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.
- Stock market definition
- Can you borrow from an IRA?
- Compare CD Rates: Marcus vs. Synchrony vs. Ally
- See CD rates by term and type
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Charles Schwab is best for:
- Robinhood is best for:
- Dividend definition
- What is a budget planner?
- What is inventory turnover ratio?
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- Fidelity is best for:
- Vanguard is best for:
- Current promotional CD rates
- What is a hedge fund?
- Bizee: Easily form your new business
- What is a jumbo loan?
- Mortgage rates this week
- What is Upwork?
- What is the average stock market return?
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs CD rates 2024
- 5 Best Ways to Send Money Internationally
- Best-performing gold ETFs
- How to make money as a kid
- What are dividend stocks?
- About Cincinnati home insurance
- What is FICA tax?
- Super Bowl season
- 7 stock tips for beginner investors
- What is a construction loan?
- Takeaways From 'Get Smart With Money'
- High-dividend ETFs may generate income
- What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?
- IHDA highlights and eligibility requirements
- The stock market explained
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- Compare the pros and cons of personal loans
- What is an interest-only mortgage?
- 1. Earn more miles
- What is Amtrak?
- What are Vanguard index funds?
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- The pros of the Southwest loyalty program
- Estimated Hawaii trip cost
- Unsecured cards: No security deposit
- How do CDs work?
- How much does a wire transfer cost?
- 1. When your Bitcoin is taxed depends on how you got it
- Non-QM loans: flexibility at a cost
- United fare classes: The differences
- Airlines in the Star Alliance
- Social Security numbers
- National first-time home buyer loans
- How money market funds work
- How to get paid on YouTube
- What is Zelle?
- Can you withdraw money from a 401(k) early?
- Is Upwork a legit way to make money?
- What is TSA PreCheck?
- What is umbrella insurance?
- January
- Frontier baggage fees: The basics
- Clean up your credit
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- The best car insurance
- What is a sole proprietorship?
- Marcus CD rates
- How do CDs work?
- What is an insurance broker?
- Robinhood at a glance
- How long does it take to get an expedited passport?
- Marriott elites become United elites and vice versa
- Chase CD rates
- Create a budget plan that works for you
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- Best banks and credit unions
- 1. Set your budget
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- Marriott hotels near Disney World
- Capital One CD rates
- General advice for international money transfers
- Alternatives to Citizens Bank
- The best budget apps
- 1. The 0% may not apply to everything
- Fidelity at a glance
- First, some background
- FICA tax rate 2023-2024
- Frugal food tips
- When is a construction loan used?
- Superhost meaning
- Understanding hedge funds
- How balance transfers work
- Personal loan alternatives to Barclays
- Air France cabins and seats
- Overview of Hyatt award chart
- What does homeowners insurance cover?
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- How to check your Global Entry expiration date
- 1. There are three lounges in JFK Terminal 5
- What is a growth stock?
- What is a foreign transaction fee?
- The latest IRS scams
- High CD rates for now
- Charles Schwab at a glance
- Pros of personal loans
- What is the average entrepreneur salary?
- Average savings account rate: 0.46%
- 1. PayPal Honey
- How do credit union loans work?
- REPAYE at a glance:
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- What are tax refund advance loans?
- What is the gift tax?
- Pros of electric cars
- Why invest in money market funds?
- What is Brightline?
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- How does a jumbo loan work?
- Unemployment benefits under the CARES Act
- Government startup business grants and resources
- International roaming plans: postpaid
- What is a state income tax?
- The trouble with long-term care insurance
- What is a business credit score?
- Average monthly costs for home internet plans
- What are gold ETFs?
- What does your travel insurance cover?
- The best money-making apps
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- What’s a good credit score with FICO vs. VantageScore
- How to find your EIN
- Our take
- 1. Do your homework and gather evidence
- Summary of cash advance apps
- Wise
- 1. You're way over — or under — the allowed mileage
- Vanguard at a glance
- Average 401(k) balance by age
- How to make money online
- What is a tech business?
