You may have already packed up your patio furniture and harvested everything from your garden, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to sit around the house and dream about next spring. Sure, you might not have to mow the lawn, tend to the garden, or host dinner parties out on the patio for another six months but now is the time to think about making some purchases that will save you a ton of money next year.
Every fall retailers have to clear their shelves to make way for all the new holiday items and cold weather products. That means big discounts on summer gear. It might not make much sense to buy a new bathing suit in October if you aren’t going to be able to use it until May or June, but the savings could make it worthwhile. Here are some top discounts you’ll see at various retailers this fall.
Spring and Summer Clothes
This probably goes without saying, but things like shorts, summer style shirts, sandals, and swimsuits will top the clearance racks this fall. In fact, many of these items even start going on sale before Labor Day and if you wait too long you might not even be able to find many summer clothes. So be sure to stock up as the cool weather eases in. It isn’t uncommon to find discounts of up to 50% off so it’s worth picking up some of next summer’s wardrobe this year.
Lawn and Garden
If you live in a cooler part of the country you know that once fall and winter arrive there is little gardening to be done, no lawns to be mowed, and less time spent outdoors as a whole. So most of us pack up the garden tools, the lawn mower, and cover up the patio furniture until the warm weather returns in the spring. If you need a new lawn mower, buy it in the fall. Many large chain stores will begin to drop the prices on law mowers and other power equipment by as much as 30% after Labor Day. I know, it stinks to spend good money on a brand new mower only to have it sit unused for a number of months, but when you consider the savings it is worth the wait.
Don’t forget about plants. There is nothing better than going to the nursery for the first time in the spring and basking in all of the great new plants, but that’s when everyone is buying and when prices are at their highest. In the fall most places are simply trying to get rid of as many plants as possible before the cold weather sets in and either kills them or forces them to take the plants back to the greenhouse where they take up valuable space. You can find some plants late in the year going for as much as 80% off! In fact, the best time to plant a lot of species is during the fall, so as long as you still have a little warm weather ahead of you it is possible to make a big upgrade to your landscape at a fraction of the cost. Sure, you won’t see the results until next spring, but plants are expensive. Plan ahead and find the discounts this fall.
New Cars
I’ve talked about this many times before, but I’m not a fan of buying new cars. That being said, if you do want to buy a new car your best bet is to wait until the new models start to hit showrooms. For most brands that happens in September. But don’t rush out in September and expect killer deals on last year’s models just yet. It’s all about supply and demand, and if you wait another month or two and head into October and November most dealerships will start getting anxious about unloading the last year models to make room for this year’s model. The more pressure they have to reduce inventory, the better the deals you’ll find.
If you think about it, just because you’re looking at last year’s model instead of the new model just released it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a new car. Sure, you might not get a certain bell or whistle that may have just been released in the new model, but it’s still a brand new car only now you’re likely to get it for 10-20% cheaper than you would have just a few months ago.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
