Best Things to Buy Every Month in 2024
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A new year is a good opportunity to take charge of your personal budget and develop a strategy for buying the things you want.
Create a list of the big buys you plan to make this year and use our guide to time each purchase right, so you can save money.
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- ICR at a glance
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- The best Delta SkyMiles benefits
- Qualifying for an HSA
- Earn the sign-up bonus
- How to buy Reddit stock
- Minimum wage over time
- Top credit cards that give instant rewards
- 1. Start investing as early as possible
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- January
- Paying with points
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- What are financial boundaries?
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- Why is cost basis important?
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- Frugal food tips
- 1. Strengthen your financial profile
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- How it works
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- Quick facts about Zelle
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- 1. Earn the welcome bonus
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- How to budget money
- What is a tax extension?
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- The bull call spread
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- What is a technology stock?
- Why is a FICO score important?
- For a break on interest: BMO Platinum Credit Card
- What do you need to prove U.S. citizenship?
- How do microloans work?
- Bluevine Business Checking
- At a glance
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- How to find your way around an airport
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- What is a home equity loan?
- How much does an Amazon Prime membership cost?
- Is my child old enough for a savings account?
- How to get Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- How does alternative lending work?
- How does a jumbo loan work?
- How types of credit accounts matter for your score
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- 1. You can use it only on certain health care purchases
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- What is IRS Free File?
- Summary of cash advance apps
- How to find your EIN
- Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA: What's the difference?
- Your credit score could drop if your bank account isn't in good standing
- Ways to get the most out of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- 1. Contact your old employer about your old 401(k)
- Key takeaways
- Breakdown of central air costs
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- 27 ways to save money
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- For simple cash back: the Bread Cashback American Express Credit Card
- Jewelry insurance from your home insurer
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
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- When can you retire?
- Protective life insurance
- Tax filing status options
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- Finding the best credit monitoring service for you
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- How do index funds work?
- Does your lender really verify income and debt information?
- What is an ABLE account?
- What’s the difference between cash management accounts and brokerage accounts?
- When to track cost basis
- What are the advantages of a sole proprietorship?
- How does a VA home loan work?
- 2. Make WaterSense
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- Best place to exchange currency: Your bank or credit union
- Banks that offer joint business accounts
- What to consider when building a portfolio
- The best homeowners insurance in California
- How your servicer can help if you’re behind on payments
- Where you can find Hyatt club lounges
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- How Capital One 360 compares to online banks
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- 20 high-dividend stocks
- Colonial Penn life insurance
- Why you need a savings account
- Apple Card
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
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- Credit bureau self-service websites
- Why buy dividend stocks?
- Understand your eligibility
- Types of business entities: An overview
- Best crypto credit cards
- How to consolidate your debt
- Pros of debt consolidation
- Interest rates, labor issues, other factors pushing index down
- Encircle
- Ways to get good value
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- Banking
- Terminal A: United Club, Delta SkyClub and Admirals Club
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- How to calculate your home equity
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- How to calculate your credit utilization ratio
- 1. Capital One would be a formidable credit cards competitor
- 1. Mortgage interest deduction
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- Fetch Rewards
- 2. Speed through security
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- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
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- Other ways to gain free entrance to national parks
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- How extra student loan payments work
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- United MileagePlus Miles value over time
- 2. Your complimentary companion certificate comes with some strings attached
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- Roth IRA withdrawal rules
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- 2. Use money tips to accelerate your savings
- State minimum wages in 2024
- 2. Cash management accounts
- Calculator: Convert Alaska miles to dollars
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
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- If you have nonprime or near-prime credit
- 3. Be an Energy Star
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- 2. Shop for a loan
- Holiday weekends
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- When to refinance a mortgage
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- Where to stash your emergency fund
- 5 steps for retirement planning
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- February
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- How does a home equity loan work?
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- Marriott points calculator
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- How tax extensions work
- What is a government shutdown?
- Should you buy Reddit stock?
- 2. Account frozen? Submit documentation
- Head of household
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- If you pay for a credit monitoring service
- Where Geico falls short
- 3. Endorse the check
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- 2. It’s a deferred interest card ...