- Impact to your credit scores
- Points: Rewards on spending
- 1. The two cards offer different terms
- The Huntington Cashback Credit Card
- Does Zelle cost anything?
- What is the 401(k) early withdrawal penalty?
- No todos los planes de jubilación son iguales
- 7 high-dividend ETFs
- 1. Do your research
- Top 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs by fee
- What is the best streaming service?
- What is an LLC?
- How is inventory turnover ratio calculated?
- Ways to earn money as a younger kid
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- How to lower your credit utilization
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card wins
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
- Wire transfer fees by financial institution
- When to save vs. invest
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- How to get Upwork jobs
- The average stock market return isn't always average
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- Don't let the averages guide your travel budget
- Fees, fees, fees
- Cheap car insurance
- How the market works
- When to use an insurance broker
- Why should an entrepreneur take a salary?
- What are dividend stocks and why buy them?
- Has the account adjustment started?
- More details about Capital One CDs
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- Construction loan types
- Crunching the numbers
- Elite status
- How do unions work?
- Benefits of using Zelle
- What reasons can you withdraw from your 401(k) early?
- How to apply for low-income internet
- Marcus no-penalty CD rates
- Who can qualify for an interest-only mortgage?
- 2. Rakuten Cash Back Button
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- Amtrak’s Acela line
- Where Cincinnati Insurance stands out
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- Cheap(er) cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T
- TV release cycle
- Who qualifies for an unsecured credit card?
- Median 401(k) balance by age
- Frugal shopping tips
- CD rate trends 2024: Higher short-term CDs
- Upgrading with miles
- Top Hyatt beach resorts
- Where does Brightline stop?
- What is the cheapest car insurance in California?
- How state income tax rates work
- How umbrella insurance works
- Short-term vs. long-term care coverage
- 2. Lounge access policies vary
- Best-performing growth stocks
- February
- Popular credit cards with travel insurance
- Our tips
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- 2. Shop for a loan
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- How do Vanguard index funds work?
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 2. Your 0% APR deal could be canceled
- What is a mega backdoor Roth?
- How FICA tax works
- How the annual gift tax exclusion works
- Takeaways From 'How to Get Rich'
- Why you may need to reskill to get a new career
- Jumbo loan requirements
- How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
- Is it the same as a currency conversion fee?
- IHDA first-time home buyer loan programs
- High CD rates for now
- How are business credit scores calculated?
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- How to get Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- More details about Chase CDs
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- What to consider when opening CDs
- 2. Your car has excess wear and tear
- 3. Endorse the check
- Where to get tax refund loans
- Potential for unintended debt
- 2. Two factors determine your Bitcoin tax rate
- Are paid surveys worth it?
- Mortgage payoff calculator help
- Can you live off ETF dividends?
- What you'll need for your Global Entry renewal
- Different kinds of bags on Frontier
- How do streaming services fit into your budget?
- How to invest in gold ETFs
- Key features of an LLC vs. sole proprietorship
- Marcus bump-up CD rate
- How to expedite a U.S. passport application
- Compare Cards
- Where Cincinnati Insurance falls short
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- How to pick a good savings account
- MassHousing highlights and eligibility requirements
- What’s the downside of money market funds?
- Short resignation letter example
- A menudo, existe una opción más económica
- 5-year, 10-year, 20-year and 30-year S&P 500 returns
- Historical national rates
- 3. The Camelizer
- How to use average car interest rates
- 3. Your car is worth more than its buyout price
- Average 401(k) contribution rates
- Repayment terms may be interest-only
- Current CD rates: high-yield and national averages by term
- 2. Rewards are complicated
- How to shop for homeowners insurance
- 3. Dedicated space for military service members
- LLC vs. sole proprietorship
- See CD rates by bank
- 5 steps to paying yourself an entrepreneur salary
- Dividend vs. growth stocks
- Episode transcript
- Use a budget planner
- Are Vanguard index funds a good investment?
