Estimated Monthly Savings: $150
Did you know that different goods are likely to have different prices depending on the time of year? Seasonal sales and production can have a not insignificant effect on how much you spend.
Back to school sales are one such example. Naturally, you would use a back to school sale to shop for children starting school in the fall. However, adults can reap the benefits of these sales as well. Everybody uses office supplies. An expensive pack of printer paper might even go down from the mid-fifties to $40. Look around the stores you frequent and watch for back to school specials and sales. Even big-ticket goods like computers and printers will be going on sale, with savings that can reach $150.
New models of cars and bicycles often tend to be released at the end of the summer, as well. Thus, vendors will be inclined to sell old models – leading to lowered prices and good deals. Lawnmowers are also considered summer products – as the summer ends, vendors will want to get rid of these, and lower prices.
Seasonal produce is also an excellent way to save money. The USDA has a guide to seasonal produce to peruse, but this only goes by seasons, not monthly.
August seasonal produce includes avocado, bell peppers, carrots, eggplant, garlic, onions, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and more.
September yield includes apples, broccoli, cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, peaches, pumpkins, and spinach, among others.
In October, a few things to look out for are beets, brussels sprouts, corn, grapes, kale, peppers, sweet potatoes, and watermelon. These are by no means the full extent of seasonal food – just a sample of the foods you can save on by buying in season.