks?
- The fastest commercial passenger airliners that are in use
- What is the average American net worth?
- Save aggressively
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- What is a stock market crash?
- Will mortgage forbearance affect my credit?
- Why your car down payment amount matters
- Why mortgage rates change every day
- ASPCA: Best pet insurance for broad coverage
- Why you need a savings account
- Choose Wells Fargo if:
- Kemper life insurance
- How does a home equity loan work?
- The best type of annuity for retirees
- Cheap car insurance
- How to fill out a W-4
- Lottery tax calculator
- Can the coronavirus be transmitted by touching cash?
- NerdWallet's car insurance estimator
- Medicare Part A penalty calculator
- How much is the child tax credit worth?
- How to order foreign currency from your bank
- Are we in a recession?
- How critical illness riders work
- Construction loan types
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- A declined charge or over-limit fee
- Illinois state income tax deductions and credits
- How to choose the best crypto wallet
- Types of equity compensation plans and benefits
- Pros and cons of secured loans
- How state income tax rates work
- Frugal shopping tips
- Business loan collateral requirements
- SEP IRA rules: Who is eligible?
- What fees will I pay?
- Best car insurance in California overall: Travelers
- How to start a vending machine business: A step-by-step guide
- Bluebird by American Express
- When are federal student loans due?
- How to find your car’s resale and trade-in value
- Best place to exchange currency: Your bank or credit union
- What you need to know about savings accounts
- 2. Assuming your doctors are in network
- What expenses qualify for Section 179?
- 2. Points values vary and redemption is inflexible
- Xoom cons
- How to choose the best life insurance for people over 40 or 50
- You’ve used your existing credit line responsibly
- State availability
- Are there free or discounted Costco memberships?
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- How to get rid of private student debt
- Life insurance premiums
- What is a mega backdoor Roth?
- QuickBooks Self-Employed pricing
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- Who is GoodRx best for?
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- What to do during a stock market crash
- 2. The annual fee is mitigated by a huge statement credit, sign-up bonus
- Personalized versus average interest rates
- 1. Complimentary elite status
- Information you need to freeze your credit
- February
- Crypto lingo
- Types of secured loans
- Mental illness and financial well-being
- Which Chase cards are eligible for discounted lift tickets?
- How do lottery taxes work?
- The problem has to do with how payments are processed
- Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty
- Extended warranty protection
- How are business credit reports used?
- Average net worth by age
- Avoid lifestyle creep
- What happens during a recession?
- Best car insurance in Michigan overall: Auto-Owners
- Or go with an alternative
- Does Medicare Advantage cover Inspire?
- Kemper life insurance policies
- The Federal Reserve, mortgage rates and inflation
- What is a visa?
- 8 best hot wallets
- 1. IRS Free File
- What do employers see in a hiring credit check?
- Best iOS personal expense tracker apps
- How do streaming services fit into your budget?
- What is the difference between Costco memberships?
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- Opt for contactless payments when you can
- BEST CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARDS ISSUED BY BARCLAYS
- How does mortgage forbearance work?
- Which flights and passengers qualify?
- How to determine how much car you can afford
- Different kinds of bags on Frontier
- Other alternatives to Mint
- How we got here
- How to trade options in four steps
- How long do ACH payments take?
- Cards to consider despite their balance transfer fees
- Pets Best pet insurance plans
- Issuer pre-qualification pages
- How to estimate car insurance costs
- Pros and cons of a lady bird deed
- How to use average car interest rates
- Alternatives to a critical life insurance rider
- For people with Medicare
- Savings accounts with strong APYs can help your money grow
- 3. Not checking your drug coverage
- Historical national rates
- AmEx Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Deciding factors
- Secured vs. unsecured loans
- When are state income tax returns due?
- Xoom transfer methods and options
- Costs of life insurance for those in middle age
- What to consider before buying discounted lift tickets through Chase
- Why is it bad to have multiple bank accounts at different banks?
