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.
- See CD rates by term and type
- What is a lady bird deed?
- What is a REIT?
- What is a W-4?
- See how to get your business started quickly
- What is a charitable donation?
- Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
- What is Poshmark?
- Square Payment Processing
- Toast POS
- Stripe
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- Key takeaways
- Life insurance buying guide
- Definition: What is online banking?
- What is a cashier's check?
- Estate planning checklist
- SIMPLE IRA contribution limits 2024
- Stocks
- What is YouTube Premium?
- What is a credit freeze?
- How to make money in stocks
- What is an authorized user on a credit card?
- The best pet insurance companies at a glance
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Institutions with low or no overdraft fees
- What are health care stocks?
- How to find a passport number on your passport
- What are Vanguard index funds?
- What is self-employment tax?
- What you need to open a bank account
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage
- How can a CPA help you with taxes?
- How does the lottery work?
- How to use a savings goal calculator
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- What is cryptocurrency?
- What is a fuel surcharge?
- 6 elements of a nursing resignation letter
- Estimated Hawaii trip cost
- The hotel
- First, what type of financial help are you looking for?
- When do I need a cashier's check?
- The best car insurance
- The best budget apps
- Roth IRA contribution limits 2024
- Best banks and credit unions
- CD early withdrawal penalty calculator
- How do CDs work?
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- Defining some health insurance terms
- What is long-term care insurance?
- Seven steps to basic estate planning
- Best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare
- Investment portfolio definition
- What are discount points?
- Best-performing REIT stocks: April 2024
- How to manage your money
- 1. Non-retirement goals
- Most profitable small businesses
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- How does capital gains tax on real estate work?
- 1. Set your budget
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- How a third-party payment processor works
- 1. Sell spare electronics
- Best-performing U.S. equity mutual funds
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- Step 1: Check your credit
- Personal loan alternatives to Barclays
- Auto insurance
- January
- Best fleet fuel cards
- Our picks for the best life insurance companies in April 2024
- Delta flight change policy
- Types of personal finance software and apps
- First, what’s an escrow account?
- How does a lady bird deed work?
- How to start a clothing line
- How to budget money
- SIMPLE IRA contribution limits 2023
- Deciding factors
- Are charitable donations tax-deductible?
- How to start selling on Poshmark
- How much is YouTube Premium?
- Is my child old enough for a savings account?
- 8 places with alcohol in the Magic Kingdom
- Key terms in this article
- How does a business budget work?
- What is an overdraft fee?
- Do you need a passport to book an international flight?
- How to use the car affordability calculator
- Is a joint bank account a good idea?
- Spirit Airlines bag fees
- The self-employment tax rate for 2023
- 1. Home equity line of credit, or HELOC
- The best money-making apps
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- 2. Sell your gift cards
- Itemized deductions, definition
- 11 best investments right now
- How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
- The best term life insurance companies in April 2024
- How to start a marijuana business in 6 steps
- If you want to build skills and learn
- How they compare
- Pros of online banks
- Summary of cash advance apps
- How does being an authorized user affect your credit?
- On-time percentage
- ASPCA: Best pet insurance for broad coverage
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- 1. Take inventory of your finances
- Understanding your required coverages
- Best wallets for security: cold wallets
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- What happened at the MOHELA Senate hearing
- How to lower your credit utilization
- What is a life insurance policy?
- Banking
- Colonial Penn life insurance
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- Median income by state: 2022
- The market outlook for home buyers
- Where can I get a cashier’s check?
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- What to expect with a credit score simulator
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- Can you get insurance without a car?
- Roth IRA contribution deadline
- Calculator assumptions
- Investment portfolios and risk tolerance
- Best-performing REIT mutual funds: April 2024
- How to fill out a W-4
- Cheap car insurance
- How the home sale tax exemption works
- 3. Pawn something
- Comprehensive vs. collision insurance
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Texas: State Farm
- BEST STORE CARDS
- Check your number online
- Best for size of dental network: UnitedHealthcare
- Pros of joint bank accounts
- The self-employment tax rate for 2024
- How tax-deductible donations work
- Anthem Medicare Advantage
- Note Poshmark’s seller fees
- How to find a CPA or tax accountant near you
- What makes a good kids' savings account?