- State availability
- Is REPAYE right for you?
- Mega backdoor Roth 2024
- What is withholding tax?
- Black Friday
- Employer identification numbers
- Things to consider when using Zelle
- How we chose the cheapest companies in California
- Unemployment benefits in normal times
- International roaming: prepaid
- When are state income tax returns due?
- What is a Bitcoin strategy ETF?
- How to find growth stocks
- The cost of risk
- March
- More details about Marcus CDs
- How brokers are paid
- Typical uses for an interest-only mortgage
- 2. If a collection is on your report in error, dispute it
- What to consider when opening CDs
- What is a good inventory turnover ratio?
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- Do I have to do anything?
- More about Capital One
- What are AI stocks?
- What to do instead
- 3. The IRS has the paperwork you’ll need
- Good balance transfer cards
- The Huntington Voice Rewards Credit Card
- Numerous obstacles to retraining
- Another way to improve after a job rejection
- What does umbrella insurance cover?
- How to avoid foreign transaction fees
- Get a secured credit card
- Do personal credit scores affect business credit scores?
- What is the point of the stock market?
- One more option: Borrow from a 401(k)
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- OFX
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- How to cut your Hawaii vacation costs
- Frugal entertainment tips
- Sacar lo mejor de las malas opciones
- How to pay off a mortgage early
- How to invest in dividend ETFs
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Price vs. yield
- 2. Use your benefits
- How are dividends paid out?
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.08%
- 4. CouponCabin Sidekick
- Hilton hotels near Disney World
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three
- Other payroll tax items you may hear about
- Star Alliance Lounges
- How to buy money market mutual funds
- Top 8 Bitcoin strategy ETFs by fee
- How inflation is shaping travel costs
- Mull over those memberships
- What to consider when opening CDs
- What a good credit score can get you
- More about Chase
- How much does it cost to buy Vanguard index fund shares?
- Cincinnati home insurance coverage
- 4. Your friend wants to buy your leased car
- Borrowers who may consider a non-QM loan
- What to know if you take online surveys
- 3. Redemptions come with restrictions
- Compare personal loans
- Startup business grants from private companies and nonprofits
- What to expect the stock market to return
- Types of state income tax
- Shop carefully
- Other Frontier fees
- How much do streaming services cost?
- 4. Find the right car for you
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- REPAYE vs. other income-driven plans
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- 3. Big balances can still hurt your credit scores
- Why do I have to pay FICA tax?
- Gift tax limit 2024
- The million-dollar question (pun intended)
- When to invest vs. save
- Perks: Goodies that come with the card
- How do you become a Superhost?
- Cheap car insurance in California by age
- How to complete your Global Entry renewal
- 4. You can walk your dog
- Pros and cons of an interest-only mortgage
- 5. Capital One Shopping
- Why you might want the Chase Sapphire Reserve® instead
- Massachusetts first-time home buyer programs
- Immediate resignation letter example
- Is Brightline nice?
- For borrowers with bad credit, there are better deals
- April
- What is a good business credit score?
- How to find another company's EIN
- 6 types of dividends
- What does inventory turnover ratio tell you?
- 5. You like the car and don't want the hassle of car shopping
- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions
- TV-buying tips
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Where to find non-QM loans
- Credits
- How do I enroll in Zelle?
- How to get TSA PreCheck for free
- Should you buy growth stocks?
- Should I just use cash instead?
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- More about Marcus by Goldman Sachs
- Why is the IDR account adjustment happening?
- What does a construction loan cover?
