As we stated last month, there are certain times of year when it is better to purchase certain items.  Whether you’re on the prowl for the best deals on paint, outdoor plants, or televisions (the Super Bowl is just around the corner!), chances are there is a “best” month to make your purchase.  Every month this year, we will give you a list of the best items to buy for that month, so check back often for each new update. Let’s begin with What to buy when.

February

Home Theater Systems

With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, it’s not a surprise that now is a great time to find the best deal on that plasma TV or home theater system you’ve had your eye on.  Between the Super Bowl and the new models rolling out, retailers are willing to pull out all the stops to get last year’s models out of their stores.

Video games and gaming systems

Again, out with the old and in with the new.  Now that the holidays are only a memory, stores are marking games and gaming systems down to make room for new inventory.  Remember:  Many gaming systems can pull double or even triple duty, acting as a gaming system, a DVD player, and a live web streamer.  If you’ve thought about purchasing a new system, now is a good time to go shopping.

Indoor fitness equipment

With most people’s New Year’s Resolutions a thing of the past, now is a good time to get a great deal on treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, free weights, etc.  Retailers are eager to reduce their inventories, so they will pass the savings along to you, the consumer.

Digital Cameras

Retailers need to make room for new models that come out in the spring, so take this opportunity to purchase that digital camera you really wanted for Christmas.  With all the beautiful snow we’ve had lately, this is the perfect time to capture some great shots!

Boats, ATVs, Motorcycles

This is a good month to purchase these items for two reasons:  1) People don’t usually think about using these vehicles during these frigid times; and, 2) New inventory comes out in the Spring, so retailers are giving consumers great deals in order to move out last year’s models.  So, if you’re building a log home on the lake, now is a great time to purchase a nice, new boat to go with your nice, new home.  Or, if you have a mountain abode, this is a good time to look at ATVs.  They’re great for cruising through the mountains during warmer weather.

Outdoor gear

Think bicycles, hiking equipment, tents, etc.  Again, these items aren’t purchased a great deal in the winter, so retailers will give you a good deal now.  A good deal for you means less inventory for retailers to deal with.  It’s a win-win!

Winter clothing

This one is a no-brainer.  Most stores are stocking up on warm weather apparel now, and they need all the floor space they can get.  Now is the time to pick up a few items at greatly reduced prices.  When you think about buying clothing for next year, try to steer clear of trendy items.  Buy classic looks that never go out of style.

Presidents’ Day sales

There are items that go on sale every year during various holiday weekends, and Presidents’ Day weekend is no exception.  We’ve decided to bundle them all into one category:

·      Mattresses and box springs

·      Household appliances

·      Furniture

·      Cars

If you’re willing to purchase last year’s models, you’ll get an even better deal.

Tulips

Yes, you read that correctly.  February is a good time to purchase tulips.  While the best time to plants tulip bulbs is in the fall or early winter, you can plant them now (if you can get your trowel into the frozen dirt).  So, if you’ve been thinking about integrating tulips into your landscaping, now might be a good time to get to work.

Decorative indoor flowers

We all know Valentine’s Day is coming up, so if you like to decorate your home with fresh flowers, DO NOT buy them before February 14^th.  However, after Valentine’s Day is a great time to purchase fresh flowers at much lower prices.  Retailers will likely have inventory that was not sold during the Valentine’s Day frenzy, and they will be happy to sell them to you at a discounted rate.

Canned foods

February is National Canned Food Month (bet you didn’t know that!), so this month is the perfect time to stock up on all things canned.  You can find great deals on canned fruits, veggies, and meats.  You can even stock up on pie fillings to get a head start on the holidays later in the year.

Home renovations

This is still a good month for home renovations.  Contractors and subcontractors can’t hibernate all winter.  They need the work to pay their employees and feed their families.  Now is a good time to get some work done around your house.  The demand for workers is lower, so you may get your job done in less time and for less money.

Air conditioner service

You probably didn’t wake up today thinking, “This would be a great day to get my AC serviced!”  But, guess what—it is!  Few people think about servicing an air conditioner when it’s so cold outside.  Demand for air conditioning experts is low this time of year, meaning they will be able to get to your home sooner and will probably give you a good winter rate for their services.

Those are a few of the products you can save on during the month of February.  The better you stay informed on these deals, the more money you can save.  Maybe you could even double up on your savings.  For instance, if you save $500 on a brand new home theater system, you could use that money to purchase some new plants to landscape your new log home.  Just a thought.  Check back with us next month, and we’ll let you know which products to buy cheaper in March.  See you then!