- Third-party processors vs. merchant account providers
- How SAVE differs from other student loan repayment plans
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- How can I get a cashier’s check?
- How to make the homeowners insurance switch
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- How do Vanguard index funds work?
- Why you may need to reskill to get a new career
- Best-performing REIT ETFs: April 2024
- Bonds
- 2. Shop for a loan
- Why do people invest in cryptocurrencies?
- Information you need to freeze your credit
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is better for most
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- February
- Mortgage payoff calculator help
- No-penalty CDs: the big exception
- How food prices have changed over time
- Fast-growing places are at high risk for worsening climate conditions
- 2. Homeowners insurance claim
- 4. Work today for fast cash today
- How to choose the best mutual funds for you
- Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
- Colonial Penn life insurance policies
- Overdraft protection
- Roth IRA income limits 2024
- What to look for in a personal finance tool
- How to determine how much car you can afford
- How to build an investment portfolio
- The customary way of thinking about it
- How to calculate self-employment tax
- How to make more money on Poshmark
- Other alternatives to Mint
- How much is YouTube Music?
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- Types of itemized deductions
- How much comprehensive and collision coverage cost
- 10 questions to ask financial advisors
- Best life insurance companies: Pros and cons
- Other tools to check your financial health
- Why is a business budget important?
- Flight cancellations
- How much does a U.S. passport cost?
- Pros and cons of a lady bird deed
- How to use average car interest rates
- Why buy long-term care insurance?
- Recent changes to food costs
- Cons of joint bank accounts
- How we got here
- Pros of using a third-party processor
- Airfare
- Are Vanguard index funds a good investment?
- How do REITs work?
- Who qualifies for the home sales tax exclusion?
- 3. Government home repair assistance
- 5. Seek community loans and assistance
- Credit cards
- Numerous obstacles to retraining
- 2. Build a money management blueprint
- 2. Today vs. tomorrow
- Who has to pay self-employment tax?
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- How to avoid fuel surcharges on award travel
- Median income by city: 2021
- March
- How to pay off a mortgage early
- Overdraft fees by institution
- Who needs non-owner car insurance?
- How to change a Delta flight over the phone, online or in the app
- Tip about banks vs. credit unions
- Joint bank accounts and marriage
- Where do lottery prizes come from?
- Cons of using a third-party processor
- 6. Ask for forbearance on bills
- How to buy a life insurance policy
- Best term life insurance policies for 2024
- Nurse resignation letter example
- How to cut your Hawaii vacation costs
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- How much does a cashier’s check cost?
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Coinsurance vs. copay
- Will food prices go down in 2024?
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- Other reasons to pay discount points
- REITs' average return
- Best wallets for convenience: hot wallets
- ITIN: What it is and how to get one
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- Is YouTube Premium worth it?
- How to meet your monthly savings goal
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- Why is Bitcoin still popular?
- Who benefits from becoming an authorized user?
- How to create a business budget in 6 steps
- Mishandled luggage
- How much does it cost to buy Vanguard index fund shares?
- Comparing stocks and bonds
- 4. Community development programs
- What it means for your money
- How do I open a savings account for a baby or child?
- Where does lottery revenue go?
- 7. Request a payroll advance
- Average mutual fund return
- Compare personal loans
- How to unfreeze your credit
- Best in Texas for having few consumer complaints: Chubb
- If you want to get right to work
- Cons of online banks
- Best life insurance company overall: MassMutual
- Glossary of overdraft terms
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Request your passport number from the State Department
- Exceptions to state minimum car insurance requirements
- 4. Find the right car for you
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- Other transportation
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- CD early withdrawal penalties at banks and credit unions
- How do you set up a lady bird deed?
