Smart Weekend Reading – “All Hallows’ Eve” Edition

October 28, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

The gang here at Rather-Be-Shopping.com has rounded up some more good reading for Halloween weekend. Hope you enjoy all of your local harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween festivities. See you next week.

  • How To Save Money on Holiday Travel.
    We have been getting a lot of email recently asking how to find the best travel deals as the holidays quickly approach. So when we found this article we were thrilled. A lot of great advice on how to save time and money when booking holiday travel.
    – Matthew Kepnes
    Lifehacker.com
  • Price Matching Guarantee at Walmart, Cool!
     Walmart just announced it will price match through Christmas and John does a great job in this post spelling out the details and fine print. This price match guarantee could be an excellent money saving tool as you head toward your Christmas shopping this year. Also, in case you were wondering, the price match does include layaway items and Internet pricing.
    – John Ewoldt
    Star Tribune.com
  • Coupon Tricks That Save Bundles at the Grocery Store
    We found this post and think it’s an excellent resource for those interested in trying couponing. Basics include where to start your coupon search and the pros and cons of each technique.
    – Grant Butler
    Oregon Live.com
  • Redbox Raising Fees
    Redbox is raising their prices from $1 to $1.20 next week. Interesting move, especially in the wake of the Netflix debacle. Personally, I think it’s a mistake as I would be less likely to use their service if I had to dig up another 20 cents. There is something very simple and easy about $1 for a DVD. Often times simple is way better.
    – Phil Villarreal
    The Consumerist.com
  • Halloween from a Different Perspective
    Sarah does a nice job giving her opinion on why buying more expensive chocolate for Halloween is a better choice for the World. She gives us a lot of food for thought, pun intended. Go take a look at her post and check out the comments, they are quite interesting as well.
    – Sarah Gilbert
    Get Rich Slowly.org
  • The Strangest Mortgage Story Ever
    Karin goes through the details of a lady whose brother spends home equity loan on Internet scams which leads the bank to threaten foreclosure. But that is only the start of this strange story, there is something fishy going on here. Check it out for yourself.
    – Karin Price Mueller
    The Star-Ledger

Have a fun and safe Halloween and don’t eat all of your kids candy after they go to bed. Snickers and Almond Joys? Well, maybe a few would be OK.

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5 Easy Ways to Find Extra Cash This Holiday

October 26, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

Sell Stuff on eBay.com

- In years past, starting around November 1st, I have sold my kids gently used toys, clothing, and other various unwanted household items on eBay.com. By the end of November, I always had enough money built up in my PayPal account to do a large majority of our Christmas shopping. Here are some tips on How To Make Some Money on eBay that I wrote a while back that still apply. Key takeaways from the article include taking a nice picture, writing a clever description, and most importantly, be honest.

Find a Part-Time Job

- Countless retailers will be looking for seasonal employees in the next few weeks. Finding a part-time job is a great way to earn a little extra cash as we head towards Christmas. The best strategies to find a part-time gig include keeping an eye on your local newspaper job listings, check Craigslist regularly, and let family and friends know you are looking for a job. Often times, word of mouth is the single best way to get yourself a job interview. People always notice ‘Help Wanted’ signs and ads when they know of someone who is looking for employment.

Sell Stuff On Etsy.com

- Etsy.com is an excellent way to sell stuff online and earn money in the process. Etsy lets you sell handmade items made by you, vintage items that are at least 20 years old, as well as commercial and handmade craft supplies. When your items sell, you pay Etsy a reasonable 3.5% commission. This is a great way to earn extra money this holiday, especially if you make your own Christmas decorations, ornaments, stockings, and other seasonal decor. Believe me when I say people will snatch it up very quickly. Etsy is the real deal and my wife has ordered stuff from them several times. I would define it as the anti-China, as products are very well made and have a lot of character.

