Prices go up and down all the time. "Supply, demand, the price of raw materials, the price of gas, location, the economy — it all affects product pricing," explains Yahoo tech columnist David Pogue in his 2016 book, "Pogue's Basics: Money." While that's entirely out of your control, what you can control is when you shop. "In certain industries, the prices for products always drop at certain times of year, like clockwork," Pogue writes. He provides a cheat sheet for the best time to buy just about everything, from electronics to gym memberships. Here, we've highlighted 17 essentials and the best month of the year to buy them. After the holidays and when New Year's resolutions are still in force, stores will start to lure customers in with sales, Pogue writes. Expect "huge deals, from 30 to 70 percent off." "Sales on sailings usually arrive in January and February, when people are booking their spring break and summer cruises," Pogue explains. If you're planning a holiday cruise, look for another round of sales in October, he writes.
Specifically, camera shop over President's Day weekend, Pogue says: "New models usually debut in February, so you can count on big discounts on last year's models on Presidents' Day weekend." Right after Valentine's Day, you can find even the fancy stuff cheap, Pogue says. New luggage styles arrive in March in anticipation for summer travel, so you can find great deals on last year's suitcases. Plus, with Spring Break coming up, it's the perfect time to snag a new duffel. "In August, another round of price cuts settles in, since people are pretty much finished with their summer travels," Pogue writes. Graduation and wedding seasons are fast approaching, meaning you'll find good deals on kitchen supplies — particularly over Memorial Day weekend, Pogue notes. Memorial Day mattress sales are a real thing, Pogue explains: "The entire industry blows out last year's models over Memorial Day, so watch for crazy sales in May." If you miss out on this specific weekend, don't stress — more sales will come around over the weekends of July 4 and Labor Day.
"The best deals, logically enough, sprout in June," writes Pogue. "That's when demand is lowest, as people head outdoors for physical activity." Valentine's Day is long gone, and there are no gift-giving holidays around the corner to boost stores' sales. Capitalize on the lull. You could even knock out a few Christmas gifts and have one less thing to worry about when the hectic holiday season rolls around. Swim season is officially over and stores don't want shelves of swimwear that no one is going to buy, Pogue says. Snag them on clearance now … or pay much more right before heading out on a spring trip. Take advantage of giant price cuts on outdoor essentials in August, advises Pogue: "The summer's over, and so is demand for this stuff. Look for another rash of sales in October, too." If you're in the market for a new computer, wait until the back-to-school rush is over and buy one in September, Pogue advises. He also notes that there will be more discounts in November, on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
If you need a new ride, you'll get the best deal in September, says Pogue. It's the start of the model year and dealerships will be eager to clear last year's inventory. New models start coming out in these fall months, meaning it's a great time to snag a sale on last year's bikes, Pogue explains. Specifically, right after Halloween. "Every store and its brother slash prices to unload all the unsold candy," Pogue writes. Your options may be slim, but the prices will be hard to beat. The hype that electronic stores get for Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts isn't unjustified. "Every category of gadget goes on sale: TVs, laptops, phones, tablets, cameras, and so on," Pogue writes. "Every store and online retailer fights for headlines, and the winner is you." Even if the big day isn't until the spring or summer, start looking in November for a more affordable gown. "Nobody's buying wedding stuff in November and December," Pogue explains, "so that's when the bridal shops mark down their wares to make room for the new year's designs."
You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience.Try CBS All Access The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Try 1 Week FREE with CBS All AccessIf you’ve got Valentine’s Day on your mind, you’re in luck. February is the time of year to save big on romantic trips and sparkly jewels, but you can also stock up on home necessities such as mattresses and appliances. You just have to know where to go and when to buy. Presidents Day sales translate into big savings in a variety of categories. This is the time of year to swap out your mattress (you should be doing this every seven years or so anyway), upgrade your furniture and take advantage of housewares sales. Plus, if you resolved to work out more in 2017, you’re in luck. You can find some good discounts on at-home fitness equipment as well. Macy's: Feb. 9 — Feb. 11: Save $100 off select mattress sets by Sealy, Serta and Beautyrest. Sears: Now — Feb. 4: Save between 50 and 60 percent on select mattresses from Serta, Sealy and more.
Overstock: Feb. 10 — Feb. 23: Save up to 65 percent on mattresses and memory foam from select Serta, Sealy and Simmons brands. Sleep Number: Feb. 2 — Feb. 26: Save $200 on Queen Sleep Number c2 mattresses and 50 percent on the Sleep Number iLE bed with SleepIQ technology. Mattress Firm: Now — Feb. 26: Save up to $500 on select Tempur-Pedic adjustable mattress sets. RELATED: Buying a new mattress? Sleep Number: Feb. 2 — Feb. 26: Buy one Sleep Number pillow, get one for 50 percent off. Select blankets, comforters and sheets are also 20 percent off. Macy's: Feb. 9 — Feb. 11: Save 60 percent off select down and feather pillows and between 50 and 60 percent off memory foam pillows from SensorFel, Tempur-Pedic and more. RELATED: How often you should clean your pillows — and the right way to do it Kmart: Now — Feb. 4: Save up to 33 percent on dining furniture, up to 30 percent on bedroom furniture, and up to 20 percent on area and accent rugs.
