Best Buys for Each Month

AUGUST

Camping equipment: These summer supplies take up a lot of room in stores, which need to display winter gear. Look for deals on tents and sleeping bags.

Linens and storage containers: College-bound kids need 'em, and good sales abound on these and other dorm supplies.

Wine: Many vineyards release new wines in the early fall, so it's a good time to stock up on the existing inventory.

SEPTEMBER

Bicycles: Retailers try to unload last season's models.

Cars: Post-Labor Day, you won't have to work so hard haggling on existing new models. Also look for financing deals, especially toward the end of the month.

Grills and lawn mowers: These summer staples can be a wintertime display and storage headache. Shop after Labor Day.

OCTOBER

Cookware: Retailers discount prices for early holiday shoppers.

Lingerie: Get special discounts this month and maybe next.

RVs: As with cars, new models arrive in the fall — and prices on existing inventory get slashed. Look for this trend to continue through the winter months.

NOVEMBER

GPS devices: Navigate toward unexpected discounts around the end of the month.

Baby products: A good selection — with prices to match — makes this the month to buy clothing and accessories for grandkids' first holiday.

Televisions and electronics: Black Friday and Cyber Monday, of course, offer well-publicized deals. But with more retailers kicking off the holiday shopping season on Thanksgiving Day itself, it's the perfect time to cruise the Internet for those discounts.

DECEMBER

Cars: Traditionally, this is a slow time at dealerships, since consumers' attention turns to holiday spending. But sales quotas still must be met. Translation: a good time to bargain on new and used vehicles.

Small appliances: Toasters, blenders and mixers make for easy last-minute holiday gifts. Retailers make it easier with seasonal promotions.

Tools: As with Father's Day, the holidays offer hands-on savings for the handy.

Toys: For the very best seasonal savings, wait until mid-month; the 10-day period before Christmas is when most toys are drastically discounted.

Also of Interest

• Grandparents! Don't fall for this scam
• 4 surgeries you should avoid

Visit the AARP home page for great deals and savings tips