Smart Start

With January 2013 almost history and February around the corner, I thought I would share some savvy saving tips for making 2013 even better!  Here are a few tips on how to shop the calendar year and “time” your purchases, you can be rewarded with some big discounts on quality gifts, goods and getaways.

January:  Many airlines and hotels try to entice you with deals – plan your family getaway now.  You can even make your monthly spouse “date night” a possible “overnight” for the same price (breakfast in bed to boot).  Get started with your mini escape at one of my fav planning sites Wanderfly.

February: Furniture retailers offer sales to make way for new designs, which debut in the spring. Be sure to check out the trendsetting One Kings Lane for additional discounts on your home goods!

March:  Eager to clear shelves for summer new golf clubs, many sports stores sell old clubs at reduced prices this time of year.  Roger Dunn Golf Shops has been the leader in golf discount stores for over 40 years- they are my go to guys for golf.

April: Folks with spring cleaning fever are donating clothes, furniture and home goods, make this the best month to treasure hunt at thrift stores.  Have the kiddos grown out of their designer duds?  Visit Threadup to see how you can reinvest in their wardrobe. New duds at discount? Yummy Zulily has it all.

May: Mattress Manufacturers ar shipping new models, so retailers are keen to move lingering inventory. I love our dreamy Select Comfort bed.

June: The height of wedding season has stores courting brides-to-be.  Get in on the dishware discounts with or without the ring.  Bloomingdales was my fav in picking dishware and other household items-believe it or not, some of the best deals I found was through Bloomies. Their sales are hard to beat! I still have my registry book they gifted us.  I have referenced this beautiful book for over 18 years.

July: Power tool prices plummet on post-Fathers Day stock.  Grab a few stocking stuffers- it’s never too early to prepare for holidays! Visit your local Home Depot in July or go where mechanics shop year round at Tolltopia.

August: Swimwear.  No surprise that the end of summer means deals.  Go on and save on kids and hubby, but deal or not- I think it is always a wise choice to invest in a nice swimsuit for yourself!   A quality stylish suit will take care of you all year round, especially in Southern California. Visit the hottest maker out there Luxe by Lisa Vogel. Not only does this designer nail it every season, she is a pretty amazing friend.

September: For all my midwest and east coasters…to help create space for snowblowers and other winter gear, the price tags on lawn mowers get trimmed.  And those family members of mine with big yards in the midwest, these are considered a right of passage. Sadly, I feel that the lawnmower is not well-known in the west coast by our children’s generation (unless it is an electronic game or app design).  My Nor Cal childhood chores included weekly lawn mowing duties in our yard..and it was a manual mower!  Don’t get me wrong, I love our landscaper and mow and blow guy, but I might be making a trip to the store soon for this lost art.  Found a manual mower for $100 and for a few bucks more I can splurge with the Murray 21″ Side Discharge/Mulch/Rear Bag Gas Push Mower.  Each kiddo will be begging for a turn!

October: Stock up now on next summers patio furniture. Restoration Hardware outfits yards beautifully.

November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fueled largely by deals on electronics.  I get a bit overwhelmed with all the holiday prep and activities that I can’t keep up with all the deals rolling in during this month, but hopefully this year I will capture them all in my inbox file folder!

December: Car dealers who want to boost sales numbers before the end of the year are in the mood to bargain.  We are in the market for a new ride and we almost took the plunge this year, but instead we are going to make 2013 a journey of sorts…for the ultimate family ride.  Yes, I will be writing about my finds and yes…I am looking for the mothership.  If anyone finds a deal for a hybrid bus….call me!  But in the meantime, I am not leaving any doors unopen. Check out the Mercedes Sprinter Traveler 3! Takes kids carpool and girls night out to another level.