It’s hard to believe, but summer is quickly coming to a close.
The days of lounging by the pool, enjoying little league baseball games, and soaking up the sun will soon be over. Instead, you’ll be raking leaves and putting kids on the school bus.
There is one upside to the shorter days, though: the end-of-summer sales. To score big savings, purchase these items now:
Outdoor Items
Retailers need to start moving their summer stuff out so they can make room for fall and winter inventory. If you were contemplating buying an outdoor item — like patio furniture or a new grill — you should go ahead and do so for next year.
Here’s what to look for:
- Barbeque grills
- Camping equipment
- Swimming pools and supplies
- Patio sets
Clothing
If you have kids, you know how fast they grow. They’re in a new size every three to four months, which makes buying off-season a good choice. If you can accurately guess what size your kids will be next year, now is the time to stock up on summer clothes.
Plus, with back-to-school sales, you’ll be able to find a myriad of clothing options for rock bottom prices. (They might even make good Christmas gifts!)
Here’s what to look for:
- Swimsuits
- Shorts
- Flip flops/sandals
- Back-to-school clothing
Cars
Next year’s new car models debut in the fall — which means now through September, car dealers are trying to liquidate their current inventory. During this time, you can usually save as much as 15 percent. (Maybe even more if you’re a good negotiator.)
Back-to-School
Right now, you’re going to find great prices on school supplies and accessories. Go ahead and stock up to make it all the way through the school year, or purchase some early Christmas gifts.
Here’s what to look for:
- Crafts and school supplies
- Printers
- Tablets, notebooks, and laptops
Get the Most for Your Money
Before you buy, make sure to check for coupons to sweeten the deal. If you’re doing your clearance shopping online, do a quick search for coupon codes good for free shipping or further discounts. If you’re shopping in a store, use an app to search for coupons — it’ll only take you a minute and is well worth the effort.
And remember: Every deal isn’t a steal. Retailers will often mark up prices before marking them down, or put a very small markdown on the merchandise. Do your research before making any purchases.
What items do you like to buy during end-of-summer sales?
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Always smart to buy at the end of the season for next. Kids clothing can be tricky because of how fast they grow. We have been burnt a few times by not judging properly the right size for the following season.
I can imagine kids’ clothes getting harder and harder to (and more and more expensive) to buy as they get older. It’s still not a problem yet because my kids are only 4 and 1 years old, but the task will get harder soon.
Thanks for the reminder Brian!