Earn Money By Saving Money

- The best way to save money is to use coupons when making any online purchases this Christmas. We have seen some previews of coupons that are coming down the road and they are going to be really good this year. Retailers are worried about a rough holiday season and are hoping that by offering great incentives they will get consumers to loosen up their purse strings. Also, if you have an iPhone or Android, be sure to get the free Shop Savvy app as it will allow you to scan product bar codes and instantly have access to the best price and any coupons or rebates available. Do NOT pay full price on anything this year. We will be here to help you accomplish this.

Shop Thrift Stores & Discount Stores

- It blows me away how many brand new clothing items I find at the thrift store with the original tag still attached. Such items would make great Christmas presents at a fraction of the retail price. Also, be sure to shop at discount stores like Big Lots, Ross, Marshall’s, and TJ Maxx this year. They are a must for frugal Christmas shopping. You can often put together really thoughtful gift baskets by shopping at discount stores. My buddy Jennifer Melnick Carota, also known as The Gift Therapist, offers some terrific advice on putting together gift ideas that don’t shoot your budget. Here is a video she made a while back that I love. It may be a couple years old but the advice has never been more timely:

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Smart Weekend Reading – “Deodorize Your Undies With Coke” Edition

October 21, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

The crew here at Rather-Be-Shopping.com has rounded up some good reading for the weekend that we all feel will make you smarter by Sunday evening. Look for a new edition of ‘Smart Weekend Reading’ every Friday.

  • Home Loan Seem To Good To Be True? Probably Is.
    Phil at The Consumerist gives some advice on how to make sure the website you are looking at for a home loan is legit. Tips involve looking for a physical address on the website and how to make sure website is secure. Bottom-line: Do your homework first.
    – Phil Villarreal
    The Consumerist.com
  • Save Money By Taking a Vacation
    Sound counter-intuitive? If you have traveled recently, you know it kind of is. But the tip here from Donna is to turn off utilities like your phone service when taking a long trip. I had never heard of this practice before although it makes perfect sense. I plan on trying this next time I pack up the family in the minivan for a big road trip.
    – Donna Freedman
    MSN Smart Money.com
  • Can you afford to retire?
    That is the question Jean tackles on a recent Today Show segment. If you feel you are NOT in a position to retire due to a large mortgage you have to change your lifestyle right now. Jean recommends running the numbers so you know when you can retire on your current salary and retirement savings. Great tips, go check it out.
    – Jean Chatzky
    Today Show.com
  • Ditching Bank of America?
    My wife and I are actually going to be dumping BofA, and there $5 monthly debit card fee, and opting for a local credit union. So when I saw Farnoosh’s article on the best way to switch banks I was all over it. She offers some great tips on dealing with outstanding checks and other things you need to be aware of when switching.
    – Farnoosh Torabi
    CBS MoneyWatch
  • Deodorize Your Undies With Coke
    Ever tried it? Well, Adam at Lifehacker got word that Coca-Cola can do the job “thanks to the carbonic and phosphoric acid inside”. So next time you got undies or anything else that has a bad case of the nasties, give Coke classic a try. It is suppose to work great on grease stains and blood as well.
    – Adam Dachis
    Lifehacker.com
  • Keep Halloween Frugal This Year
    Ashley over at Wisebread has put together a list of resources designed to keep Halloween frugal as well as tips on building and maintaining a frugal coupon strategy. Some excellent weekend reading.
    – Ashley Jacobs
    Wisebread.com

Did you find any other smart or funny articles this past week that you think we should share? Please leave a comment below and we will check them out.

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New Stores for October 2011 – All With Coupons

October 20, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

October has been a busy month on Rather-Be-Shopping.com. Believe it or not, we are already getting ready for the Christmas shopping rush. In preparation, we have added a bunch of new stores to the website. Naturally, they all offer coupons to help you save money on your online purchases! Here is a list of the most notable additions.