- Redeeming points for Star Alliance awards
- 4. The perks can help
- Your options for retraining
- Cheapest for 20-year-old drivers
- The Bitcoin ETF price war
- Buying bundles: the Works and the Perks
- How to keep Lifeline
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- 4. Interest will be charged on any balance left when the 0% period ends
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- Domestic vs. international fees
- Gift tax limit 2023
- The Huntington Voice Credit Card
- How do I send, request and receive money in Zelle?
- What umbrella insurance doesn’t cover
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- What affects your credit score?
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- How to compare lenders
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- Your 401(k) lets you move your after-tax money
- 4. You can write off Bitcoin losses
- Is United’s basic economy worth it?
- How much of your fee goes to Upwork?
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- 5. You may score a free massage
- Get a credit-builder product or a secured loan
- 3. If you already paid the debt: Ask for a goodwill deletion
- Ways to earn money as a teenager
- What will count toward IDR forgiveness?
- Xoom
- How to invest in AI stocks
- How do tax refund loans work?
- How do construction loans work?
- Hedge fund strategies
- Do spot Bitcoin ETFs have custodianship risk?
- What's next?
- May
- What is the stock market doing today?
- 3. Redeem miles strategically
- Compare the best savings and money market accounts
- How to apply for REPAYE
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- Additional costs for international wires
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- Alternatives to non-QM loans
- Applying for a million-dollar life insurance policy
- Cons of electric cars
- How to find an Airbnb that is high quality
- Should I do a balance transfer?
- Individual taxpayer identification number
- 5. A deferred interest offer is risky
- Upgrading with cash
- Consider the costs of cashing out your 401(k)
- Pros and cons of jumbo loans
- TSA PreCheck enrollment timeframe recapped
- What is California's standard deduction?
- Cons of personal loans
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- 5. You might not be eligible for the offer
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Getting your Frontier baggage and other fees waived
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- How to get a good credit score
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Discounts
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- How to pick a good brokerage account
- Who needs umbrella insurance?
- Insurance broker vs. independent agent
- Compare the best CD accounts
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- IHG hotels near Disney World
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- You can temporarily self-report income
- You’ve got money left over for savings
- When to get a CD
- Other ways to cut wire-transfer costs
- Riding Brightline from Orlando Airport
- Growth stocks vs. dividend stocks
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- What is stock market volatility?
- How to find AI ETFs
- 6. You might not get approved for as much credit as you need
- The cons of the Southwest loyalty program
- What else you need to know
- Resignation due to health issues letter example
- Ready to get started?
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- What do the approvals mean for Bitcoin?
- 4. Check your credit reports after 30 days to make sure the change was made
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- Will parent PLUS loans qualify?
- Consumer complaints
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Things to consider
- 5. Failure to report Bitcoin can be costly
- Is a Huntington Bank credit card right for you?
- If you want to visit an airport lounge in JFK's Terminal 5
- First-time home buyer programs near Illinois
- 10 ways to spot IRS scams and impersonators
- Use a co-signer
- June
- Fees across U.S. airlines
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- Compare the best checking accounts
- Other ways to pay less
- How to open a CD
- 2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- How to do well on Upwork
- How much umbrella insurance do you need?
- Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line
- 7. The usefulness of a 0% deal depends on your habits
- How much does a tax refund loan cost?
- How to get a construction loan
- How to invest in hedge funds
- Book an award flight instead
- National first-time home buyer programs
- The bottom line
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- Reconsideration for PSLF applications
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- Consumer experience
- MoneyGram
- Bottom line
- CD vs. savings account
- Cheaper ways to send money
- How do you invest in the stock market?
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- Compare the best banks, credit unions and cash management accounts
- Will my servicer know if I qualify?
- Which card should you get?
- How many union workers are in the U.S.?
- Is Upwork the right freelance marketplace for you?
- But what if I really do owe the IRS money?
- Become an authorized user
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- Other ways to buy insurance
- How to evaluate dividends
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- Key differences between an EIN vs. ITIN vs. SSN
- Jumbo loans and conforming loan limits
- July
- Next Steps
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- CD vs. bond
- Who pays the gift tax?
