How to save money by shopping around seasonal sales

When your socks wear out, you buy new ones. When your sheets start to look ratty, you wait for the January White Sale. Prices are lower. If you can plan your purchases around seasonal sales, you can save a lot of money on all kinds of things. You may not be able to get everything you need on sale, but the savings you will experience will help you and your family to stretch your budget to cover other necessities. Here are a few pointers to make seasonal sales worth your while.

1. If you can, plan your major purchases around seasonal sales. For example, if you know in advance that you will need a new couch, plan your purchase for February when furniture is generally on sale.

2. Buy items like swim suits and winter coats off-season when they are at their lowest prices. Bikinis are in less demand in late August than they are in June. Winter coats are cheaper in March when winter is ending than at its beginning in December.

4. Before you buy, make sure you know and understand the store’s return policy. No refunds or exchanges could prove to be expensive if you end up purchasing a defective item.

5. Plan your purchases—buy what you know you need—not what is on sale when you arrive at the store. If you don’t need an item, the price does not matter—despite the “bargain”.

6. When you are buying a major appliance such as a washer, dryer, dishwasher or refrigerator, consider the warranty on the product, the manufacturer's reputation, the store’s reputation and return policy, and the availability of reputable service.

7. Some sales, like those after Christmas—are when just about everything is on sale so you can save on next year’s Christmas cards, gift boxes and bags, wrapping paper and holiday decorations. To find out when stores have sales on items you are planning to buy, call their customer service department for assistance.

Happy shopping!