- Copay vs. deductible
- 3. Other investment options
- Bottom line
- How to pay self-employment tax
- Best third-party processors
- How to save on comprehensive and collision insurance
- Which life insurance policy is right for me?
- How to open a joint account
- The case for seller-paid discount points
- Types of REITs
- Spirit Airlines change fees
- Why should I open a bank account if I'm undocumented?
- 5. Disaster relief
- Working YouTube Premium costs into your budget
- 8. Take a loan from your retirement account
- How fast does an authorized user build credit?
- April
- How to get overdraft fees waived
- How to apply for a U.S. passport
- Other tech tools to help you manage your money
- 9 best health care stocks by one-year performance
- Why is food so expensive?
- Best for comprehensive coverage: Cigna
- Your options for retraining
- What happens when you move to a high-risk area
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- Should my child also use a debit card or banking app?
- What are the lottery payout options?
- Colonial Penn customer complaints and satisfaction
- What if I lose the cashier's check?
- Flight diversions
- Coinsurance vs. deductible
- Optional coverages
- Other wallet options
- Tax deductions for self-employment
- 6. Credit card
- 9. Borrow against life insurance
- Other ways to build credit
- Embrace: Best pet insurance for many ways to save
- W-4 form 2024
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- Additional functionality
- Lifelong lessons
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- Do I need comprehensive and collision insurance?
- Where Colonial Penn stands out
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- How long-term care insurance works
- The case for waiting to refinance
- 7. Cash-out refinance
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- Food and drinks
- Best life insurance company for applicants with HIV: Guardian
- Compare the best savings and money market accounts
- Pros and cons of investing in health care stocks
- Alternatives to a lady bird deed
- How it all works together
- Dining reservations
- Best homeowners insurance in Texas for consumer experience: Nationwide
- Where Colonial Penn falls short
- May
- What are fleet cards?
- Other performance metrics
- What is California's standard deduction?
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- How does cryptocurrency work?
- How different airlines handle fuel surcharges
- How much life insurance should I buy?
- Other Roth IRA rules
- Joint accounts for teens
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- 4. Whether it's time for a financial advisor
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- Cashier’s check vs. certified check vs. money order
- How to renew a U.S. passport
- Compare the best CD accounts
- Credit unions and banks that don’t require Social Security numbers to open an account
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- Other resources
- Advantages of itemized deductions
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- How do fleet cards work?
- The catch: Your health plan's network
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- 12. Get a personal loan
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- More about Colonial Penn
- When to consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Online banks' standard bank services
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- The rankings of reliable airlines
- Homeowners insurance part of a bundle?
- How are food prices tracked?
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- Claiming tax-deductible donations on your tax return
- Do dining plans include alcohol?
- How are cryptocurrencies created?
- Full list of the best home insurance companies in Texas
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- Compare the best checking accounts
- How to buy health care stocks
- How to look up passport numbers recapped
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- Mutual fund fees
- Who qualifies for the SAVE plan?
- June
- Best life insurance company for consumer experience: Northwestern Mutual
- Weather-battered places may become uninsurable
- How much are lottery winnings taxed?
- 13. Rent out a room
- Disadvantages of itemized deductions
- 3. Bonds
- When should you freeze your credit?
- 3 investing myths
- Frequently asked questions about online banking
- How can I avoid cashier's check fraud?
- Calculating capital gains tax on a home sale
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- How much do life insurance policies cost?
- How long will you wait for a U.S. passport?
- Compare the best banks, credit unions and cash management accounts
- Why are there so many kinds of cryptocurrency?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Texas?
- Who shouldn’t buy non-owner car insurance
- Methodology
- Finding a car you can afford
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- Fees to check in and obtain your boarding pass for your Spirit flight
- Where to drink alcohol in the Magic Kingdom recapped
- Recap: How to get a cashier's check
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- Cons of a credit freeze
- July
- If you need to change a Delta flight
- Compare the best bank accounts for students and kids
- Doing the math on copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- Cost of long-term care insurance
- Charitable contributions 2023
- Can you lose money in mutual funds?
