How to Shop for Fall on a Budget
There are no big shopping holidays on the calendar this month, but you can still pick up a scary-good deal in October. Here’s what to buy, and what to skip.
Use this guide to learn what to buy and what to skip in October.
Buy: Jeans
Shop your favorite retailers and check out some new ones you thought you couldn’t afford for incredible savings on jeans this month.
Skip: Winter apparel
Warm-weather wear won’t start dropping in price until Thanksgiving at the earliest, and the best markdowns will only appear on shelves around the holidays.
Buy: Outdoor gear
As the weather cools down and people head indoors, prices on all things outdoor will start dropping. This includes patio furniture, gardening tools, grills, camping gear and so much more.
Skip: Cleaning supplies
Are you in the market for a new vacuum? Looking to score a deal on a robot sweeper? You’re best off waiting a bit until Black Friday. On the biggest shopping day of the year, big-ticket cleaning items get steep discounts.
Buy: Halloween costumes and decor
As with any holiday, the closer the calendar gets to Halloween, the discounts you’ll see on related paraphernalia get steeper. This includes party decor, costumes, yard decorations, candy and more.
Skip: Appliances
Don’t spring for a new oven, refrigerator or washing machine just yet! Being hot Black Friday sales items, you’re best off waiting a bit to reduce the amount of money you’ll spend on new appliances.
Buy: Autumn apparel
You can pick up some in-between weather wear this October at super-hot prices. Retailers need to make space for the winter stock, and will be discounting all autumn wear. Take advantage of this by cashing in on fantastic sales.
That’s not all, though! Here are six timely money-saving tips this shopping season, so you can maximize your shopping efforts.
1. Layer up
Don’t pack your summer clothing yet. Save tank tops and summer vests for layering up in colder weather. Stick a long-sleeved T-shirt under a dress and add leggings and boots to make it warmer!
2. Take inventory
Take stock of your closets before hitting the mall. You may not realize what you’ve saved from last year’s winter until you look. Look at what each family member has and write down what they still need.
3. Shop the sales
Take advantage of fall’s many holidays and their sales! There’s Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Black Friday. It’s often worth waiting for the next holiday to buy what you need.
4. Shop online – without paying shipping
Online shopping can be significantly cheaper than retail stores – until you need to tack on $6.99 for shipping. Beat the system by looking for free shipping on sites like Freeshipping.com, or by taking advantage of the free in-store pickup that many retailers offer.
5. Time it right
There’s a season for every purchase. If you wait until a specific item goes on sale, you’ll save. For example, jeans always get marked down in October and last winter’s boots show up on sales racks at the end of September. Winter coats go on sale as soon as Christmas is over. You may also be able to hold off until after the holidays.
6. Shop the overstock
Stores that specialize in deeply discounted merchandise, like DSW and Marshalls, can be a terrific source for name brand clothing at generic prices. These stores are especially beneficial for stocking up on basics. Check out secondhand stores and sites like Overstock.com for incredible deals on stuff you need!
Good luck with shopping!
