A Penny Saved

While many of us are being careful about spending our money there are still items we have to buy. Beyond the basics of food, clothing and shelter there are things that we can save a lot of money on just by planning ahead and buying these things in the "off" season. This includes clothing for those of us who are more interested in value than fashion.

While this is a rough month-by-month guide you need to adjust it for your part of the country. Things that are on sale in Minnesota may be at their highest price in Texas because of the variations in seasons.

Computers and other electronic bargains can be best just after the introduction of the newest upgrades. Most of us don't really need the absolutely latest electronic gadget so the ones just displaced are good enough and much better priced.

January has long been known as the month of "white sales" a term that came into being back when all bedding and bath supplies were white. If you foresee the need for sheets, towels and other such items this is a good time to check them out. Toys are also good sale items because of Christmas leftovers. If you foresee the need for toys for birthdays etc. now is a good time to pick up a few at really good prices.

February is the time to check out the small electronics that didn't sell over the holidays. By now the post holiday diet and exercise frenzy has subsided so all the exercise equipment and diet things are going on sale as well. Outdoor furniture may also be a bargain at this time. Last year's bits and pieces need to be cleared out for the new stuff that will soon be arriving.

March is an excellent time to stock up on winter clothing. It is time for spring and summer clothes to appear so coats and sweaters are going to be marked 'way down. Because the cold and flu season is almost over humidifiers will also be going on sale.

April is a good time to shop for spring clothes since the summer duds are appearing. The very last digital cameras left over from the holidays are likely to be on sale as well.

May seems to be a good time for cordless phones and the warmer types of athletic wear. Shorts and short sleeved shirts are what's wanted now.

June is when bargains in swimwear are to be had. The stores need those racks for their fall lines which are coming out about now.

July is the time to go furniture shopping. With vacations and various outdoor summer activities not many people are thinking about a new couch or dinning room table.

August is the time to go looking for items usually associated with summer such as, air conditioners, lawn mowers and camping equipment. School is starting and winter equipment is being brought in now.

September is the real blow out month for what's left of the summer time items such as grills and gardening tools.

October is when digital cameras may be going on sale if there is something newer and better coming out for the upcoming holidays. Winter coats may be on sale (WHAT? You didn't get one last March tut-tut) at this time.

November is the time for getting bargains on such items as leaf blowers. Begin checking toys now if you are going to need some for Christmas.

December is a time for some real bargains in anything left over from summer grills, bicycles, any sort of camping equipment etc. It is also a good time to look at TV's. Manufactures will be introducing their brand new TV's hoping to lure in any who are Bowl game addicts. The previous year's offerings will be good buys now.

Use this guide to get the things you want, as well as need, and yet have something left over to put in your savings account.