You can get some great finds when you shop in September, but you can also overspend on other items.
In fact, you may find it’s better to not shop for some things in September or risk “falling” for bad deals to start autumn.
Check your shopping list and find ways to save money shopping by skipping these products and getting them during a different month.
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1. Electronics
You may be excited to get new electronics, but it’s probably smart to hold off on buying that smartphone just yet.
Electronics are a big sale item for Black Friday in November, so if you don’t need it now, consider putting off purchasing a television, computer, or other electronics until the big sales after Thanksgiving.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Fall clothes
It might be time to update your wardrobe, but you should hold off buying new fall clothes until later in the season.
Check your favorite stores later in the fall when their seasonal clothing is on sale, and you can get better deals than when you buy it early in the season.
3. Anything pumpkin spice
It’s pumpkin spice season, which means there are plenty of items with pumpkin spice, from candy to candles to anything else that can handle a little fall spice flavor.
But September is when all those pumpkin spice items roll out at peak prices, so see if you can hold off until later in the season when prices come down.
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4. Amazon devices
Amazon is known to offer deep discounts on devices like Kindles when its special sales come around throughout the year.
Amazon just announced that it plans to have a set of Prime Big Deal Days in October when you can get those devices at a deep discount, so wait a month and check out your options then.
5. Apple products
Apple is expected to hold an event this fall to roll out its latest new products and updates.
Hold off purchasing products if you’ve been in the market for things like a new iPhone or Apple Watch. If you wait until these new products come to market, you can get the newest model when it’s available or pick up an older model at a discount.
6. Halloween decorations
Halloween can be an exciting time to decorate your home to make it spooky, but the price tag could be scary if you buy your decorations in September.
Instead, consider waiting until early November, which is after the holiday. Stores will have deep discounts on Halloween decorations that you can stock up on for next year and treat yourself to something nice with the money you save.
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Car companies traditionally roll out their new models in October, which creates a big changeover for dealers. That changeover can work to your advantage with deep discounts in October to get the old inventory off the lot.
It may be a good idea to hold off buying a new car in September and wait a month until you can get a better deal and keep some cash in your pocket.
8. Winter gear
You may want to prepare for the winter and start stocking up on jackets and boots, but being too early could cost you money.
Hold off on outdoor gear until more comes in stock, so you have more options and a wider variety of price points when deciding how you want to bundle up for the winter.
9. Specific school supplies
Most kids are back in school by September, so school supplies have been picked over, and you’re probably too late to get the specific things on your school supply list.
On the other hand, it could be a good time to get discounts on school supplies, but you’ll need lots of flexibility as you pick over the leftovers that are heavily marked down as stores try to move them out.
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Halloween can be a fun activity for everyone — in October.
Stores may only start to bring out their costumes in September, which means you may not find the best selection, and they won’t be marked down yet. So wait until you have more options and see if you can get a discount if you want to take a chance and buy one a few days before the holiday.
11. Anything from Target
Target shoppers can save money by signing up for Target’s loyalty program to get discounts throughout the year.
However, one of the best times to get deep discounts at Target is during Target Circle Week in October. So make a list of items you need at Target, but don’t actually buy them until October when you can save more.
12. Anything from Walmart
Like Target, Walmart also has a huge sales event that gives customers the chance to find extra discounts, and like Target, that event is in October.
So keep your wallet in your pocket and wait until October to get extra discounted items at Walmart.
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13. Traditional Black Friday purchases
Retailers are starting to plan out their peak sales in November in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and then their big sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so they may be holding off on sales in September.
Instead, spend September making a list of things you want to buy yourself or others that will likely be discounted in November.
Bottom line
You can keep more cash in your wallet by timing your purchases throughout the year so keep track of the best — and worst — months to buy items.
It’s a good idea to look at your budget and consider which purchases you need to make now and which you can save until later, especially for big-ticket items.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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