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- Rack up rewards points
- 2. Depreciation deduction
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- Information you’ll need
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- Brex Card
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- How to open a traditional IRA
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- The benefits of Lifetime status
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- 4. Shower like a sailor
- 2. Make a larger down payment
- Debt consolidation calculator
- How to apply this knowledge to your credit score
- How to know who your mortgage servicer is
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- How to get your Form W-2
- Who is a qualifying dependent?
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- For the home decorator: the IKEA Visa® Credit Card
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- 3. Keep down payment savings in the right account
- 3. Ask your bank for relief
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- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- What is an index?
- What’s covered by Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- How do Marriott Bonvoy points compare to other hotel programs?
- What mortgage can I afford?
- Credit cards
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- 3. Use its airport lounge access perks
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- So what’s the holdup?
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- 2. Capital One hopes to expand its digital banking reach
- The bear put spread
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- March
- Paying with cash and points
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- Check your credit history
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- Average daily balance
- 3. … and it can also be a low-interest card
- Coupons.com
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
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- All year
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
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- 2. Decide how much to invest
- Elite status perks of the Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Protective life insurance rates
- Capital One Business Checking
- Avoid credit bureaus' products
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- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- The moral: Be careful before applying
- How to apply for a VA home loan
- 5. Use the dishwasher
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- Why do lenders sell mortgage loans?
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- What to consider when opening CDs
- Apply extra student loan payments toward the principal
- How to meet your monthly savings goal
- Other perks that come with a membership
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- Try a simple budgeting plan
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- 3. Property tax deduction
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- 4. Monitor bank transactions online
- Cheap financial advice
- Capital One Cards
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- 3. Consider paying points
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- Itemtopia
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- How to apply for ICR
- Other factors can help you buy a car with bad credit
- Is per-card or overall utilization more important?
- Use the travel credit
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- Is identity theft insurance worth it?
- Need more information?
- 6 ways to set financial boundaries
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- How significantly could student loan cancellation help borrowers?
- Who can open a joint business account
- What's next?
- How it can help
- 4. Find the right car for you
- How much do streaming services cost?
- Are Roth IRAs insured?
- How do I remove someone/get removed as an authorized user?
- Conventional loan limits
- How to earn Marriott Bonvoy status
- Additional fees
- Cheap car insurance in California by age
- 3. Discover would remain its own brand
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- 6 types of dividends
- Geico renters insurance coverage
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- How to get a hardship loan
- Two ways to access Hyatt lounges without Globalist status
- 4. Take advantage of rental car benefits
- What is a good business credit score?
- Types of replacement cost coverage
- When to consolidate instead of refinancing
- 2024 IRS Free File: Participating tax software providers
- Banks and credit unions that clear checks fast
- Saver’s credit rates for 2023
- More about Ally Bank
- For the pet parent: Petco Pay credit card
- How to sign a check over to someone else
- 4. Resist dipping into your other savings
- When was the last government shutdown?
- 5. Know the bank’s timeline
- How to get a home equity loan
- Protective customer complaints and satisfaction
- Historical Alaska mile values
- How much do index funds cost?
- Sweet v. Cardona administrative forbearance
- Pros and cons of VA home loans
- 4. Your account is available immediately upon approval
- Terminal B: British Airways Lounge, SAS Lounge and USO Center
- Understanding your W-2 form
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- Use Wi-Fi (instead of cellular) to save data
- Is the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card a good deal?
- Eligible child and dependent care expenses
- How to find another company's EIN
- What’s a spousal Roth IRA?
- How does a HELOC work?
- Other opportunities to pay off student loans faster
- About home equity lines of credit
- How to file a tax extension
- What's next?
- 4. Deduction for repairs
- How much should you invest in Reddit stock?
- Qualifying surviving spouse
- April
- Keap: Best for dedicated support
- Know the limits of credit monitoring services
- General partnership
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Where to avoid exchanging currency
- How to contact your servicer
- Multiple cards typically mean more rewards
- Breaking free of payday loan debt
- What is Ohio’s standard deduction?
