March is an exciting month, as millions across the country eagerly watch to see who takes the title in the month-long college basketball tournament. But what if you’re not a basketball fan? What if retail shopping is your sport of choice? Good news — tucked between the Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day shopping spikes, there are still opportunities to snag some great deals on certain items.
Here’s a quick list of what you should and shouldn’t buy in March in order to get the most for your money.
March is the month when clothing stores introduce their spring collections and mark down their winter wear — including coats. You may have to visit multiple stores and/or websites to find the best possible selection, but isn’t that half the fun of competitive shopping?
Every savvy shopper knows you never buy clothes at the start of the season, when they’re at their priciest. Tough it out wearing last year’s spring togs for at least another month and shop for this year’s spring fashions after the sales kick in.
DailyFinance points out that there’s a jewelry-buying lull between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Be vigilant, watch for sales, and be prepared to haggle. If you play your cards right, you could score a piece of jewelry that will make her forgive you for not buying it last month.
No matter how badly you want to watch the tournament on a TV as big as a mini-van, resist temptation. DealNews says you’ll get the most value in March from a 55-inch set, and even better value if you’re willing to buy a non-name-brand flat screen.
USAA notes that spring is when most people shop for new cars in earnest. Since this is the last month before spring starts, it may be a good time to pick up a deal on last year's model. Any dealer who has a 2015 left on the lot by the end of the first quarter of 2016 may be eager to cut a deal just to get rid of it before the new car buying season really gets rolling.
Guys, if you didn’t get it for her last month, March is not the time. Business Insider points out that prices on lingerie don’t actually drop after the romantic buying spree of Valentine’s Day ends. Instead, wait until June or thereabouts when major brands have semi-annual sales.
Scoring winning deals in the month of March doesn't have to be hard. Just flex your deal-making skills and so your research, and you can get the most for your money this month and throughout the year.