July is a unique month for shopping. As summer reaches its peak, retailers begin to clear out their inventories in preparation for the fall season. This makes July an excellent time to snag some deals, but not everything will be at its best price. Here’s a breakdown of what to buy in July and what to avoid.

First, here’s what to buy in July…

1. Outdoor Gear and Apparel

July is a great month to purchase outdoor equipment.

From tents and backpacks to hiking shoes and swimwear, retailers offer significant discounts to encourage summer activities.

Look for sales around the Fourth of July, which is a prime time for markdowns on outdoor gear.

Brands to Consider: Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia offer high-quality outdoor gear. Look for sales at retailers like REI and Backcountry.

Specific Products: Columbia’s Watertight II Jacket, North Face hiking boots, and Patagonia’s Black Hole travel bags are often discounted in July.

2. Home Improvement Supplies

Summer is home improvement season, and many stores offer promotions on tools, paint, and other DIY necessities.

Additionally, with many people taking on home projects, July can feature some of the best discounts to attract more customers.

Brands to Consider: Home Depot and Lowe’s for a variety of brands like DeWalt, Behr Paints, and Black + Decker.

Specific Products: DeWalt power tool sets, Behr premium plus interior paint, and Weber grills often see big price drops.

See Also: Save at Home Depot: 7 Out-Of-The Box Ways to Make It Happen

3. Furniture

New furniture models typically arrive in stores in August, making July an ideal time to purchase as shops clear out old stock.

This applies especially to outdoor furniture, which can see reductions up to 50-60% off as retailers make room for fall inventory.

Brands to Consider: IKEA, Wayfair, and Pottery Barn for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Specific Products: IKEA’s ÄPPLARÖ outdoor seating and Wayfair’s closeout section on sectional sofas.

See Also: IKEA Savings Hacks That’ll Make You Feel REALLY Smart

4. Tech Gadgets

With back-to-school sales starting towards the end of the month, July can be a good time to buy laptops, tablets, and other tech accessories.

These sales often extend to include general electronics as retailers aim to attract a broad audience of both students and non-students.

Brands to Consider: Apple, Samsung, and HP, especially during Amazon Prime Day and Best Buy sales.

Specific Products: MacBook Air, Samsung tablets, and HP Envy laptops are often featured in mid-summer tech sales.

5. Seasonal Foods

Take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce available in July.

Berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are among the many types of produce that are in season and often on sale.

Buying in-season is not only cost-effective but also ensures peak flavor.

Where to Buy: Farmers’ markets or local grocery chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Specific Products: Organic blueberries, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh bell peppers. Look for bulk deals or promotional discounts at your local stores.

And Avoid These Items…

Next, here are the things to avoid buying in mid-Summer…

1. Fall Clothing

While it might be tempting to start buying autumn apparel as it begins appearing in stores, these items are typically priced at their highest.

It’s better to wait until the end of the season for discounts.

Brands to Watch: Zara, H&M, and Gap often introduce fall lines in July at premium prices.

Specific Products: Avoid newly released jackets and autumn dresses until later sales.

2. Major Appliances

Major appliances see their best prices around holiday sales in September (Labor Day) and November (Black Friday).

Therefore, unless there is an urgent need, it’s wise to hold off on purchasing items like refrigerators, ovens, and washers during July.

Brands to Watch: Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung appliances are best bought during bigger sale events.

Specific Products: Stainless steel refrigerators, front-load washers, and high-efficiency dryers.

See Also: How to Negotiate a Lower Price on Appliances

3. School Supplies

Although early back-to-school sales start in July, the deepest discounts on school supplies tend to appear in August and even early September.

Waiting a bit can lead to significant savings on notebooks, pens, and other school essentials.

Brands to Watch: Crayola, Five Star, and Ticonderoga are staples but hold off on buying them.

Specific Products: Backpacks, scientific calculators, and binders are often cheaper in August.

See Also: Genius Ways to Save on Back-To-School Shopping

4. Latest Model Cars

The automotive industry typically rolls out new models in the late summer and early fall, which means buying a new car in July might not be as cost-effective.

Waiting until the new models are released can lead to better deals on current-year vehicles as dealerships make space for new inventory.

Brands to Watch: Toyota, Ford, and Honda typically roll out new models in late summer.

