Time is Money

Inflation is rising and pushing prices on pretty much everything sky high. That means if you’re in need of a big ticket item — like an appliance or a computer — you should formulate a plan for how you’re going to pay for it before you buy. Here are some things to consider.

Check Your Calendar

Depending on what you need, there could be a holiday or specific time of year that the item will be discounted. Think ahead and try to time your purchase for that moment. As Marketwatch reports, Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends typically feature the best deals for appliances, furniture and mattresses. If you’re looking for a new computer or smartphone, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day are your best bets for finding discounted prices. Need a new TV? Prices are typically lower right around the Super Bowl — from late January to early February.

You should also check your calendar for tax-free holidays. These dates vary by state, and can provide a good amount of savings — especially if you get zero taxes on a big ticket item.

In and Out

Holidays aren’t the only time when you’ll find deals. In general, shopping for things out of season is when you’ll find great deals. If your skis are toast, shop for a new pair in the summer, not autumn or winter.

Use Tech

There are apps and internet browser extensions that can save you heaps of cash. Honey, a browser extension, grabs coupons depending on where you’re shopping. Rakuten operates in much the same way, but also finds cash back deals and applies them at checkout.