Sears: Now — Feb. 4: Save up to 30 percent on all bedroom furniture and futons. Macy's: Feb. 9 — Feb. 11: Save up to $600 on select dining sets, up to $1,200 on select chaise sectionals and up to $400 on select leather sofas. Pier 1 Imports: Now — Feb. 26: Save 20 percent on select drinkware, dinnerware and serveware. Also save up to 15 percent on all bedroom furniture. Overstock: Now — Feb. 28: Save up to 15 percent on select living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. RELATED: Chip and Joanna Gaines' own 'Fixer Upper' home tour in Waco, Texas Overstock: Now — Feb. 28: Save up to 10 percent on select pots, pans, glassware and utensils. Lowe's: Now — Apr. 1: Save up to $150 on select Dyson vacuums, and from Feb. 22 — Feb. 27 save 25 percent on select Shark vacuums. From Feb. 8 — Apr. 1 save up to 35 percent on select washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ranges and dishwashers. Sears: Now — Feb. 4: Save up to 40 percent on select small kitchen appliances.
Macy's: Feb. 9 — Feb. 11: Save 40 percent on select serveware, 50 percent on select drinkware, and 40 percent on select dinnerware and glassware. JCPenney: Now — Feb. 28: Save 30 percent on select dinnerware, 40 percent on select tableware including cheeseboards, cake stands and trays, and up to $100 on select cookware sets. Kmart: Now — Feb. 4: Save up to $25 on select toasters, hand mixers, coffeemakers, blenders and slow cookers. RELATED: Learn her secrets! How one house cleaner uses only 3 products Total Gym: Feb. 1— Feb. 28: Save $300 on the Total Gym Row Trainer. Sears: Now — Feb. 4: Save $320 on select NordicTrack treadmills and $500 on select NordicTrack elliptical trainers. SPRI: Feb. 1 — Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 — Feb. 12: Save 10 percent on flexibility and mobility gear, including foam rollers, exercise mats and Pilates power rings. DICK'S Sporting Goods: Feb. 1 — Feb. 28: Save $200 on the BowFlex Max Trainer. RELATED: The easy 7-day fitness plan anyone can master
In anticipation of Valentine's Day, many jewelry stores offer discounts and promos on their sparkliest offerings. For those who want to whisk their loved one away on a romantic trip, February is the time of year to make a great escape. Thanks to low demand for travel, you may be able to find a deal at your favorite travel destination. Blue Nile: Feb. 2 — Feb. 13: Save up to 25 percent on select diamond, gemstone, silver, gold and pearl jewelry. Macy's: Feb. 9 — Feb. 11: Save 70 percent on all 10-karat and 14-karat gold earrings and up to $600 on select diamond earrings. Kay Jewelers: Feb. 2 — Feb. 14: Save 30 percent storewide. Zales: Feb. 2 — Feb. 5: Save 10 percent on purchases up to $1,499, 15 percent on purchases from $1,500 to $3,999, and 20 percent on purchases over $4,000. Jared Galleria of Jewelry: Feb. 2 — Feb. 14: Earn $200 in Jared rewards for every $500 spent. RELATED: Man films 1 clip a day for a year in epic video proposal Viking River Cruises: Now — Feb. 28: Viking Cruises is offering 2-for-1 cruise fares, and you may be able to get steep discounts on airfare for some itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Now — Mar. 5: If you book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line in the sale window, you can choose up to five free on-board amenities (depending on the stateroom category booked), including free open bar, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, or free Wi-Fi. Trivago: Now — Feb. 28: Book and travel this month and save up to 40 percent on hotel rates in places like Florence, Barcelona and Prague. Expedia: Now — Feb. 28: If you book in February and travel in February or March, you can save anywhere from 20 to 45 percent on select four-star hotels in Cabo, New York, Cancun and Los Angeles. RELATED: The 16 best places to go on vacation with a baby or toddler ProFlowers: Now — Feb. 14: Get 40 percent off one dozen assorted roses or 15 sweetheart tulips, plus a mason vase and chocolate. Ode a La Rose: Feb. 1 — Feb. 16: Save 20 percent on a dozen roses. With school season in full effect and colder temps nationwide, January and February months are a good time to buy a new home at a great price.