1 – Dickies.com

- Dickies has been around since 1922 selling rugged outerwear and clothing. They now have a strong online presence and have expanded their product offerings to include women and kids clothing, outerwear, and shoes. The also have some excellent money saving online coupons. In particular, our Dickies.com coupons include $10 off $50 or more, $20 off $100 or more, and free shipping on your $50+ order. Rather-Be-Shopping.com will be receiving new offers on a weekly basis.

2 – Auto Parts Warehouse.com

- We are excited to finally add Auto Parts Warehouse to ever growing list of merchants in our tool and auto coupon category. They specialize in discount auto parts for all types of cars, trucks, and performance automobiles. Their most popular brands include Gibson, Monroe, Bosch, FlowMaster, and Mallory to name a few. Our Auto Parts Warehouse coupons are pretty terrific as well. Currently, they include free shipping on $50+, $5 off $99+, $15 off $150+, and $25 off your $499+ online order. All of these coupons include free shipping as they are above the $50 threshold.

3 – 7 For All Mankind.com

- 7 For All Mankind has been in business since 2000, and was recently added to our apparel coupons category. They started as a brand that revolved around their very popular denim styles and has since expanded to a full fashion line for men, women, and kids. Their top site categories include footwear, denim, tops, and dress shirts. In addition, our 7 For All Mankind coupons currently include 30% off your entire order along with free shipping on $150 or more. Celebrities are often spotted in public wearing their jeans, most recently Katie Holmes was spotted wearing 7 For All Mankind.

4 – Sportsman’s Guide.com

- Calling all hunters and outdoor enthusiasts! You have got to check out The Sportsman’s Guide when you’re in the market for hunting gear, ammunition, clothing, boots, and camping gear. They have a truly remarkable selection and their pricing is quite a bit better than Cabela’s or REI.com.  Current coupons for Sportsman’s Guide include $15 off your $150+ order and free shipping on your $125+ online order. Also, be sure to check out their Fall Hunting Sale with deals up to 75% off the original retail price.

5 – Woodwind & Brasswind.com

- Music lovers and band enthusiasts will love Woodwind & Brasswind. They stock a remarkable 50,000 band and orchestral instruments and products. Before you shop for your next musical instrument be sure to check out our Woodwind & Brasswind coupon codes to see if we can help you score a great deal by shopping online. Current coupons include free shipping on your entire order, $10 off $99 or more, and 10% off all drum sticks, mallets, and accessories.

6 – Crate & Barrel.com

- Rather-Be-Shopping.com is also proud to announce the addition of Crate & Barrel online coupons to the house & home shopping category. One of my wife’s favorite stores, Crate and Barrel sells home decor, furniture, housewares, and really unique gift ideas. Their product quality is legendary and their customer service sets them apart from the competition. Current coupon offering on the Crate & Barrel website include free shipping on $99 or more, as well as 15% off all dining room chairs.

7 – Cardstore.com

- Cardstore.com was added just in time for your custom 2011 family Christmas cards. If you are familiar with Shutterfly.com and Snapfish.com, you will quickly feel at home at Cardstore.com. They specialize in personalized photo cards, birthday cards, and stationery. We were given Cardstore.com coupons for 50% off all holiday cards as well as 15% off all birthday cards. We hope this store can serve your needs for years to come, all at a discount of course.

8 – Newport News.com

- Newport News is another one of those stores that many of our users were requesting, so we just had to oblige and add them to our apparel coupons category. They specialize in fashion for women of all sizes and shapes. We were most impressed with the deals found in their clearance warehouse section, up to 65% off original prices, worth a look if you hate to pay full price. Also, try to combine a clearance deal with a Newport News coupon code for any even better deal. Current coupon offerings include 30% off your entire order which ends on October 23rd. You had better hurry on this coupon code before it’s gone.

Please feel free to request any merchants which you currently don’t see listed on Rather-Be-Shopping.com. Here is a list of all of our stores so you know who we have listed and who we don’t. We really value your feedback.

