Start 2018 with a resolution to save money. To keep your goal on track, follow our recommendations for what to buy (and skip) during the month of January, based on NerdWallet’s analysis of historical sales cycles.
Buy: Christmas decorations
The period after Christmas has long been the best time to buy Christmas decorations.
You may scoop up some post-Christmas deals on Dec. 26, and come Jan. 1, there will still be a handful of artificial trees, red ornaments and shiny wrapping paper spilling over in store clearance aisles. Stock up on holiday closeouts if you have space to hang onto extra tinsel until next December.
Skip: Toys
Toys were hot during the holidays, but with Christmas over, January likely won’t see many worthwhile toy deals. The good news is, your little ones are probably set for a while with all of their December gifts.
Buy: TVs
The end of football season marks the beginning of television deals, as retailers help shoppers prep for viewing parties. The Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 4, but we expect retailers will kick off sales at the end of January, making it an excellent time to score a bargain.
In 2017, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target and others discounted a wide variety of TVs in assorted brands and sizes before the big game. Look for similar savings again in 2018.
» MORE: When is the best time to buy a TV?
Skip: Mattresses
Great deals on mattresses happen in February, when Presidents Day sales bring discounts. For instance, in 2017, Mattress Firm offered up to $500 off storewide. This year, Presidents Day is Feb. 19, so wait another month if you’re in the market for a new mattress.
If February is too soon for your budget, mattress deals will return in May, over Memorial Day weekend, and in September, over Labor Day weekend.
Buy: Fitness gear
January is a solid time to sign up for a gym at a discount, as many chains offer special New Year’s rates. But don’t spend that money unless you’re sure you’ll use the membership. All too often, new members lock themselves in for a full year, then stop showing up after a month or two.
Or, if you prefer to work out at home, fitness equipment will be discounted, too. At Dick’s Sporting Goods, some treadmills and basketball hoops are already on sale.
Shop: White sales
You might not want to buy a whole new mattress, but you can save on the sheets and blankets that go on your existing one. January is when department stores host “white sales” to clear out their inventory of sheets, towels, blankets and more. Expect savings to be especially deep on clearance items. In the past, we’ve seen stores offer 60%-70% off bedding basics.
In 2017, Kmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Overstock, Pottery Barn, Target and others hosted white sales.
Bonus: Martin Luther King Jr. Day sales
You may not associate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with shopping, but retailers certainly do. The holiday falls on Jan. 15, and you can anticipate deals on clothing and home goods. Highlights from the 2017 holiday weekend’s sales included up to 75% off linens at Bloomingdale’s and a coupon for 40% off a purchase at Gap.
Bonus: National Spaghetti Day
It’s not just sales to keep an eye out for this month. The calendar is filled with days of observation for just about everything, and one of them — National Spaghetti Day — happens on Jan. 4. Use this day as your chance to get dinner on the house.
In 2017, an assortment of retailers offered freebies or discounted meals. For instance, Fazoli’s gave a free spaghetti (meat sauce or marinara) with the purchase of a medium drink at participating locations.
» MORE: What to buy every month of the year
Sale shopping reminder
As you’re searching for deals and end-of-season savings this month, keep in mind that waiting for low prices can be a trade-off, says Ozalp Ozer, a professor of management science at the Jindal School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas. You’ll have to put time into the search. And buying when a better deal is available may mean that inventory will already be picked over.
But for the budget-conscious, the extra time and not risking regret is worth it.
The article What to Buy (and Skip) in January originally appeared on NerdWallet.