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Colonial Penn customer complaints and satisfaction
- Be mindful of fees
- Why invest in clean energy ETFs
- You can temporarily self-report income
- Can United miles be used on other airlines?
- Cheapest for 20-year-old drivers
- 3. Open an investment account
- Do I need my birth certificate to get a passport if born overseas to American parents?
- Why you might prefer the The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- Home equity loan rates in 2023
- How to open an ABLE account
- Should my child also use a debit card or banking app?
- 4. Take advantage of first-time home buyer programs
- How to apply for a joint business bank account
- 4 common types of portfolios
- RetailMeNot
- Alternatives to checks
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- My experience getting SSSS on my boarding pass
- Tax implications are unlikely
- Another good time to buy appliances: After a new release
- How much to tip housekeeping
- Redeem points for travel through Chase
- Bottom line
- What are the risks of investing in an IPO?
- What states are increasing minimum wages in 2024?
- More about Protective life insurance
- How flexible are Alaska miles?
- More ways to take charge of your budget
- Diversifying with index funds
- The bottom line
- Examples of cost basis
- Your decision: Is HODL for you?
- PayPal cryptocurrency fees
- Skip currency exchange: Use a credit or debit card
- How to get an Uber Eats Pass for free or a discount
- 5. It’s one of several ways you can pay for medical expenses
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- 5. Spend your annual travel credit
- How to invest in AI stocks
- Additional functionality
- Mattress-buying tips
- Where Colonial Penn stands out
- Saver’s credit rates for 2024
- MAGI vs. AGI: What's the difference?
- These national parks are always free
- Find your conventional loan limit
- How much to keep in your savings account
- 5. Get help with saving for a down payment
- The long straddle
- 6. Rebounding from bank account fraud
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- 5. Online savings accounts
- What is the Lifetime Learning Credit?
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness administrative forbearance
- Lifelong lessons
- Listen to the lender
- Types of life insurance trusts
- Could cancellation or restarting payments make inflation worse?
- How to make a rental car insurance claim
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- Venmo Credit Card
- Is it a good idea to consolidate credit cards?
- Other hardship loan options
- Revisit your plan
- Benefits of CD ladders
- When to refinance instead of consolidating
- 3. Search unclaimed property databases
- Which is preferable — an authorized user relationship or a joint account holder?
- Other ways to pay less
- For the human parent: The Children’s Place credit card
- How does credit utilization affect my credit score?
- 4. The deal faces regulatory hurdles
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- Paying with cash
- How has the Marriott points value changed over time?
- How to earn American Airlines miles
- Interest rate
- When upgrading your credit card makes sense
- What’s the filing deadline for my Ohio state income tax bill?
- Should I contribute to a traditional IRA if I can’t deduct it?
- Where Colonial Penn falls short
- What are IRS Free File Fillable Forms?
- How to open a Roth IRA in 6 steps
- How to calculate your modified adjusted gross income
- What is a business money market account?
- How to save on renting an RV for a month
- Should I tip housekeeping if they don’t enter the room?
- Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket: State Farm
- How to invest in tech stocks
- For cash back: BMO Cash Back Credit Card and the BMO Platinum Rewards Credit Card
- Bottom line
- May
- Discounts
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- How does cryptocurrency work?
- How does a debt consolidation loan work?
- Pros and cons of jumbo loans
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- Learn more
- 3 appliance-buying tips
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- Alternatives to writing a check
- Types of mortgage loans
- What is California's standard deduction?
- Disadvantages of debt factoring
- Ways to get the best home equity loan rates
- ABLE accounts can provide peace of mind
- What is the VA loan limit?
- LLC payroll taxes
- Holding crypto on PayPal
- Frugal home expenses tips
- 5. Shop around with multiple lenders
- NAIC Home Inventory
- The bottom line
- Is Uber Eats Pass worth it?
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- 5 things to know about Ohio state tax
- Who counts as a qualified care provider?
- Calculating the value of the saver's credit
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- Jewelry warranties and service plans
- Disadvantages of HSAs
- FICO vs. VantageScore
- Minimum wage increases
- Married filing jointly
- Constant Contact: Best for unlimited user access
- How did we determine the value of Alaska miles?