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5 Hottest Toys for Christmas 2011

October 13, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

We have done the pain-staking research (not really) and have come up with the 5 toys that will be on everybody’s lips and lists this Christmas. Demand will exceed supply on most of the these toys, so you had better buy early if you are in the market. Also, by buying early you can usually get a better deal then if you waited until the last minute. Drum-roll please…

#1 Let’s Rock Elmo

I saw this displayed at our local Target store and it is hilariously real. You could easily fool most toddlers into believing this is the real Elmo. Elmo’s entire body moves with the beat as he plays the drums and tambourine. Elmo also comes with his own microphone so he can belt out his favorite tunes. I like the interactivity as you can also buy a guitar or keyboard and play along with the furry red monster.

Best Bets:
~ Target.com – $58.99
~ Amazon.com – $69.99
~ Walmart.com – $49.96  - BEST PRICE

#2 LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet

This is the single hottest toy this year, and very hard to find in-stock anywhere! Sometimes products come along that actually make learning fun. The LeapPad Tablet, for ages 4-9,  is in that category. This is essentially an iPad for kids. It includes a built-in camera and video recorder, 2GB of memory, and a 5″ touch screen. It also comes with 4 buit-in apps that will spark your child’s imagination. The best part of the LeapPad is the interactive aspect as each app let’s the child play fun and educational games and songs. It’s a really cool toy, and for me to say that about an “educational” game is really saying something. as I tend to find most a complete bore.

Best Bets:
~ Target.com - $99.99
~ Amazon.com - $99.00
~ Walmart.com - $99.00

#3 Angry Birds: Knock On Wood Game

Mattel has caught on to the Angry Birds app phenomena and come out with a real life version of the game. In the game you draw cards, build castles, and knock them down. First one to 100 points wins! Awesome, looks like fun, especially on Christmas day with the entire family. Genius idea as I can’t count the number of times I have been standing in a long line and witnessed countless kids playing Angry Birds on their Mom’s iPhone.

Best Bets:
~ Target.com - $16.99
~ Amazon.com - $29.99
~ Walmart.com - $14.77  - BEST PRICE

#4 Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures

Just plug this bad boy into your Xbox 360 and let the adventures begin. If you’re not familiar with the Kinect system, it is very similar to your Nintendo Wii as the system mimics your body movements and brings a whole new level of interaction. I would also add that in my opinion it is much more realistic than the Wii and the movements that it senses are much more defined as your body becomes the controller. No more controllers flying through your 55″ Plasma HDTV. If you have kids, I would highly recommend Dance Central and Kinect Sports, both will provide hours of family fun. Don’t be afraid to shake your money maker this Christmas morning.

Best Bets:
~ Buy.com - $149.00
~ Amazon.com - $139.95  - BEST PRICE
~ Walmart.com - $189.99

#5 Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS

The Nerf-N-Strike is fully automatic and shoots 30 feet. Sold! My son has several Nerf guns, even a cross bow, and we’ve had a ton of fun with them. So when I saw Nerf had come out with a fully automatic version I…..um, I mean my son…..was quite excited. In case you were wondering, they shoot these little Nerf darts with Velcro on one end. The features of this gun include a pop-out bipod (which doubles as a handle), a removable shield, and a full auto clip system blaster with 60 darts.

Best Bets:
~ Target.com - $49.99
~ Amazon.com - $33.88 w/ Free Shipping  - BEST PRICE
~ Walmart.com - $49.97

Any cool toys you have seen or heard about that we should add to this list? Please leave a comment below.

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10 ‘Must Have’ Christmas Shopping iPhone Apps

October 11, 2011 · Filed Under , , · Comment 

Before you head out to do any Christmas shopping in the next couple months, make sure your smartphone is fully equipped to help you save money and time. With the incredible amount of coupons and deals floating around, it’s often hard to keep them all straight, so let your phone help you out. Not to mention the major pricing differences from store to store. Here are 10 apps that are a must for Christmas shopping 2011.