- Additional ways loans may be forgiven
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- Renters insurance premiums
- Mega backdoor Roth 2024
- 4 investments to consider during a recession
- What did the payment pause do?
- Another money-change option: online currency converters
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Basic checking accounts
- Should I choose a home equity loan or a HELOC?
- A higher minimum payment or more immediate due date
- 2023 Section 179 deduction limit
- Does an employer credit check hurt your score?
- How interest accrues on subsidized and unsubsidized loans
- Banks flee New York
- Your credit card offers a built-in path to a higher credit limit
- Medicare Part B penalty calculator
- Where do you get your business credit report?
- QuickBooks Desktop pricing
- Include health care in your savings goal
- AIRLINE CREDIT CARDS
- Best California auto insurance for your budget: Auto Club of SoCal
- 3. Its rewards program is lucrative
- How your credit score affects your rate
- March
- How do stablecoins work?
- 3. It comes with a welcome offer
- Should you invest in the stock market?
- Frugal entertainment tips
- How financial therapy can help
- How does a SEP IRA work? The pros and cons
- How to calculate your net worth
- Other good ways to pay abroad
- Medicare vs. Medicaid: Eligibility
- Learn more about life insurance riders
- 2. Airport lounge access
- 4. Buying for the dental benefits
- What you pay for Inspire
- For families
- Kemper Life customer complaints and satisfaction
- What about inflation?
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- What do ACH payments cost?
- How to get subsidized and unsubsidized loans
- How important is it to pay no balance transfer fee?
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty
- How to claim the child tax credit
- Is HelloFresh worth it?
- Homeowners insurance premiums
- Which airlines offer free carry-on bags?
- What happens when mortgage forbearance ends?
- Size comparison
- Best budget auto insurance in Michigan: Geico
- How a savings account works: withdrawal limits
- Purchase protection
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.08%
- 2024 Section 179 deduction limit
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- What it means for your money
- Types of state income tax
- How do I open a SEP IRA?
- Factors that affect the cost of car insurance
- What are the potential drawbacks of GoodRx?
- Delta's checked baggage fees
- Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account
- When you should lock your mortgage rate
- What are the credit score ranges?
- Where to exchange currency outside the U.S.
- How to unfreeze your credit
- More about Kemper insurance
- Do mortgage rates follow Fed rates?
- What are your legal rights?
- How much do streaming services cost?
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- Book an award trip on JetBlue using Cash + Points
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Why is net worth important?
- Prioritize retirement over college
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Other Frontier fees
- Start planning for repayment now
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Basic savings accounts
- A pause on more charges
- Pros of accepting ACH payments
- How much is car insurance in my state?
- 4. It’s light on fees
- How to get a business loan without collateral
- How do you set up a lady bird deed?
- How does Opendoor Work?
- For Delta flights
- 5. Looking at the premium only
- How to get a home equity loan
- How to choose an annuity
- ‘Hummer tax deduction’: Which vehicles does Section 179 cover?
- Frugal DIY project tips
- How to find another company's EIN
- You’ve reported an increase in income
- Other dining cards don't appear to have this issue
- How to work HelloFresh costs into your budget
- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions
- QuickBooks Enterprise pricing
- How long does mortgage forbearance last?
- Is it cheaper to fly to Oahu or Maui?
- April
- Cons of accepting ACH payments
- Taking out federal loans vs. private loans
- The Financial Center Development Act is born
- How to find assistance
- Does FDIC insurance cover multiple accounts at the same bank?
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Medicare Part D penalty calculator
- How many banks have collapsed?
- Best car insurance in California for customer complaints: Amica
- For Medicaid beneficiaries
- What does a construction loan cover?
- Today’s rates for specific kinds of mortgages
- 3. Inadequate rewards earning potential
- For crowd-haters
- Changes to your card’s terms
- 2. Free tax software
- 5. Carrying a balance can be expensive
- What Pets Best pet insurance covers
- How do you sign up for a Costco membership?