Specific Products: Popular models like the Honda Civic or Ford F-150 typically have end-of-year discounts after the new models are introduced.

5. Holiday Decor

Mid-summer is not the ideal time to buy holiday decorations.

The best deals on items for holidays like Christmas or Halloween are usually found immediately after the holiday has passed, or during specific sales closer to the season.

When to Buy: Post-holiday sales or even Black Friday deals are the best times.

Specific Products: Avoid buying LED string lights or inflatable yard decorations during July.

See Also: Smart Ways to Maximize After-Christmas Sales

Bottom-line, by focusing on items that are in-season or nearing the end of their sales cycle, you can save significantly while steering clear of full-priced merchandise that will likely see reductions in the coming months.

Ask the Reader: Do you have any products you’d add to either of my lists? Either good or bad buys in July? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Teachers deserve every discount they can get their chalky hand on, am I right? So when I accidentally discovered the Costco teacher discount, I knew I had to bring it to your attention. It’s a little different than most teacher discounts as it focuses on your annual membership and gives you a sweet deal to get you in the doors. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Costco’s Teacher Discount?

Teachers get a $20 or $40 Costco Shop Card with annual auto-renewal membership with a NEW Costco membership.

 If you sign-up for a Gold Star membership ($60/year) you’ll get a $20 shop card while an Executive membership ($120/year) will score you a $40 shop card.

So teachers basically get a 33% discount on an annual Costco membership, not too shabby.

The Costco Shop Card can be used towards any purchase at the warehouse or online.

How Do I Qualify for the Teacher Discount?

To qualify for Costco’s teacher membership offer, educators need to verify their status as a teacher.

The process is straightforward and can be completed online through the third-party verification service ID.me.

Applicants will need to provide proof of employment, such as a school ID or a pay stub.

Once verified, teachers can proceed to purchase their Costco membership and receive their Costco Shop Card.

See Also: Check Out These Great Costco Employee Benefits and Perks

Where Do I Go To Start the Process?

Costco does a good job of hiding this offer from teachers.

You need to visit the “Join Costco” page and scroll half way down the page to the “New Member Promotions” section and click on “Teachers”.

You’ll then click the “Visit External Link” button which will redirect you to ID.me where you’ll verify your employment status as a teacher.

Will I Get the Discount Every Year When I Renew?

No.

Unfortunately, you’ll ONLY get the cash card when you initially sign-up for a Costco membership.

How Does This Discount Compare with Other Retailers?

To give you an idea of how the Costco teacher discount stacks up here are a few popular discounts I’ve written about in detail.

Michaels – They offer teachers a flat 15% discount on both online and in-store purchases.

Target – Every year in July and August, Target runs a “Teacher Prep Event” where teachers can receive a discount on classroom supplies and clothing during back-to-school season.

Verizon – Verizon offers a discount for teachers that equates to $10 off (per month) with 1 line, $25 per month with 2-3 lines, or $20 per month with 4 plus lines.

Maximizing Savings at Costco

For teachers looking to maximize their savings at Costco, it’s essential to plan purchases around sales and seasonal offers.

Costco is renowned for its monthly deals and special savings events, which can further reduce the cost of both classroom and personal items.

Teachers can also benefit from Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature, which offers comparable quality to brand-name products at a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, educators can combine their Costco membership with other reward programs or cash-back credit cards.

For example, using a card that offers additional cash back on gas purchases can amplify savings when filling up at Costco’s gas stations.

Pros and Cons of a Costco Membership:

If you’re a teacher and contemplating a Costco membership I thought I’d do a quick pros and cons breakdown of a membership so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Pros:

– Access to bulk items can significantly reduce the cost per unit.

– The initial Shop Card helps offset the membership fee.

– Costco’s fuel prices are typically lower than the market, offering additional savings.

– Exclusive member services and products, including travel discounts and pharmacy services.

Cons:

– The lack of a direct discount on every purchase may be less appealing compared to specific educational discounts at other retailers.

– Membership fee is required to access Costco’s pricing and offers.

– Bulk purchases may not be practical for all teachers, depending on storage and needs.

PRO TIP

One of the huge perks of a Costco membership is their very liberal return policy which even allows you to get a full refund of your Costco membership up to 364 days into your annual membership. So you literally have nothing to lose if you want to take advantage of the teacher discount to get in the doors and check out the warehouse for yourself.

