My mom has a sixth sense when it comes to bargain hunting. Where I’m thrilled to get 25 percent off and free shipping, she’s finding deals of 70 percent off and gets the inside scoop from the salespeople, who probably have her on speed-dial should a ginormous everything-must-go-or-we-torch-it clearance sale come along.

Okay, so I’m exaggerating, but not by much. The point, however, is that the key to finding bargains is timing: off-season, end-of-season, or new models bring down prices on old models. There’s a pattern and a perfect time to buy just about anything.

When possible, plan your purchases by using the following list to score the best deals and to keep more of your money in your high interest savings account:

House and Home

    * Real estate: March through August are active months for buying and selling, so a buyer looking for a deal will have better luck negotiating an offer in autumn and winter.
    * Flooring: Carpet and flooring go on sale near the end of the year due to slow sales, though discounts are possible throughout the year from independent retailers.
    * Furniture: January and July are the best months to buy, as stores need to make room for new inventory.
    * Gas grill—Like air conditioners, the best time to buy is during winter months, when demand for outdoor grills is low.
    * Cookware: April and May (think graduation and wedding prime time) and October and November (holidays approaching) are the best times.
    * Linens: January white sales and the end of each season (i.e. as spring approaches, winter-colored linens will go on sale). It’s common to see linens (in all colors, not just white!) on sale for up to 60 percent off retail.
    * Mattress: New mattresses arrive in stores in May, when you’ll find a good deal on the previous year’s models.
    * Vacuum cleaner: June, when new models hit the floors, and end of winter.
    * Hardware: Big sales occur around Father’s Day and between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    * Home appliances: New models arrive in September and October, when you’ll find good deals on last year’s models. Holiday weekends—Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Presidents’ Day—are also good bets for deals. If you’re willing to buy an appliance with a ding or a scratch, you can save hundreds.
    * Air conditioner: Winter months, when demand is low.

Flora

    * Flowers: Tulips are less expensive in February, peonies in May. Flowers are at their best when in season.
    * Shrubs, trees, etc.: Autumn is a good time to buy bulbs (store them according to directions on the packaging), trees, and shrubs (nurseries are trying to clear out inventory).

Recreation

    * Outdoor (general): Swings, beach and pool toys, swimming gear, and other outdoor items go on sale in August, when retailers are trying to make room for fall and winter items.
    * Outdoor gear (bicycles, for example): February and March, when new models replace last year’s models.
    * Boat: Boat shows, held from January through March, generally offer the best prices.
    * Gym membership: Membership sales soar in January as everyone resolves to lose weight, but lag in spring and summer. You’ll find lower fees and waived enrollment fees then to lure you to their treadmills.
    * Movie tickets: Matinees are an established way to spend less at the theater (as is smuggling in your own M&Ms, not that I’d condone such behavior or ever do so myself). A.M. Cinema (AMC Theaters) sells discounted tickets before noon from Friday to Sunday and on holidays.
    * Broadway tickets: Find bargains hours before the show, or try the well-known TKTS booth in Times Square.

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