A Year-Round Guide to Buying Anything

If you’re contemplating any big purchases this year, planning ahead can get you discounts on items that stores are slashing prices for because of the time of year.  The holiday season has everyone buying gifts for each other so take the time now to plan ahead for your household purchases.  Each year www.lifehacker.com compiles a comprehensive guide on the best times to buy anything during the year.  It is based on when stores are trying to rid themselves of inventory, lowering prices for upcoming holidays, or sales that appear out of the blue.

First Quarter

Source: www.lifehacker.com

Computer Monitors: The monitors you will likely find on sale are overstocked and refurbished models – usually around the back-to-school rush, post-Thanksgiving, and inventory clearance in January and February.  Around January and February you may even find higher-end items that were excluded from Black Friday sales.

Winter Outerwear: The vast majority of people who need winter jackets for the season won’t wait until January or February and retailers will need to clear inventory for spring clothing.

Decorations: The holidays are over and you’ll find that retailers have decorations with steep discounts.  It may be early, but you may have noticed that you are growing out of your old decorations or damaged something while packing it away.

Second Quarter 

Source: www.lifehacker.com

Houses: Spring is peak buying season so the market will favour prospective buyers.  Secure a rate for yourself or get pre-approved with our comparison tool.

Refrigerators: If you don’t care for the latest model of refrigerators, this is the time to look for a new fridge as manufacturers roll out their new models in the summer.

Third Quarter

Source: www.lifehacker.com

Computers: Back-to-school sales begin and retailers try to capture those in need of a new laptop or PC before they go away for school with lower prices.

School Supplies: Whether you choose to buy new stationary for your kids before they start classes or wait until September when stores are clearing inventory, you will find good deals this time of year.  On top of school supplies, you may find dorm supplies such as linens and furniture on sale.

Appliances: Aside from refrigerators, other big appliances go on sale during September and October.  If you don’t mind picking up an older model, last year’s stock will be available for lower prices.

Airfare: Think ahead about where you want to go for the December holiday season and book your flights to visit your friends and family or down south to get away from the cold.  Make sure you get travel insurance to avoid any mishaps during your travel plans.

Fourth Quarter 

Source: www.lifehacker.com

Cars: New models usually arrive at the end of summer so the current year’s models will likely be available for less.  Try and haggle with the dealership or lease at the end of the month to lower the car’s estimated residual value.  Don’t forget to incorporate car insurance costs into your expected recurring fees.

Summer Equipment: As the Canadian winter approaches, barbeques, summer patio, and air conditioners need to be cleared out to make room for winter tools.

Candy: Not that it is a healthy habit to indulge in great amounts of sweets, but after Halloween, you can stock up on loads of candy at any grocery store.

Electronics: Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are good for deals on electronics and will appear during Boxing Week as well.