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- How do I invest my SEP IRA?
- Additional child tax credit
- How to increase your net worth
- Run the numbers
- Best car insurance in Michigan for having few customer complaints: The Hanover
- Buying bundles: the Works and the Perks
- 6. Buying because your friend has it
- Which payment providers support ACH?
- W-4 form 2024
- How much car insurance you need
- Other partners worth considering
- Your 401(k) lets you move your after-tax money
- Small, but a nice gesture
- 4. Points can't be transferred to other travel programs
- Figuring out what makes sense for a car down payment
- Embrace: Best pet insurance for many ways to save
- Where to avoid exchanging currency
- How much to keep in your savings account
- Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Certificates of deposit
- Visa and passport differences
- MAGI vs. AGI: What's the difference?
- Additional functionality
- Controversy around employer credit checks
- Why do people use stablecoins?
- What should I do if I want to insure more than $250,000?
- Book an award trip on partner airlines
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Other ways to skip baggage fees
- Will forbearance impact my future ability to buy a home?
- Medicare vs. Medicaid: Cost
- How do construction loans work?
- Will my loans get cancelled?
- Information you'll need to estimate your car's value
- Return protection
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- A decrease in your credit scores
- How to get a secured loan
- How do you pay for purchases at Costco?
- Alternatives to a lady bird deed
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- Skip currency exchange: Use a credit or debit card
- Federal funds rate and HELOCs
- How to calculate your modified adjusted gross income
- Does Section 179 cover real estate?
- May
- What to consider about equity compensation plans
- 4 ways to start investing
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Buying extra life insurance coverage
- It may help the card issuer with retention
- Do you want to go faster?
- Alternatives to QuickBooks
- Best California car insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- How do I qualify for mortgage forbearance?
- For the frugal traveler
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- Visa vs. passport recapped
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Credit union personal loan rates
- AmEx is working on the issue but hasn’t fixed it completely
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- Flying between Maui and Oahu
- Getting your Frontier baggage and other fees waived
- 4. Access to a dedicated concierge
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- What happens if you default on a secured loan?
- What’s not covered
- SEP IRA vs. Roth IRA
- You’ve got money left over for savings
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- 5. It comes with other travel goodies
- Best Michigan auto insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- Big banks, small rates
- Ways to avoid going over your credit limit
- Do I have to pay Illinois state income tax?
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- Credit cards today
- Is a Costco membership worth it?
- How to purchase discounted lift tickets through Chase
- You can fly fast on the fastest planes in the world
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- Why some cars cost more to insure
- On-time performance
- Why did First Republic Bank fail?
- What factors impact your credit scores?
- How do I grow my home's equity?
- What if you don’t qualify for Section 179?
- How to prepare for a hiring credit check
- Are there any other risks?
- How much is car insurance by company?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- What is an example of predatory lending?
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- The card issuer hopes you’ll carry a balance
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- Full list of the top auto insurance companies in California
- For the uninsured
- Don’t forget credit card points
- Which rate is better for student loan refinancing?
- Fees across U.S. airlines
- June
- You can contact AmEx about missing rewards, but it’s time-consuming
- Are there free business credit reports?
- The bottom line
- How to get mortgage forbearance
- Medicare vs. Medicaid: Dependent coverage
- How to get a construction loan
- 5. Purchase protection and extended warranty
- When should you freeze your credit?
- For adults
- 3. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Best Android personal expense tracker apps
- What to do if you can’t repay a secured loan
- Pets Best coverage options
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- SIMPLE IRA vs. SEP IRA
- Bottom line
- What is commercial auto insurance?
- Full list of the best auto insurance companies in Michigan
- The bottom line
- Things to consider when seeking a higher credit limit
- Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- Exchange frequently? Consider a multicurrency account
- Am I a resident for Illinois state income tax purposes?
- Where can I buy stablecoins?
