Business & Tech
Save on Seasonal and Clearance Sales
Seasonal sales can really stretch the budget if you know when to buy.
We all know the best time to get Christmas decorations are after Dec. 25, but do you know that each month has particular items on sale?
During this month the best buys will be electronics, housewares, mattresses, curtains, rugs and used cars. After Feb. 14, it's boxed Valentine's gifts, chocolate, steaks and seafood you can stock up on. In March you will notice deals on boats, luggage, garden supplies, winter recreational equipment and frozen foods.
For big items like furniture or mattresses, ask the salesperson if the price can go lower, it doesn't hurt to ask. Talking with the salesman got a mattress for a lot less than I thought it could be, so don't forget to ask.
When I notice spring clothing beginning to show up on the racks, I know that it is the best time to get clearance prices on winter clothing. As my sons were growing up, I used the clearance sales to save 60-80 percent on seasonal clothing worn out or out grown like pants, jackets and boots because the sales usually happened before the season was over.
Seasonal Sales are pretty much predictable but sometimes variety stores have bargain clearance items at the end of the isles, on back isle caps or in a corner to make room for new items. Finding where each store has them can be quite a savings for many unexpected items.
Walmart has an isle just for end of run items, when they only have a few of each item, such as toys, on the shelf and offer the last few at quite a discount. I've seen everything from hardware, paint, gourmet dog cookies, craft supplies, hair color and skin care on the clearance isles, usually in the back of the store.
Grocery stores have shelves or a cart of discounted items in back too, you just have to know where each one is. I've found food items I never knew that store carried, and had to investigate a section or isle I rarely visit to see what else they had. Many a time that discounted section had items that gave me inspiration for meals I would have never thought of.
Shopping during seasonal sales and finding the clearance section made a big difference in my budget and well worth taking advantage of.
