Off the Cuff

[#1]

Perhaps it’s the small windfall after tax season, or even that post-holiday stack of gift cards—whatever your reason in looking for new gidgets and gadgets may be, we’ve got the best time to buy in 2012.

January-March

These months are idea for hot weather toys. Whether it’s a new gas grill, or if your air conditioning has perfect timing in breaking—both of these appliances are typically lower in price in the off-season. Have a random assortment of gift cards from great aunts and second cousins? So does everyone else. Sites like Plastic Jungle make buying, selling and swapping these cards a hot commodity in the months after the holidays. Are you going to the chapel and ‘gonna get married? Well looks like you’re alone. With most brides wanting a spring wedding, negotiating a venue and various service prices can be much easier in the winter months.

April-June

With the days of scraping ice off your windshield long in the past, boots and winter gear are on sale at this time. Take advantage and stock up on jackets, scarves and mittens for you and your little ones.

Even if you don’t have a new graduate in the household, you can still take advantage of all the great kitchen and cookware sales this time of year.  New vacuums come out in June—who knew?! How convenient to stock up on the former model at a low price before all the unknowing poor souls pay full price for a new model.

July-September

You’re never too cool (or old) for back-to-school savings. These months are ideal for a new computer, with most manufacturers slashing prices to compete for new student sales. For all the fermented grapes aficionados, September is harvest time—ideal time for stocking your wine racks.

October-December

Start your engines, car dealers are looking to out the old, and welcome in the new car models. These months are ideal for haggling on end of year car sales.

Don’t tell the kids, but the holiday months are when you can find the greatest markdowns on toys and games, as stores compete for Santa’s business.

Year Round Rules

As a rule of thumb, appliance shopping should be done on Sundays when most stores use discounts to attract customers, as well as any major 3-day weekend. It’s the gift that keeps on giving (to your waistline). Stock up on chocolate AFTER any major holiday, as most stores are looking to clear out any and all holiday themed treats.

[#2]

So, as a general rule, it's a good idea to buy things a "season" or two before they're usually in high demand? Makes sense.

I learned the buying-candy-the-after trick ages ago... it's a good one. In fact, I have a friend whose family believed in it so much that they used to celebrate Christmas on the 27th, so that they could buy all their presents and stocking stuffers for practically nothing.

[#3]

My son has his birthday in January and I discovered last year that I could get all kinds of Christmas chocolate on an incredible sale. He was happy to have the chocolate and didn't mind the Santa and tree shapes.