What to Buy and What to Skip in August

When school starts, many retailers begin offering their ‘end of summer’ sales.  Have you caught yourself thinking, If you’re looking for bargains in August, here are a few good  suggestions on what to buy and what to skip.  The tail end of summer brings with it some fantastic finds, but some marked-up products, too.

Buy: Patio furniture and Outdoor Toys

Pick up a sweet deal on patio furniture at the end of the season. While giving your patio a facelift, you’ll also find grills, outdoor décor and similar items on sale in August.

Outdoor toys, like sandboxes, bikes, inflatable pools and more, typically get big discounts in August. Check out sites like Overstock, Wayfair and look for markdowns on playground sets at retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Skip: Major household appliances and mattresses

If you’re in the market for a major household purchase, you’re best off waiting until September. Retailers tend to slash prices on these items by 30% or more during Labor Day weekend sales. Plan ahead by checking out upcoming sales in the weeks leading up to Labor Day. Doing so will help you land the best prices on your purchases.

Buy: Swimwear

Stores and online retailers need to clear their summer stock to make room for the autumn and winter line, which gives you the perfect chance to snag a super swimsuit deal! Stash your treasures for next year’s beach season or keep them for a winter getaway to warmer climates. When my children were little I would always shop for clothes for the next year at the end of each season. I would get nice outfits and jackets for $4 and $5 opposed to buying at the beginning of the season and spending $30 plus for each item.

Skip: iPhones

If you’re looking to update your iPhone, you’re best off waiting a month or two. The iPhones are usually updated in mid-September, and older models typically see a price cut when new models hit the market. So, whether you want to score the best price on an older phone or you’re willing to pay anything for the latest and greatest in iPhones, put the brakes on that purchase until September.

Buy: School supplies and kids’ clothing

August is already deep into the back-to-school shopping season, when school supplies and kids’ clothing tend to see generous markdowns. Stock up on supplies to last all year and get your kids outfitted for the coming season at rock-bottom prices.

Skip: TVs

Don’t run out and buy a new TV just yet. If you need a new flat screen, you’re best off waiting for Black Friday to get the best deal.

Buy: Office supplies and furniture

Back-to-school sales means you can also cash in on office supplies and furniture. Restock your home office with basic supplies, upgrade your office chair or spring for a new desk at bargain prices.

Skip: Fall clothing

Fall apparel will just be hitting the stores in August, so you likely won’t be seeing steep discounts on fall wear until October.  I am so ready to start wearing my fall sweaters and boots, but hold odd on buying the new stuff until a little further down the road. If you need a few new pieces for your wardrobe before October, make sure and check out places like Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Burlington.