January Monthly Savings Guide – What’s on Sale and What’s in Season

Being frugal doesn’t mean that you have to hole yourself up in a bunker somewhere and cut the outside world off, using only sticks and mud to meet your basic needs.  It really is about getting your money to stretch as far as possible.  I mean, when it really comes down to it, your money is a representation of your time–time you might have rather spent with your kids, or traveling, or {insert favorite past time here}, so just giving it away is like not respecting your own time.
Shopping smart is one way to get the almighty dollar to stretch far enough to help you live within your means…hopefully with a little extra jingle in your pocket. Timing your purchases around yearly sales is one of the ways I try to shop smart.  Sometimes, that means going without until the price is the best, other times, it means stocking up early, so when I do need it, I paid a reasonable price.  Either way, shelling out extra cash in an impulsive moment for something you can get at a fraction of the cost is just crazy talk.

Knowing what’s on sale, what’s in season, and what you should be able to find on clearance each month really helps you plan.  How do you know?  That’s why you have me…

Promotions and Holidays in January

January brings a couple of major events.  First up:  New Years.  Make sure you nab all those New Year’s decoration items after the holiday–it will be clearanced and you will be ready for next year.  January is also National Oatmeal Month {not kidding}.  Stores will do promotions on everything oatmeal.

Because of  New Year’s resolutions, you can also score some great deals on “healthy food” options.  Just as you get into a groove in the health department, though, Super Bowl Sunday will bring around great deals on frozen pizzas, chips, dips, soda, beer, veggie trays, snacks, and crackers.  {This year Super Bowl Sunday actually falls in February, but the sales will start in late January.}

Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable You Will Typically Find on Sale in January

It really depends on what region you live in as to what is on sale or in season in January, so bear that in mind as you are shopping.  In general, in the U.S. you can expect to see: Meyer lemons, avocados, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, grapefruit, greens, leeks, wild mushrooms, mandarin oranges, navel oranges, pears, papaya, spinach, tangelos, and tangerines.

Annual Sales and Deals You Can Expect in January

If you are a fitness buff {like me–HA!} this is the month to score great deals on fitness apparel and equipment.  I am sure it has something to do with a combination of New Year’s resolutions and those pesky holiday pounds.  Lots of places will also run deals on supplements and vitamins–it’s all part and parcel to the “get healthy, new me” resolution.  Typically, you will see a “white sale” or two around this time–linens and towels will be on sale.

Clearance Items to Be On the Lookout For in January 

The big Kahuna of holidays has past and now is the time to grab up items like toys, games, and Christmas decor and wrapping.  Most stores will start to clearance out their winter apparel, like coats, hats and gloves.  You’ll see more of that in February too, though.  Oh, and while you are shopping the Christmas clearances, don’t forget to get Christmas cards for next year–get crazy in the slow months of February and address all of the envelopes–it will save you a lot of headache when the hectic holiday rolls around again.

Now go forth and save.

~Mavis