Yahoo Finance How to Shop the Best January Deals
At the start of a new year, many people resolve to clean up their finances, save more money and be cautious with spending habits. After a busy shopping season, the last thing you might want to do is spend more money. However, there are a few things that go on sale in the month of January that will see their lowest discounts all year. If you take advantage of these prices now (maybe using some of those gift cards you received last month?), you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
Here are a ten items you should consider buying this month:
Holiday decorations and wrapping:
You won't find lower discounts on Christmas wrapping paper, artificial trees or decorations at any other time of the year. Stock up with discounts at a minimum of 50 percent off on all these items and store them away for next season.
Fitness equipment:
The beginning of a new year is one of the best times to buy fitness equipment and gear. Many stores will offer competitive prices to attract those with new fitness goals and aspirations. Look for deals on home fitness equipment like ellipticals and treadmills, workout accessories and apparel.
Gym memberships:
Like stores offering gym equipment, fitness centers are also aware that this is one of the year's most popular times to get in shape. They will compete for your attention with attractive offers, including deals where you can refer friends to earn money off your existing membership.
Winter clothing and accessories:
Winter wear and apparel is discounted in January and available at fairly low prices. However if you can wait, the very lowest prices to be found are at the end of the season in late February.
Tax software:
The beginning of tax season offers discounts on software and services to persuade filers to get taxes done early. Don't wait until the last minute and you can take advantage of discounts up to 50 percent.
White sales:
The traditional white sales on bed and bath products will go on during January, meaning linens, towels, bathmats, curtains and bedding can be found at a discounted price. Look for sales at JC Penney, Macy's, Pottery Barn, Kohl's and other department stores.
Furniture:
Many furniture companies will release new product lines in February, meaning they are trying to clear their warehouses of inventory during January. Look for clearance sales and great deals on furniture this month.
After the holidays is the perfect time to snag unused gift cards at a discounted price. Look on gift card reseller websites such as Cardpool or Raise, and either buy a gift card at a lower price than its face value, or exchange an unwanted gift card for cash.
Electronics:
The Consumer Electronics Show debuts new technology and electronics in the beginning of January, which means that many older models will go on sale. Look for the steepest discounts on past year's models once the newly debuted products are actually available for purchase. This will include tablets, cameras, audio equipment and more.
TVs:
The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 1, which makes January a time when many football fans will look to upgrade their television. Second only to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, this is when you will see the best sales on TVs. Again, wait until after the Consumer Electronics Show when the newest models of TVs debut; you will soon after see deals and sales to move older models off the shelves.
There are a couple items, though, that you should hold off on purchasing, including mattresses and luggage. You are better off buying a mattress in the spring when the prices are at their most reduced. April and May see the best deals on mattresses. As for luggage, during a time of year when travel is less popular (in between the holidays and spring break), there are very few deals on luggage. Wait until President's Day sales, closer to spring travel times, for discounts.
It can really pay off to take advantage of January sales. Just make sure you're spending wisely and holding off on any purchases that will be found at lower prices later in the year.
Jon Lal is the founder and CEO of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com, which saves shoppers an average of $27 per order thanks to coupons plus an average of 7 percent cash back at more than 4,000 stores.
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