MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--SHOPPING DEALS MONTH BY MONTH

Do you know the best time of year to buy certain consumer goods? Are you getting the best price for seasonal items during the pre-season sales, the during-season sales, or the post-season sales? Have you ever bought something, thinking you were getting a deal, only to find out the following month you should have waited? The best deals can usually be found during the post-season sales, but supplies will be limited, and you might not be able to find what you want.

I recently came across a chart that shows month-by-month when you’ll get the best deals on different products. So if you’re in the market for any of these items, especially the higher priced ones, you might want to wait.

Need winter clothes or new bedding and linens? You missed the boat. January is when you’ll score the biggest deals on those items.

Right now you can find great deals on indoor furniture, certain home gym equipment such as treadmills and ellipticals, and humidifiers.

Wait until March for digital cameras, TVs, winter sports gear, and small electronics such as Blue Ray players.

April is the best month to buy computers, lawn mowers, and spring clothing.

In May you’ll find deals on athletic apparel and shoes, camping gear, mattresses, carpeting, and cordless phones.

Shop in June for swimwear, pots and pans, and dishes.

July is a great month to score on camcorders.

Think ahead and buy your snow blower in August, but wait until September for gas grills.

You’ll find deals on winter coats and bicycles in October.

November is a great sales month for baby products and toys.

Looking for a new GPS or home appliance? Wait until December.