- Is Brightline worth it?
- What do the approvals mean for other crypto investments?
- Get bonus United miles when you transfer Marriott points
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Compare the best bank accounts for students and kids
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- Hyatt hotels near Disney World
- Pros and cons of tax refund loans
- Air France upgrades recapped
- Find local conforming loan limits
- How do I get my business credit score?
- Should you choose an LLC or a sole proprietorship?
- If you need to expedite a U.S. passport…
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- Credit union vs. online lender
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The bottom line
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- How much does umbrella insurance cost?
- How to report IRS scams
- Summary of the best banks and credit unions of 2024
- What if I had delinquencies or a student loan in default?
- Types of CD strategies
- Ways to get the best jumbo mortgage rates
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- How to get umbrella insurance
- 2023 travel costs vs. pre-pandemic travel costs
- August
- What is the highest credit score, and how many people have it?
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- Other home insurance companies to consider
- Western Union
- Tax refund loan alternatives
- Deciding whether to buy an EV
- Lounge benefits
- Are hedge funds right for all accredited investors?
- The bottom line
- Get credit for the bills you pay
- Next steps
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- Ways kid creators can earn online
- If you want to go to Hawaii
- What you can learn from the average 401(k) balance
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes
- Will you need to do an interview for Global Entry renewal?
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- Can I get a refund?
- What are CD rates right now?
- Bottom line: Is umbrella insurance worth it?
- Next steps
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- The bottom line
- Compare insurance rates by driver history
- Global Entry 24-month grace period
- September
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- If you want to maximize your stay
- Are dividends taxed?
- 10. Make the purchase
- Hotel-friendly benefits
- How to get Global Entry fees reimbursed
- How to decide if a personal loan is right for you
- One-time IDR account adjustment for PSLF borrowers
- Top off your Marriott Bonvoy account with United miles
- If you want to book Disney World hotels on points
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Lenders that offer small loans and fast funding
- What are promotional CD rates?
- Common gift tax return triggers
- Planning can minimize inflation's toll on your vacation budget
- Practice good credit habits
- California state tax credits
- Next steps
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- What is credit card consolidation?
- If you’re thinking of joining the Southwest Airlines loyalty program
- Other ways to make money
- Small-business incubator programs
- October
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- Tips for making money as a kid
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Summary: 2021 MassHousing first-time home buyer programs
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- How to get a personal loan
- How to choose among the best ways to send money internationally
- Cheapest for 30-year-old drivers
- If you need to do a Global Entry renewal
- Reconsideration for rejected PSLF applications
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- Travel time: Northeast Regional versus Acela
- Check your credit scores and reports
- November
- What are tax deductions?
- Final thoughts on Hyatt beach hotels
- Final thoughts on the United-Marriott status match
- OK, what's next?
- Services
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- Alternatives to startup business grants
- Alternatives to personal loans
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Amtrak Acela vs. Northeast Regional recapped
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- December
- Don't qualify for PSLF? You have other options for relief
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- How to track your California state refund
- Do I need additional travel insurance?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- What are tax write-offs?
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- California state sales tax
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- How to make money from home
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Cards with travel insurance, recapped
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- Other notable options
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Access to unique experiences
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- The bottom line
- Cheapest for 40-year-old drivers
- Convenient features
- How to make money offline
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- Protections
- Retail and travel
- How to compare car insurance rates
- Best car insurance companies by state
- How to find the best car insurance
- Cheapest for 50-year-old drivers
- Emergency services: Assistance 24 hours a day
- More about the card
- How to choose an insurance company
- Watch out for making money scams
- Cheapest for 60-year-old drivers
- Cheapest for 70-year-old drivers
- Cheapest car insurance for military families
- How to get cheap car insurance in California
- Minimum auto insurance requirements in California
- Alternative car insurance in California
- How AAA car insurance works in California
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.