As you say goodbye to December and hello to January, one thing you can take advantage of is seasonal discounts. Each and every new year, retailers put various things on sale in January that you can get for very low prices. If you're ready to be a smart shopper and pick up certain products and services to get your year off to a great start, here are just a few of the best things to buy in January.
Christmas Decorations
Yes, even if you have just put away your Christmas decorations, January is a great time to stock up on items you’ll need next Christmas. Since retailers are always anxious to start moving in new inventory for the spring and summer, January is a perfect month to buy Christmas wrapping supplies and decorations for pennies on the dollar.
Exercise Equipment
Year after year, you and many other people out there make resolutions to exercise more and get in better shape. Thanks to all these resolutions, exercise equipment is always on sale during January. Whether you have your eye on a treadmill, exercise bike, set of weights, or other types of exercise equipment, you can enjoy great savings if you buy your stuff in January.
Gym Memberships
Along with the exercise equipment that is always offered at steep discounts during January, so too are gym memberships. If you would prefer to do your workout at a gym where you can have the latest equipment and maybe make a few new friends as well, take advantage of seasonal discounts and purchase a gym membership in January. Since gyms are always eager to increase their memberships, you should be able to enjoy numerous benefits by purchasing a January membership.
CPA Services
The beginning of a new year is always the best time to take a hard look at your finances to see where improvements can be made. Thus, one of the best things you can buy for yourself in January is the services of a CPA. Whether you are wanting to plan for retirement, do some estate planning, or learn more about how you can pay less taxes, utilizing the services of a CPA may result in you being able to save more money in 2023 than you ever imagined.
Toys
While toys may be on sale throughout the year, they are always offered at very low prices in January. Very often, retailers order more toys than they need for the Christmas season, meaning they are left with an overflow of inventory once the holidays are over. If you've got kids or grandkids who will be having birthdays later in the year, buying some toys in January will enable you to save plenty of money by buying ahead.
Winter Clothing
Though it may sound strange, you can actually save lots of money by purchasing winter clothing in January. Although it's usually still the middle of winter in January in most places, retailers are eager to get rid of their winter clothing so that they can start making room for the bathing suits and other clothes for summer. If you can hold out until after the holidays, you can pick up great deals on winter coats, boots and much more.
Carpeting and Flooring
Along with making resolutions to get themselves in better shape, many people also plan to give their homes a makeover once the new year begins. If this sounds like you, take advantage of the season. January is a great month to get excellent deals on various types of flooring and carpeting. Along with discounts on the flooring and carpeting, many stores will also toss in free installation and other bonuses as well, helping you save even more money.
Cars
Though many car dealers will offer plenty of deals leading up to the holidays, January is also a great month to buy a new or pre-owned ride. Once dealers are done with the holidays and see how many of last year's models they still have on their lots, they are always eager to cut you a great deal on whatever type of vehicle you want to purchase. Whether you want a new car or one that's slightly used, you'll find great deals in January.
Suits
If you are getting ready to start a new job in January or are simply in need of some new suits to wear, the first month of the year is a great time to make a purchase. For whatever reason, January has traditionally always been a very slow month for suit sales, meaning retailers will be more than happy to see you walk through the door. Whether you want a new suit to help impress your boss or to take your significant other out for a night on the town, buying in January will be a smart decision.
What Not to Buy in January
Now that you know more about plenty of things you should look to purchase in January, it's also good to know what you should avoid buying in January. Don’t spend on things that you don’t really need, simply for the sake of saving a few bucks on discounted prices. It’s not worth it to blow your budget for upgrades on cell phones, TVS, or other items you want, but don’t need. Buying small appliances should also be avoided until at least February, since these are usually on sale for President's Day. In fact, it's best to carefully go over your financial goals. You can give serious thought to how your spending fits into your overall financial goals for 2023.
As prices continue to rise on more and more things, it’s vital you do all you can to be a smart shopper. If you purchase the services of a CPA in January and use these meetings to your advantage, you can go confidently through the upcoming year as a person who spends wisely and saves frugally.