Costco’s approach to supporting educators through a membership incentive, rather than a direct discount, positions it as a unique option among bulk-purchase retailers as Sam’s Club does NOT have a similar offer. I hope you can take advantage.

Ask the Reader: Have you taken advantage of the “new-member” teacher discount at Costco yet? Was it an easy process to get your free cash card? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Menards is a popular home improvement store in the Midwest known for its wide variety of products at competitive prices. They often have lower prices than Home Depot and Lowe’s by 10-20%, but some shoppers feel the quality of their products/brands is lacking in comparison. But just because they have low prices doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to save even more. To that end, here are 15 ways to maximize your savings at Menards.

1. Leverage the 11% Rebate Program

One of Menards’ most popular promotions is the 11% rebate program, which can be a significant money saver if used wisely.

This program is available almost every week and applies to nearly everything in the store.

When you make a purchase during this period, you receive a rebate form to mail in along with your receipts.

After a few weeks, you’ll get a merchandise credit check that you can use for future purchases.

Tips for Maximizing the 11% Rebate:

– Plan Ahead: Keep an eye on Menards’ advertising to know when the 11% rebate is coming. Timing your big purchases during this period can lead to substantial savings.

– Submit Rebates Promptly: Don’t forget to mail in your rebate forms promptly to avoid missing out on the rebate. Keeping track of your rebate submissions using a spreadsheet can be helpful.

– Combine with Sales: Try to combine the 11% rebate with in-store sales for even greater savings. This way, you benefit from both the sale price and the rebate.

PRO TIP

Keep in mind that sale prices are OFTEN better than the 11% rebate. So, if you can’t combine the discount, do the quick math to figure out which promotion saves you the most money.

 2. Sign Up for the Menards BIG Card

The Menards BIG Card offers a range of benefits, making it a valuable tool for regular shoppers.

With the card, you can earn a 2% rebate on all Menards purchases, which accumulates and is issued as a merchandise credit check.

Additional Benefits:

– Special Financing: Cardholders often have access to special financing offers, such as 0% interest for six months on purchases over a certain amount. This can be particularly useful for large projects.

– Exclusive Offers: Menards occasionally sends exclusive offers and discounts to BIG Card holders, providing additional opportunities for savings.

See Also: 7 Out-Of-The-Box Hacks to Save at Home Depot

3. Check Out the Menards Weekly Ad

Every week, Menards publishes an ad that features special deals and discounts on a wide variety of products.

Reviewing the weekly ad before shopping can help you identify the best deals and plan your purchases accordingly.

How to Use the Weekly Ad:

– Make a Shopping List: Based on the weekly ad, make a list of items you need that are on sale. This can help you avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.

– Compare Prices: Use the weekly ad to compare prices with other retailers. Menards’ price match policy can then help you get the best deal.

4. Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is a classic strategy for saving money, and Menards offers bulk pricing on many items.

This approach is particularly useful for products you use frequently or that have a long shelf life, such as building materials, cleaning supplies, and hardware.

Bulk Buying Tips:

– Calculate Unit Prices: Always check the unit price to ensure that buying in bulk is actually cheaper. Sometimes, smaller packages on sale can be more cost-effective.

– Storage Solutions: Make sure you have adequate storage space for bulk items. Consider organizing your garage or basement to accommodate larger quantities.

5. Shop Clearance Sections

Clearance sections are a treasure trove of savings, and Menards has clearance areas both in-store and online.

These sections feature overstock, discontinued items, and returned merchandise, often at significantly reduced prices.

Finding the Best Clearance Deals:

– Frequent Visits: Clearance items change regularly, so frequent visits can increase your chances of finding great deals.

– Check Online: Menards’ website has a clearance section where you can filter by category and price, making it easier to find the items you need.

PRO TIP

Ask employees in each department about specific clearance products they might have, especially ones that aren’t on the sales floor. From this Reddit thread, an employee gave this example, “I know my store has a couple of discontinued shower doors for $5 each. It’s not public anywhere, so I recommend them to guests to save money and get them out. But the employees should know what clearance stuff they have in their department.”

