If finding deals is your New Year’s resolution, January is a great time to shop for some choice items. Here are our recommendations on what to buy (and skip) in order to save you time and money this month.
Buy: Fitness gear
Those hoping to get in shape in the new year can find discounts from fitness clubs and athletic gear suppliers. Retailers often offer twice as many deals on fitness products in January as they do in other months, according to retail analysis site DealNews. January is also a great time to sign up for a gym at a discounted introductory rate, but don’t spend that money unless you’re sure you’ll use the membership.
Skip: Mattresses
Great deals on mattresses come in February, when Presidents Day sales bring discounts of up to 50%. Hold off for another month if you’re in the market for a new mattress.
Buy: Jewelry
Sandwiched between holiday gift-giving and Valentine’s Day shopping, January is a slow time for jewelers — meaning you’re likely to get a better deal on rings, earrings and necklaces then.
Skip: Luggage
Like mattresses, suitcases will be discounted a little later in the year. Shopping comparison site PriceGrabber.com estimates that you can save as much as 20% when spring break kicks off the vacationing season in March and April.
Buy: Home improvement supplies and bedding
Retailers know that people spend their weekends inside in January, so indoor home improvement products tend to go on sale. Flooring, carpeting and tools can be discounted by about 15% this month, according to PriceGrabber.com. The best prices on linens also occur in January, during retail “white sales.” In the past, we’ve seen these sales at stores such as Macy’s and J.C. Penney.
Skip: Tax software
Need a good reason to put off doing your taxes? Tax software such as TurboTax and TaxAct tends to be more steeply discounted closer to tax day. A DealNews analysis found February and March are the best months for tax software promotions.
Buy: Last year’s electronics
Once this year’s electronics models launch at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Jan. 6-9), electronics stores will be eager to get last year’s models off the shelves — especially last year’s TVs.
Many people use January to organize and develop better habits. If you plan on being one of those people, check out our lists of the best money moves for January and the best insurance moves for January.
Image via iStock.
from NerdWallet Credit Card Blog
http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/shopping/buy-skip-january/
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