What to Buy and What to Skip in August

Independence Day sales are over and Labor Day is a month away, but great deals can still be had in August. Here’s what to buy and what to skip this month.

Buy: Back-to-school supplies

Look for weekly deals on school and office supplies at big-box stores, pharmacies and e-tailers this month. Think beyond school – you can stock up on a year’s worth of pens and paper for your home printer at a bargain price this August by shopping back-to-school sales.

Buy: Summer apparel

Expect to find prices on hot-weather wear dropping lower as summer slowly fades into autumn. Pick up a few new stunners to add to your wardrobe this season, or load up on timeless classics you can wear next year. 

Buy: AC units

In some parts of the country, temperatures hit their annual high in August. But even as temps peak, retailers know that most shoppers already purchased their AC units for the season. If your AC needs replacing, take advantage of discounted prices to snag a great deal on a brand-new unit.

Buy: Storage supplies

You can find deals on all kinds of storage supplies this month, such as shelving units, large containers, decorative bins and more. Shop stores like Office Depot, Target and Walmart, or check out online sources, like Overstock and Wayfair, for similar offers.

Buy: Wedding decor, gifts and wear

According to wedding magazine The Knot, the months of June, September and October are the most popular for weddings. With August right in the middle of these months but not as popular for weddings, it can be the perfect time to pick up discounted wedding decor, gifts, and even wedding wear.

Skip: iPhones

Word on the street is that the iPhone 14 will drop in late 2022. If you’re looking to replace your phone with a newer model, you’re best off waiting before you make your purchase. When the new models hit the market, retailers will slash prices on older models to make room for new ones.

Skip: Major household appliances and other items

Need a new fridge or another major household appliance? Hold off until Labor Day, when you can find prices on brand-name appliances slashed by as much as 30%. Similarly, if you’re shopping for new mattresses, you’re best off waiting until Labor Day sales for more savings. This year, Labor Day is on Sept. 5, but sales can start up to a full week before the actual date.

Skip: Amazon devices

Amazon just hosted its Prime Day sale, so don’t expect to find any great prices on Amazon devices this month. Wait for Black Friday to shop for a new Kindle, Echo device and more.

Use the tips outlined here to know what to buy and what to skip this month. Happy shopping!

Your Turn: Have you picked up any great bargains in August? Tell us about them in the comments.