Amazon Price Check App

If you are a loyal Amazon user, you will love this free app. With Amazon Price Check you can quickly compare prices, get reviews, and shop with Amazon.com. So let’s say you are at your local toy store trying to figure out if you are getting a good deal on a specific item, you can just scan the bar code of the item and find out instantly what Amazon is selling it for and if it received good user reviews. This app also has voice recognition so you can just say what you are looking for and Amazon Price Check will take care of the rest.
Price: FREE

Fast Mall

The Fast Mall app is a must have for Black Friday in particular. With it, you will have instant directions, parking info, and store locations to any shopping mall in the United States. Fast Mall will also notify you of any deals and sales that are going in the mall which will help you save money this Christmas. But perhaps the best part is the ‘Where Did I Park?’ feature that helps you find your car in the parking lot. As a guy who has wandered the mall parking lot trying to remember where I put my truck, I really appreciate this new feature.
Price: FREE

Google Shopper App

The Google Shopper app is one of my favorites because it allows you to quickly get information on millions of products. The free app easily recognizes products by cover art, bar code, voice and text search. You can then gather even more information like local and online pricing, user reviews, and product specs to help you make the best purchasing decision. Google Shopper then allows you to save items to your shopping list or share with your family and friends. Basically, it let’s you become an informed shopper instantly.
Price: FREE

Red Laser

The Red Laser app was one of the original bar code scanning apps and still has incredible functionality. With the latest 2.9.6 update, you can now get product information and the best pricing, all available by scanning the product bar code or by keyword recognition.  Also, if your children have food allergies you can quickly get allergy information on food products as well as nutrition information.
Price: FREE

Walmart App

Walmart shoppers listen up. If you are not already using the Walmart shopping app you need to download it for free. Once it’s in your shopping tool belt, you will be able to easily keep track of Walmart local ads, product reviews, and a very easy to use checkout system. What I like best about this app is the ability to check what’s in stock at your store before you leave your home. There is nothing worse than showing up to buy 3 items and 2 of them are out of stock, especially on Christmas eve. Right, procrastinators out there?
Price: FREE

Shop Savvy

When it comes to price comparisons on your iPhone, the Shop Savvy app is a true pioneer. “Find the right product at the best price!” Shop Savvy backs up those words with a very easy to use interface that lets you easily scan products and find the best price. This app lets you search across more merchants in the United States than any other smartphone app. I found the ‘shop local’ feature very useful as it gives you directions and phone numbers to nearby stores. Want coupons? Shop Savvy has you covered with shipping promos, coupon codes, rebates, and up-to-date sale information.
Price: FREE

Yowza!!

When it comes to local coupons to retail stores, grocery stores, and restaurants, the Yowza! app has you covered. As you mark items off your Christmas list this year, let Yowza! find you coupons on all your in-store purchases. Money savings goes way beyond the actual coupons as you will also save cash on paper and ink as these coupons require no printing. Truly a money saving smartphone app that has gone green.
Price: FREE

Compare Me

The Compare Me shopping utility allows you to compare products in different sizes and even in different sized packs on your smartphone. If you are a Costco or Sam’s Club member you will find this app especially useful. Sometimes buying in bulk is not the best deal and this app does the math for you. Brilliant.
Price: $1.99

MobiQpons

The MobiQpons app will help you finds coupons, deals from restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and apparel stores within 10 miles of your current location. So if you are out shopping on Black Friday and Best Buy has sold out of a product you are looking for, you can hit up this app and find the next nearest store that carries the product, with any available coupons as well.
Price: FREE

SnapTell

The SnapTell app works by you snapping a picture of the book, DVD, CD, or video game with your phone and you will have instant access to different prices, ratings, reviews, and the ability to buy the product. Now with the newest 4.1 version, you have the ability to scan bar codes and find the best price within seconds.
Price: FREE

I encourage you to take a closer look at these smartphone apps before you doing any shopping this holiday season. Some of the features of these apps overlap each other a little bit, so you don’t need them all. But if you have a handful of them in your shopping arsenal you will always find the best price as well as any coupons that may be available. Never pay full price again.