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- How did we determine the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?
- Do debt consolidation loans hurt your credit?
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- 6. Add authorized users
- How to find AI ETFs
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value: How to decide
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- Other ways to save money on a national park pass
- Should you open a money market account for your business?
- How to build your credit before car shopping
- How did we determine the value of United miles?
- When do I need to file a tax extension by?
- Strategies for keeping your credit utilization low
- Transfer points for more value
- 5. Other expenses
- 4. Pick an investment strategy
- How to start a portfolio
- Cons of debt consolidation
- Upside
- What to do if your W-2 is wrong
- Downsides to CD ladders
- More about Colonial Penn
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- How can you reduce SSSS markings in the future?
- Examples of other Comenity/Bread-issued store cards
- Do you tip concierge?
- 5. The bigger the company, the higher the interest rates
- What is the median household income in the U.S.?
- How do I grow my home's equity?
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- Consumer experience
- How are cryptocurrencies created?
- Limited partnership
- 6. Consider alternative types of mortgages
- When debt consolidation isn't worth it
- Rather than upgrade, consider applying for a new card
- Other types of IRAs
- What to do with an old 401(k)
- How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- Next steps:
- How many tax extensions can you file?
- How do I get a FICO score?
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- How much can you borrow with a home equity loan?
- Selling crypto on PayPal
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- How to fast track to Globalist status
- Visiting the National Parks for free in 2024 recapped
- HELOC requirements
- You can prioritize other financial goals
- How your car loan can help you build better credit
- Is a Comenity/Bread credit card right for you?
- Cheapest car insurance after an accident: State Farm
- June
- Refinancing a VA home loan
- Primary vs. secondary coverage
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- Exchange frequently? Consider a multicurrency account
- Days in the cycle
- 7. Be smart with your miles strategy
- Your W-2 information is not a secret
- Alternative CD ladder structures
- FAQs
- Additional child and dependent care credit requirements
- Secure 2.0 changes: Saver's match
- Business money market account rates
- How to cancel a Planet Fitness membership
- If you want to pursue the path to Marriott Bonvoy lifetime status
- How much does a tax extension cost?
- Next steps
- The long strangle
- What perks do Aeroplan elites get when flying United?
- Take necessary action
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Final thoughts on maximizing the card's benefits
- Final thoughts on hotel tipping
- U.S. Bank cards
- Where to buy identity theft insurance
- How to evaluate dividends
- Why are there so many kinds of cryptocurrency?
- The picture so far
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Transferring crypto into your PayPal address
- Terminal C: United Club and United Polaris
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- How to get a home equity line of credit
- Zoho CRM: Best overall CRM software
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- Home equity loan requirements
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- Frequently asked questions about W-2 forms
- How to find the best refinance rates
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- Tax extensions for overseas taxpayers and military members
- Finding a car you can afford
- The bottom line
- Sharing a Prime membership Using Amazon Household
- Types of VA home loans
- The best place to exchange currency at the end of your trip
- Jumbo loans and conforming loan limits
- Ibotta
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Bottom line
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- 5. Understand your investment options
- Married filing separately
- July
- Geico vs. other insurers
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- Next Steps
- Gemini Credit Card
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in California?
- What's next?
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- How do I get my business credit score?
- Looking for past years' saver's credit thresholds?
- How to finance central air installation
- Final thoughts on Delta Air Lines membership benefits
- Jewelry insurance from a specialty company
- What are the disadvantages of sole proprietorship?
- LLC sales taxes
- Transferring crypto from your PayPal wallet
- Find local conforming loan limits
- United Policyholders Home Inventory Spreadsheet
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- How much can you borrow with a HELOC?
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI: Progressive
- Max out the food delivery perks
- Aeroplan® Credit Card elite status perks, recapped
- American Opportunity Tax Credit vs. Lifetime Learning Credit
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- C corporation
- Final thoughts on finding cheap Southwest flights
- Where to exchange currency: Frequently asked questions
- When is the tax extension deadline?
- How many times can you use a VA home loan?
