May 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 May

May hosts three celebrations:  Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.  Expect deals on Mexican food {tortillas, beans, salsa, etc.}, gift sets, flowers, and other Mother’s Day type items, BBQ supplies {condiments, paper goods, etc. }.  There will likely be some promotions on graduation type gifts too.

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

Lots of new foods will start dropping in price this month.  Expect to see sales or lowered prices on artichokes, avocado, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce, onions, cherries, strawberries, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb, and swiss chard.

Annual Sales and Deals You Can Expect in May

Lots of stores will run annual sales on grilling supplies this month {grills, charcoal, lighter fluid} and outdoor patio furniture.  There will also likely be sales to kick off the outdoor season, in general, so you might see deals on sunscreen, bugspray, allergy medications etc.

Clearance Items to Be On the Lookout For in May

Toward the end of the month, you’ll find Mardi Gras decorations on clearance.  You’ll probably be able to find DEEP discounts on Easter decor by this point too.  Most stores will be clearancing out heavy winter bedding–so you can pick up a new set for next year.

Now go forth and save.

~Mavis