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Giveaway: Win a $50 Target Gift Card, Just Gotta “Like” Us to Enter

October 10, 2011 · Filed Under · 15 Comments 

Target gift card Giveaway

To celebrate Rather-Be-Shopping.com surpassing 5 million coupons used, we are giving away a $50 Target gift card for your Christmas shopping. Here is all you have to do for a chance to win:

Excited to try Rafflecopter for this giveaway! The mandatory entry is to ‘Like’ Rather-Be-Shopping.com on Facebook. The other 3 entries are optional but very easy to complete. Best of luck!


Good luck and thanks for coming by and ‘Liking’ us and helping spread the word about Rather-Be-Shopping.com.

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5 Reasons Men Prefer To Shop Online In Their Undies

October 5, 2011 · Filed Under , · Comment 

Do more women or men shop online? The answer may surprise you. According to a recent survey of 10,000 consumers, men have overtaken women when it comes to shopping on the web.  The results show the average guy shops online twice a month, double that of the fairer sex. As a guy who absolutely loves to shop online, what in the world took so long for dudes to figure this one out. Here are the top 5 reasons men prefer to shop online.

No Virtual Parking Lots

This one is pretty simple. When most men discovered shopping online, I think they all had the same reaction, “You mean I don’t have to go to the mall to shop? Awesome! If these jeans don’t fit I’ll just send them back. On second thought, I’ll just wear the dang things. Maybe I can just leave them unbuttoned, or staple them closed somehow.” There is nothing I hate worse than pulling into a crowded parking lot with my truck trying to find a spot I can fit in without doing the proverbial 22-point turn. Winner: Online Shopping.

No Lines To Stand In

Who is that lady with the huge fake hoots on the cover of People? Should I buy a Snickers or not? How many coupons does that lady have? Wow, who knew they made flashlights that small? I wonder if we need any double AA batteries? How can they possibly have 30 checkout lanes and only 3 are open? I wonder if I could steal those nail clippers and slit my wrists? All thoughts I have had when standing in line at my local Walmart and Target. Winner: Online Shopping.

Easy to Find The Best Price

When you are wandering the aisles of your local stores, hopefully dropping bread crumbs so you can find your way out, it can be hard to know if you are getting the best price available. The Internet makes this process seamless. In a matter of seconds, you can type what you are looking for into Google and you will be inundated with shopping resources that will help you determine the best price. Two of my personal favorites are Price Grabber.com and My Simon.  Winner: Online Shopping.

No Children

I love my kids, but I gotta be honest and say that taking them shopping is not hell but you can clearly see the flames. Winner: Online Shopping.

Never Closed

I can’t remember how many times I have pulled into The Home Depot parking lot only to learn the store closed 5 minutes ago. The beauty of shopping online is you can do it at 3 a.m. in your tighty whities, or 1 p.m, still in your tighty whities. it makes no difference whatsoever. Just make sure to get dressed at some point, O.K.? Winner: Online Shopping.

Online Coupons

I’d be reminisced if I didn’t at least mention the use of online coupons as a positive aspect of shopping online. Most coupons on Rather-Be-Shopping.com are not available to you when you go into the mall or hardware store. They are essentially free money and you should taken advantage whenever possible. Disclaimer: I run a coupon website!

Coupons for “Real Men” on Rather-Be-Shopping.com:

  • Home Depot.com – Save 10% Off your $297+ appliance order – View all Home Depot coupons Here.
  • Guitar Center.com – 15% OFF Any Single Item priced at $299 or more – View all Guitar Center coupons Here.
  • Sports Authority.com – Save 10% Off your Entire online order – View all Sports Authority coupons Here.
  • Lowe’s.com – Free shipping on your $49+ online order – View all Lowe’s coupons Here.
  • Cabela’s.com – Pay Only $5 for Shipping on your $150+ online order - View all Cabela’s coupons Here.
  • Best Buy.com – Printable Coupon – Save 10% off Any 1 Item in your purchase (some restrictions apply) – View all Best Buy coupons Here.