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- How to save on car insurance
- Roadside dispatch
- Finding a car you can afford
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- How to check your American Express® Gold Card statement for discrepancies
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Chase transfer partners to avoid
- HOTEL CREDIT CARDS
- Cons of a credit freeze
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- July
- Restrictions and waiting periods
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Trip delay reimbursement
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- Credit union vs. online lender
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The bottom line
- Factors that don’t affect your credit scores
- The best place to exchange currency at the end of your trip
- Illinois state sales tax
- Other ski resort perks for Chase Sapphire cardholders
- Best ways to earn Chase points
- The best time to visit Disneyland, recapped
- How to avoid predatory lenders
- Steps to finance a pool
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- Do you need commercial auto insurance?
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- Calculating MAGI: Example
- How much is auto insurance based on your driving record?
- Pets Best pet insurance rates
- Additional Visa Signature benefits
- Why did Signature Bank fail?
- Stock market crashes in history
- How to improve your credit
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- Currency exchange: Frequently asked questions
- August
- How much do pools cost?
- Bottom line: Is Spirit Airlines a good airline and should you fly them?
- Who is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- Maui vs. Oahu, recapped
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- State child tax credits
- Benefits you 'may' have
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- Options trading examples
- 4. GetYourRefund.org
- Next steps
- Redeem JetBlue points for cash with Points Payback
- STORE CREDIT CARDS
- Additional help
- After deciding
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- What’s happening with Silvergate Capital Corp.?
- How can I check and monitor my credit?
- Travel accident insurance
- September
- If you're ready to start a budget
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- How to get commercial auto insurance quotes and buy coverage
- Practical matters
- Discounts
- Chase Sapphire ski discounts this season
- Redeeming through the Chase's travel portal
- What happened to Credit Suisse?
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- The bottom line on how to prepare for a stock market crash
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- W-4 calculator
- Consumer experience
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Other ways to make money
- How to get started with Opendoor
- Walmart MoneyCard
- Donate JetBlue points
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- October
- Modified adjusted gross income: The bottom line
- Why trade options?
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- If you want to transfer Chase points
- Are other banks are in trouble?
- 3 best cold wallets
- What else to know about Form W-4
- JetBlue Vacations
- 5. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
- Should I take my money out of the bank?
- November
- Prosper® Card
- Above all, don’t panic
- Pets Best vs. competitors
- OTHER CREDIT CARDS
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Additional Visa Infinite benefits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. AmEx Platinum: Minor features to consider
- Are we in a recession?
- Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for dogs
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- December
- 6. MilTax
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Are we headed for a depression?
- Other ways to pay your taxes
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Prime Visa
- How to collect JetBlue miles quickly
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- Prepaid-like options from fintechs: Apple Cash and Cash App
- 7. Direct File
- How much is auto insurance for good and poor credit?
- How to make money from home
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Who might prefer AmEx Platinum over Chase Sapphire Reserve
- How to get cheap car insurance
- JetBlue travel credits
- ALTERNATIVES TO BARCLAYS' PROPRIETARY CARDS
- How we review pet insurance
- Other notable options
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- AvantCard Credit Card
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Best prepaid debit cards: Summary of fees and ATMs
- Target Circle™ Credit Card
- Pros and cons of starting a vending machine business
- Nationwide: Best pet insurance for exotic pets
- What are prepaid debit cards?
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- How much is auto insurance based on age?
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
- How to make money offline
- Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
- Apple Card
- Pets Best: Best pet insurance for flexible plans
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- How much is auto insurance based on gender?
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Venmo Credit Card
- PlayStation Visa Credit Card
- How much is auto insurance based on vehicle type?
- How to find the best car insurance
- What else affects my car insurance cost?
- Spot: Best pet insurance for straightforward waiting periods
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Best Buy credit cards
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Reasons to buy a business
- Xbox Mastercard
- How much is pet insurance?
- Watch out for making money scams
- How to find the best dog insurance
- How to find the best cat insurance
- How to compare pet insurance companies
- How we ranked the best pet insurance companies
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.