Frugal Friday: Best Things to Buy in August
In the retail world, the month of August is known for two things: back-to-school shopping and clearing out summer staples—like warm weather clothing, patio furniture and grills—to make room for fall merchandise.
Here’s a look at some of the best things to purchase this month, with tips to help you get an even bigger bang for your buck:
Seasonal items:
- Summer clothing: If you passed on recent summer apparel sales, you’re in luck. This month, retailers will slash prices even further in an effort to make way for fall fashions. Some major sales are on now, but as it gets closer to Labor Day, prices will drop even further.
- Grills: In the market for a new grill? As fall approaches, you’ll find the best deals. Places like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sears are known for dropping prices; so keep an eye on weekly ads to see how you can save.
- Patio furniture: Just like grills, many retailers are looking to move unsold patio furniture. For example, now at Sam’s Club, you can save up to $700 on “last chance” outdoor furniture sets.
Back-to-school bargains:
- Paper, pencils, etc.: Many stores started filling shelves with back-to-school essentials several weeks ago, but now is when sales really heat up. If you find exceptionally good deals on things like paper, crayons , notebooks and pencils, stock up and use them when your child runs out or stash them away for next year.
- Clothing: According to the National Retail Federation, the biggest chunk of a parent’s back-to-school budget—approximately $345—will go towards clothing and shoes. This time of year, many states hold “tax free holidays,” where you can shop for clothing and other items without having to pay sales tax.
- Tech: Whether you’re heading back to the classroom or not, now is one of the best times of the year to purchase tech items. For example, Staples is now offering $30 off select iPad models. If you’re a student or teacher, don’t forget to ask if there’s a discount available to you. Many places—the Apple Store included—offer significant savings.
Travel: If you haven’t yet had time to squeeze in a summer getaway, now is the time to pack your bags. A number of factors make for lower prices on travel in August—fewer business trips and children heading back to school just to name a couple. For example, Atlantis Bahamas has just launched its End of Summer Sale, with room rates as low as $99 per-night (plus plenty of extras, like airfare credits and wine and dine packages) for select dates in August.
Fruits and veggies: Eating fresh fruits and veggies is one of my favorite things about summertime. Visit your local farmers market for lower than normal prices on foods that are plentiful this time of year, like blueberries, green beans, corn and watermelon. While you’re at it, don’t forget to celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3rd!
As always, RetailMeNot has shared with us some of the best bargains they’ve discovered this week:
Travelocity: Now through the end of the month, save $40 on select hotel bookings of $250 or more by using this promo code.
Carter’s: Use this coupon through August 5th to save 25 percent on any in-store purchase of $50 or more.
Verizon: Save $50 on select 4G LTE smartphones—plus get free shipping—by using this code.
Macy’s: Now through August 5th, save an extra 20 percent on select regular, sale and clearance items when you use this coupon.
Charlotte Russe: Save 10% on any purchase when you use this coupon and show your student or military ID.