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October Buying Guide: 10 Things To Buy Right Now

October 3, 2011 · Filed Under , · 2 Comments 

As we head into Fall, many retailers are trying to roll out Summer and seasonal merchandise, as well as make room for new models, creating some great deals on certain products. Here are the 10 best deals to be had right now.

Large Appliances

When it comes to large appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, October is a great time to buy. Manufacturers always unveil new models in the winter, making October the key month to unload last years models to make room for the new stuff. In order to do this, especially in a down economy, they have to sell them at a great discount.
Key stores to check: Home Depot.com, Lowe’s.com, and Best Buy.com.

Lawn Mowers

Grass stops growing in November and December, and the demand for lawnmowers plummets, leaving retailers with inventory they have to store, which obviously costs a lot of money. So retailers put them on sale, making October the prime time to score a deal on a new mower. Don’t wait until next Spring to buy, you will pay 25% to 40% more than right now.
Key stores to check: Home Depot.com, Lowe’s.com, and Ace Hardware.com.

School Supplies

If your child doesn’t have everything they need for the new school year, don’t fret as deals abound. Many retailers over-bought school supplies and now have excess inventory they need to unload, much to your wallet’s happiness.  This is also a good time to stock up for next year, or to buy cool Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers for your kids.
Key stores to check: Walmart.com, Target.com, and Office Depot.com.

Fireplace Tools

Don’t wait until your fireplace is in full roar to buy a grate, poker, or hearth decor. By that time, retailers are in the driver’s seat and you’ll end up paying full price. October is the last month to find a good deal until next spring.
Key stores to check: Plow & Hearth.com, Novica.com, and Overstock.com.

Bicycles

Pretty much without fail, new bike models are unveiled every September. With this comes crowded showrooms and warehouses, making it essentially that bike shops and sporting good retailers unload last years models. As we head into October and even into November, shops will continue to slash prices in order to move out old models. So if you need a new bike, or are considering getting one for your child this Christmas, right now is a great time to shop.
Key stores to check: Modell’s.com, Sports Authority.com, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.com.

Swim and Pool Stuff

I was walking through my local Walmart the other day and was blown away with their clearance rack. It was chalked full of swim toys and water blasters priced up to 75% off the original price. Right now is a great time to stock up for next summer.
Key stores to check: Walmart.com and Target.com.

Digital Cameras

If you are NOT particular about having only the newest and latest, then October is a great time to buy a new digital camera. The main reason is because manufacturers tend to release new models heading toward the Christmas shopping season. Retailers are quite aware of this and need to sell last years models to make room for the new. Thus, many stores are currently selling cameras at a discount.
Key stores to check: BestBuy.com, Amazon.com and J&R.com.

Air Conditioners

If you need a new air conditioner for your home, don’t wait for triple digit heat to start your shopping, you will get racked over the coals. October is an excellent time to shop as many units will be on sale in order to clear out inventory space. This is especially true at big box stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s. I personally saw some great deals (40% Off) on A/C units last weekend. As you have seen with much of my advice, the best time to get a deal on a product is to shop when nobody else is.
Key stores to check: Home Depot.com, Lowe’s.com, and Walmart.com.

Automobile Tires

You can set your watch by when tires go on sale every year. Specifically, every October, tire retailers offer incredible incentives to drivers to buy a new a set of tires before winter driving hits. So if you are driving on balding treads, right now is a great to buy. Not only will you get a nice discount, but that first winter storm won’t be quite so slippery with a good set of tires underneath you.
Key stores to check: Sears.com, Tire Rack.com, and JCWhitney.com.

Barbecues

BBQ’s are quite large as you can imagine and take up significant room. Thus, retailers need to clear them out once grilling season has ended in September. The end result: Deals abound on new grills right now! I personally bought our Weber grill in October and saved 20% off the sticker price.
Key stores to check: Home Depot.com, Lowe’s.com, and Sears.com.

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