- How to apply for the SAVE plan
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best life insurance company for coverage amounts: New York Life
- The bottom line
- Summary of the best banks and credit unions of 2024
- Best for extra perks: Aetna
- What to do if you win the lottery
- Advantages of the standard deduction
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Texas by city
- Your readiness to buy a home
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Fees to select a seat ahead of time
- Will you owe capital gains taxes on your home sale?
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- When is the SAVE plan available?
- Are cryptocurrencies financial securities, like stocks?
- August
- 3. Make the most of your savings
- What about neobanks?
- Tax advantages of buying long-term care insurance
- Pros of investing in REIT stocks
- How to avoid capital gains tax on home sales
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- Compare top-rated life insurance companies
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- The cheapest home insurance in Texas
- If you want to go to Hawaii
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- Other types of tax preparers
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- Compare insurance rates by driver history
- After deciding
- How to claim lottery winnings
- Should you open an online bank account?
- Best life insurance company for permanent life insurance: Pacific Life
- Cons of investing in REIT stocks
- Fees for in-flight refreshments
- The bottom line
- September
- Where to buy non-owner car insurance
- 10. Make the purchase
- What are the largest lottery jackpots ever?
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- Will people migrate due to climate change?
- Standard deduction vs. itemized deductions
- Pros and cons of cryptocurrency
- Final thoughts on fuel surcharges
- Find the best life insurance policy for you
- What to know about Texas homeowners insurance
- Other spending
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- How to buy long-term care insurance
- Investing in REITs: How to get started
- In-cabin pet fee
- California state tax credits
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- Best for low-cost plans: Humana
- W-4 calculator
- What is a tax consultant?
- 4. Money market funds
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- How taxes on real estate, rental, and investment sales work
- Avoid risky loans
- Other changes to income-driven repayment in the works
- October
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- Priority boarding and security access
- Should I use a CPA or tax accountant?
- Understanding life insurance quotes
- Investing
- Best life insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- How much is non-owner car insurance?
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Understanding state 'partnership' plans
- Unaccompanied minor fees
- Is there an over-55 home sale exemption?
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- Should you buy stocks or bonds?
- 5. Mutual funds
- Credit cards used
- November
- OK, what's next?
- Cryptocurrency legal and tax issues
- More resources
- How much we spent: A breakdown
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Bundle packages
- Best life insurance company for older applicants: AARP
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for dogs
- Is anywhere really safe to live?
- 6. Index funds
- Mortgages
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- Best among startups: Devoted Health
- Your decision: Is cryptocurrency a good investment?
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- December
- The upside down: When debt and equity roles reverse
- Factor in the value of credit card points
- 4. Be persistent
- How to track your California state refund
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Texas Department of Insurance
- Best term life insurance companies of April 2024
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- The bottom line
- California state sales tax
- Looking for more insurance in Texas?
- Best whole life insurance companies of April 2024
- How to find the best term life insurance company
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Fees across U.S. airlines
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- Best no medical exam life insurance companies of April 2024
- How much does Medicare Advantage dental coverage cost?
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- The bottom line
- How to choose the best life insurance company
- Personal loans
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- What if you have Original Medicare?
- Other notable options
- 8. Stocks
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Nationwide: Best pet insurance for exotic pets
- How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans
- More about term life insurance
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- Student loans
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- 9. Alternative investments
- Taxes
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- Travel rewards
- Pets Best: Best pet insurance for flexible plans
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- EXCELLENT GENERAL-PURPOSE CARDS FOR SHOPPING
- How to compare car insurance rates
- 11. Real estate
- Best car insurance companies by state
- How to start a profitable business
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- How to find the best car insurance
- Frequently asked questions
- Spot: Best pet insurance for straightforward waiting periods
- The bottom line
- How much is pet insurance?
- How to choose an insurance company
- 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.