CLEVELAND — It seems like there's a sale for every holiday, but figuring out what to buy and when can feel like a shell game.
While Black Friday is typically what we associate with the best deals, if you wait until then, you could be missing out on some great Labor Day sales that are happening right now. Stores have stuff they have to unload, so this is a good time to cash in.
However, don't get sucked in to buying something just because there's a sales sign on it. These are the deals to keep your eye on.
Appliances: like washing machines, dish washers and refrigerators. Since people tend to move over the summer, many look to spruce up their new digs.
The same holds true for mattresses and linens: Sometimes people don't notice their bedding isn't in the best shape until they unpack, and a new home may mean time for a new mattress.
"We're already seeing mattresses being advertised for hundreds of dollars off," Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet, said. "Mattresses are expensive, so if you do need one, it can be useful to get that kind of discount."
Anything for the outdoors, including grills and garden tools are hot now, as stores want to make way for fall items.
And that includes summer clothing.
"A lot of parents make the smart move of buying a size up for their children now for next summer, because the prices are really as low as you'll see them for those summer items," Palmer told us.
Which takes us to what not to buy over the Labor Day holiday.
Fall clothing…even if there's a sales sign. Always wait a few weeks before the end of a season for the best prices.
Also, stay away from toys and most electronics. Black Friday's your best bet for those.
Palmer’s advice? "You just want to make sure to compare prices and make sure you know what you, what you should expect to pay versus what a good sale prices before you buy."
Technology can do most of that for you: The ShopSavvy app scans barcodes to see which stores are offering the best price. And the browser add on Honey, scans the internet.
Also, don't forget to keep your receipts and circulars, because many retailers price match.
One more category where you'll see sales: cars. Again, dealers are looking to get rid of last year's models. There will be savings again during the holidays, but there's more to choose from now.
Here are links to some of the stores where you can find the best deals.
- consumerreports.org/shopping/where-to-find-the-best-labor-day-sales/
- money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/best-labor-day-sales-to-shop
- consumerreports.org/appliances/best-holiday-appliance-sales-and-deals/
- consumerreports.org/mattresses/best-holiday-mattress-deals/
- usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2019/08/26/fashion-and-beauty-sales-23-retailers-best-deals-apparel-beauty-and-more/2119096001/
- consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-labor-day-deals-on-new-cars/
And our Magician, David Anthony: danthonymagic.com/