HOW TO AFFORD BIG-TICKET ITEMS FOR THE YEAR

When Brandy Baxter needed to replace her home’s entire heating and air conditioning system several years ago, she asked contractors if they offered deals at certain times of the year.

She learned that if she waited until February, the slow season for such work, she could get a lower price. Baxter, a financial coach based in Dallas, says she saved around $6,000 as a result.

When it comes to saving money on big purchases, sometimes timing really is everything. Taking advantage of certain holiday weekends and seasonal discounts can lead to significant savings, which is especially helpful with inflation continuing to push prices higher. Consumers can also consider their own cash flow fluctuations and shop for big-ticket items when they can better afford them.

“There are two overarching principles: Purchase items in the offseason and purchase items during holiday weekends,” says Kimberlee Stokes of Orlando, Florida, the founder of ThePeacefulMom.com, a website aimed at moms who want to save money and get organized. “It does require some planning.”

Here’s how to time your shopping to get the most out of your budget.

SHOP THE BIGGEST SALES WEEKENDS

Traditionally, three weekends of the year — Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends — are the best for deals on appliances, furniture and mattresses, says Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com , which offers savings tips. For electronics, Black Friday in November is the ideal time to buy, followed closely by Amazon’s Prime Day sale, which is typically in July and this year runs July 12-13.

Bodge adds that some specific items have unique sales periods. Televisions typically see their lowest prices in late January and early February — right before the Super Bowl.