6. Utilize Menards’ Price Adjustment Policy

Menards offers a price adjustment policy, which means if you buy an item and it goes on sale within 14 days, you can get a refund for the price difference.

This policy ensures that you don’t miss out on savings if prices drop shortly after your purchase.

How to Take Advantage:

– Keep Receipts: Always keep your receipts for at least two weeks after your purchase. This way, you can easily request a price adjustment if needed.

– Monitor Prices: Regularly check the prices of the items you’ve purchased. Set reminders to check prices a week after buying big-ticket items.

See Also: Insider Tips to Save On Your Next Shopping Trip to Lowe’s

7. Use Manufacturer Coupons

Menards accepts manufacturer coupons, which can be combined with in-store sales and Menards rebates for additional savings.

Tips for Using Coupons:

– Search Online: Look for manufacturer coupons on websites like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and the manufacturers’ own websites.

– Check Product Packaging: Many products have coupons on or inside the packaging, so keep an eye out when you’re shopping.

8. Join the Menards e-Rebate Program

Menards’ e-Rebate program allows you to submit your rebate forms online, which is faster and more convenient than mailing them in.

This program also lets you track the status of your rebate submissions.

Benefits of e-Rebate:

– Faster Processing: Submitting rebates online can speed up the processing time, so you get your merchandise credit check sooner.

– Tracking: The e-Rebate program allows you to see the status of your rebate, giving you peace of mind that your submission was received and processed.

9. Follow Menards on Social Media

Menards frequently posts about upcoming sales, special promotions, and exclusive discounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Following them ensures you stay informed about the latest deals and exclusive promotions.

How to Benefit:

– Exclusive Deals: Sometimes Menards offers special discounts only available to their social media followers.

– Timely Updates: Get immediate updates about flash sales and limited-time offers that you might miss otherwise.

See Also: Lowe’s Outlet Stores: Locations, Prices, and Products Within

10. Take Advantage of Menards’ Price Match Policy

Menards will match the price of any identical item sold by a competitor, provided you can show proof of the lower price.

This ensures you get the best possible deal without having to shop around at different stores.

Price Match Tips:

– Bring Proof: When you find a lower price, bring a printed ad or show the price on your phone to a Menards associate.

– Know the Policy: Familiarize yourself with Menards’ price match policy, including any exclusions, to ensure you qualify for the price match.

11. Shop During Seasonal Sales

Menards has major sales events during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

Plan your purchases around these times to take advantage of significant discounts.

Planning for Seasonal Sales:

– Create a Wishlist: Keep a list of items you want to buy and check their prices during these sales events.

– Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to your budget to avoid overspending during big sales.

12. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Websites like Raise.com and Cardpool.com often sell Menards gift cards at a discount.

Buying these gift cards can provide instant savings on your purchases.

Tips for Buying Discounted Gift Cards:

– Use Reputable Sources: Stick to well-known gift card resale websites to avoid scams.

– Combine with Sales: Use your discounted gift cards during sales events for even greater savings.

13. Check Out the Special Buy of the Day

Menards offers a “Special Buy of the Day” both in-store and online, featuring deeply discounted items for one day only.

These deals can be an excellent way to save on products you need, but quantities are often limited, so act fast.

How to Use Special Buys:

– Check Daily: Make it a habit to check the Special Buy of the Day regularly to catch great deals.

– Act Quickly: If you see something you need, buy it immediately as quantities are limited and deals change daily.

14. Look for Mail-In Rebates on Appliances

Many large appliances at Menards come with mail-in rebates that can save you a significant amount of money.

Check the product descriptions and in-store signage to see if any appliances you’re considering have available rebates.

Appliance Savings Tips:

– Combine with Sales: Purchase appliances during sales events and apply for the mail-in rebates for maximum savings.

– Read the Fine Print: Ensure you understand the rebate terms and conditions, including the submission deadline and required documentation.

15. Attend Menards’ In-Store Workshops

Menards occasionally hosts free in-store workshops on home improvement topics.

These workshops not only provide valuable DIY knowledge but sometimes offer exclusive discounts to attendees.

Workshop Benefits:

– Learn New Skills: Gain practical knowledge and skills for your home improvement projects.

– Exclusive Discounts: Take advantage of special discounts offered to workshop participants.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money at Menards? Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments and I’ll add them to the article.

By Kyle James