It's time to fire up that grill, summer is almost here. As temperatures start to rise, there’s something else heating up: lots of sales.
With special deals and bargains everywhere, it's hard to tell what's actually a good deal. At Golden 1 Credit Union, we're here to help you make smart purchases and stay on track with your financial wellness goals. Here’s our guide on what to consider buying and what to skip this summer.
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Buy: Outdoor Essentials
Summer is the time to shop for outdoor gear like grills, lawnmowers, mulch, ladders, and more, which may be marked down as much as 50% at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. Online retailers like Wayfair and Overstock also run sales and may even offer free shipping.
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Skip: Electronics
There'll be no shortage of deals on gaming consoles, laptops, and tablets around this time. But unless you need an upgrade, you're better off waiting until Black Friday, when retailers sell off older merchandise for newer inventory.
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Buy: Furniture
New patio set? This is your moment. The start of summer is the perfect time to update your home with new furniture. Swap out your mattress or invest in that sofa you've had your eye on, all at great prices. Some sales require a coupon code to qualify so check the retailer's website before shopping.
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Skip: TVs
Avoid purchasing a new TV in May based on what seems like a good deal. Many discounted TVs are older models with outdated features. For better deals on newer models, consider waiting until November or January for that serious upgrade.
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Buy: Wedding Registry Gifts
Now’s the time to check wedding gifts off your list. Macy's, JC Penney, and other department stores often run sales on household essentials, like coffee makers and blenders, ahead of wedding season.
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Skip: Cars
If you're eyeing a new set of wheels, keep your foot on the brake until after June. The real bargains roll in between July and October as dealerships work to clear out old inventory for the latest models.
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Buy: Tires
Getting ready for a summer road trip with the family? Now is the moment to log-in the best prices on tires for your vehicle.
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Skip: Swimwear
Don't dive in on swimwear and other summer apparel just yet. Wait until June, or even mid-summer, for the deepest discounts.
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Buy: Spring Apparel
Those warm-weather favorites have been on display at retailers for months now. That makes the start of summer the right time to refresh your closet for spring.
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Skip: Power Tools
If you're in the market for power tools, you won't have to wait long for some better deals. Father's Day sales typically kick off at the start of June, bringing deep discounts on power tools and outdoor equipment.
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Buy: Appliances and Home Decor
May brings major markdowns on large household appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, from retailers. Read reviews and compare different brands for these big-ticket items. Make sure to keep your receipts to mail in for cash-back rebates from manufacturers. It’s also a great time to score deals on home decor products, like light fixtures, flooring, and kitchen essentials.
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Skip: Jewelry
Hold off on jewelry purchases until late summer, when sales really start to shine. If you can push off your purchase until the end of February, you can find some truly glittering deals.
Now that you know what to buy and what to skip this season, you can meet your financial wellness goals without skipping out on all of summer’s BBQs and road trips.
