My brother (according to my sister in law), is in need of some frugal tips for running their home. I have been trying to run our home frugally and simply while keeping a close eye on our impact on the environment for some time now. I will post some recipes for him, but I thought I would start with this.
Sales Cycles.
Stores have historically sold certain items on "sale" during specific times of the year. For instance, during the Christmas holiday, you will find baking items on sale. And it is always more expensive to purchase watermelon in February vs. July. I have acquired a list of what typically goes on sale during what time of the year. It helps to stock up on non-perishables when the prices are good, and enjoy perishables more when they are more affordable. This list is by no means complete, and I add and subtract as I shop, but it is a good place to start.
Here we go:
JANUARY
- chili
- ingredients for soups and stews
- organizers -this is when people start preparing taxes, so you will find folders, boxes, adding machines, file drawers and other tax related items on sale
- post-holiday sales
- White Sales
- weight loss equipment
- Christmas themed items, food, paper products, gifts
FEBRUARY
- many of the same food items as January
- candy and chocolates – Valentine’s Day
- housewares
- furniture
MARCH
- frozen food
- ham
- eggs (Easter)
- paper products
- cleaning supplies
- gardening supplies
APRIL
- spring clothing
- Jewish foods (noodles, flatbread and I usually find good deals on candles)
- eggs (Easter)
- ham (Easter)
MAY
- picnic supplies: hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, paper products
- pop
- cleaning supplies
- bug repellants
- sunscreen
JUNE
- summer clothing
- home improvement supplies
- dairy products
JULY
- summer sports toys
- picnic foods:hot dogs, condiments
- pop
- farmers markets have great deals on veggies now
- popcicles
AUGUST
- White Sale:linens and towels for college bound
- patio furniture
- BBQ’s
- back to school supplies (this is the BEST time to purchase ANYTHING related to office products)
- cereal
- now is a great time to visit local farmer's markets for lots of veggie and fruit deals
- tomatoes and peppers are a good deal now
SEPTEMBER
- back to school supplies continue to be GREAT deals!
- gardening supplies – for fall cleanup and summer clearance
- apples are always a good deal in september, especially at the farmer's market or u-pick
- late Septmeber and thru October are great times to purchase pumpkins. Pureed pumpkins freezes easily and can be used in lots of yummy baked goods!
- squash can be a good deal in Sept/Oct
OCTOBER
- candy – Halloween deals abound!
- baking items
- Thanksgiving items start going on sale – turkey, stuffing, marshmallows, pudding, pumpkin pie filling
- this is a great time to purchase items to make your holiday table pretty: glass ware, tablecloths, napkins, and dishes are on sale now through after Christmas
NOVEMBER
- winter clothing
- blankets
- turkey, sweet potatoes
- baking supplies
- canned veggies
- canned soup
DECEMBER
- toys – of course… Christmas is coming!!
- canned foods
- baking goods
- various foods that are easy to serve at parties: good cheeses, frozen hors’ devours, wine and champagne, crackers, dips, chips
It’s always a good idea to check the prices of seasonal and holiday items AFTER or just before the season or holiday ends. You can get great deals on cookie dough, candy and gift items especially if they were specifically marketed for a holiday or season. For example, you can purchase ghostly shaped cookie dough at least ½ off in the beginning of November. Christmas candy is drastically reduced in January. Both of these items freeze well and if you don’t mind munching on a chocolate Christmas tree in March, you’ll save tons!!
