Slide Show | July 2009

BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

Yes, deals abound on Black Friday, but you can save money on plenty of things all winter long. Here are ten things whose prices thaw despite the cold this season.

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

DECEMBER: Used Cars

December is the time to get the lowest price on a used car because demand dwindles and dealers are anxious to move cars off the lot before year-end. For the best selection, though, shop for a used car in April after dealers have filled their lots with vehicles bought at auction.

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DECEMBER: Used Cars

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

DECEMBER: Charitable Donations

Any season is the "best" time to help the less fortunate. But don't let the New Year dawn before you remember to give back. Charitable opportunities abound during the holiday season. Plus, you can get a last-minute tax break before year-end.

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DECEMBER: Charitable Donations

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

DECEMBER/JANUARY: Weddings

From dresses to reception halls, you'll save a bundle with a winter wedding, according to Denise and Alan Fields, authors of Bridal Bargains.

It's the industry's slow season, so don't be afraid to haggle your way to even lower prices -- you might find people are willing to deal.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY: Weddings

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

DECEMBER/JANUARY: TVs

The first two weeks of December are the best time to buy brand-name and high-end HDTVs, while no-name HDTVs are strongly discounted from Black Friday through early January, says Jeff Contray, managing editor for dealnnews.com. However, the last weeks of January leading up to the Super Bowl are typically bad times to buy HDTVs. If you hold out until February (or early spring), you'll see a dip in prices on older models as retailers try to make room for new models.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY: TVs

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

JANUARY: Linens

It may be cold outside, but you can make the indoors warm and comfy -- and save money in the process -- by shopping department stores' "white sales" in January.

It's not uncommon to find discounts of 10% to 60% on sheets, blankets, towels and more (and not just in white).

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JANUARY: Linens

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

JANUARY: Gift Wrap

With prices marked down as much as 75%, post-holiday sales make a great time to stock up on gift wrap, ribbon and tags. Look for neutral patterns that you can use year-round to make the most of this deal.

You also can find deep discounts (up to 90%) on holiday decorations and artificial Christmas trees.

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JANUARY: Gift Wrap

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

JANUARY: Carpet and Flooring

Few people buy carpet in January, so that's the time to snag a discount as dealers try to drum up business, says Alan Fletcher, author of The Complete Carpet Buying Guide.

Make your purchase by February 15th, though. As people start receiving their tax refunds, business -- and prices -- pick up again.

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JANUARY: Carpet and Flooring

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

JANUARY: Furniture

New furniture hits showrooms in February, according to the American Home Furnishing Alliance. That means you can save 10% to 50% in January as retailers make room for the new inventory. Old models tend to be just as good, using the exact same frames as the new.

(Summer also is good time to buy furniture.)

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JANUARY: Furniture

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY:Digital Cameras

With the Consumer Electronics Show and Photo Marketing Association convention at this time of year, new camera models start arriving at retailers. That means deep discounts on last year's perfectly good merchandise.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY:Digital Cameras

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

ALL WINTER LONG: Real Estate

Most people don't shop for houses in the winter. But lower demand equals lower prices.

You'd usually sacrifice selection by house-hunting in winter, but with the current lagging market -- and large number of foreclosures -- bargain hunters should have plenty from which to choose.

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ALL WINTER LONG: Real Estate

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BEST BUYS OF WINTER(December, January, February)

See More Best Times to Buy:

• Best Buys of Spring
• Best Buys of Summer
• Best Buys of Fall

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