- Sending crypto to another PayPal user
- Ways to get the best jumbo mortgage rates
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in California by city
- CD ladder alternative for more risky investments
- How to claim the child and dependent tax credit
- Calculating MAGI: Example
- Refinancing a mortgage, step by step
- Which card should you get?
- Home shopping tips
- Is Amazon Prime worth it?
- Are cryptocurrencies financial securities, like stocks?
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- The bottom line
- Avoid other redemption options
- August
- Is debt factoring right for my business?
- Your perfect ladder
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- The synthetic long
- Education tax forms
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- If you’re looking for cheap award flights to and within Australia
- The cheapest home insurance in California
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- Dosh
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- How do you file a state tax extension?
- American Express cards
- What to look for in marketing software
- If you’re considering booking a rental car with your Chase Freedom credit card
- PayPal cryptocurrency alerts
- If you’re trying to maximize the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Jewelry insurance companies
- Capitalize on other travel perks
- What is credit card consolidation?
- Lounge access for United cardholders
- After deciding
- Bottom line: Is it worth claiming the child and dependent care tax credit?
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit: Geico
- Are dividends taxed?
- Alternatives to debt factoring
- Alternative lending best practices
- Does PayPal offer tax forms?
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- Is getting a HELOC a good idea?
- September
- Should I choose a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance?
- 10. Make the purchase
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- Which states have federal tax deadline extensions?
- Team it with a different card
- Single
- Next steps
- Frequently asked questions
- Pros and cons of cryptocurrency
- S corporation
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- How to get a debt consolidation loan
- What you need to know about California homeowners insurance
- An alternative to home inventory apps
- Final thoughts on Hyatt club access
- Final thoughts on the lounges in the Newark airport
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- What protections does PayPal offer?
- Is alternative lending right for my business?
- Receipt Hog
- Other types of mortgage loans
- California state tax credits
- Apparel and shoes
- Select store cards
- October
- Boiling it all down
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Modified adjusted gross income: The bottom line
- Investing
- Cheapest for 30-year-old drivers
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- What if you're not eligible?
- Limited liability company
- Is it better to get a home equity loan or line of credit?
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- November
- Cryptocurrency legal and tax issues
- Rakuten
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- OK, what's next?
- Additional tips for making money on TikTok
- How to redeem rewards on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- The bottom line
- Frequently asked questions
- What are tax deductions?
- Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
- What to do if you can’t keep up with your HELOC payments
- Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. AmEx Platinum: Minor features to consider
- Other life insurance options for seniors
- What are the Roth IRA rules?
- Barclays Arrival cards
- Home purchasing tips
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- Your decision: Is cryptocurrency a good investment?
- Mortgages
- December
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- California Department of Insurance
- Other cash-back apps to consider
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- How to choose the best business entity type
- Cheapest car insurance for senior drivers
- Looking for more insurance in California?
- Shopkick
- How to track your California state refund
- The bottom line
- CoinOut
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- What are tax write-offs?
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- Other hardship assistance
- Swagbucks
- California sales tax
- How to make money from home
- Beauty and personal care
- How much is jewelry insurance?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Credit cards do cash back too
- Who might prefer AmEx Platinum over Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Hardship financing to avoid
- How we picked the apps
- Other ways to earn money
- Pros and cons of microloans
- Personal loans
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- How does jewelry insurance work?
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- Is jewelry insurance worth it?
- How to get a microloan
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Cheapest for 40-year-old drivers
- Student loans
- The bottom line
- How to make money offline
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Entertainment
- Compare cards
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Taxes
- Microlending alternatives
- Travel rewards
- How to choose a startup idea
- Get your free birthday stuff and deals
- Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
- How to start a profitable business
- Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe
- Cheapest for 50-year-old drivers
- Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance
- Types of travel insurance
- Watch out for making money scams
- Cheapest for 60-year-old drivers
- What does travel insurance cover?
- What’s not covered?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How to choose the best travel insurance policy
- Cheapest for 70-year-old drivers
- What are the top travel destinations in 2024?
- More resources for travel insurance shoppers
- Methodology
- 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.