PAYDAY is still a way off and half of us have already run out of money this month.
But 2024 doesn’t have to be a year of financial despair for cash-strapped households.
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Cash whiz Gemma Bird, aka Money Mum, says: “if you know what to buy you can save hundreds, potentially thousands of pounds throughout the year – and january is the best time to start.”
Here, Gemma shares with Kirsten Jones savvy buys to look out for during each month of the year.
January
THOSE posh trainers you maybe wanted for Christmas could be half-price by the end of this month.
GEMMA SAYS: Brands know we’ll spend a fortune on flashy footwear at Christmas.
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But by the end of January brands are worrying they’ll struggle to shift stock as the new year fitness craze dies down.
Normally, trainers get marked down even further around the end of the month, so it’s worth checking how much those snazzy Converse you spotted in December are now.
Online shops like Asos let you sign up for alerts when sales go live, so earmark your favourite pairs.
February
INSTEAD of chocs and flowers, buy your Valentine a fridge.
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GEMMA SAYS: I joke not. You’ll find mega deals on fridges and freezers in February – up to 30 per cent off in stores like Currys or online at AO.com.
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All the new models will be wheeled into shop windows in March and before that the old stuff gets the boot at bargain prices.
If you see a fridge you fancy, check how many your local store has in stock.
Shops lose money if they can’t shift old stuff, so you might get a better bargain than you think.
March
WHILE Mum probably doesn’t want a new vacuum cleaner for Mother’s Day, you’d be daft not to clean up on a bargain buy this month.
GEMMA SAYS: April is spring-cleaning season, when mops come out – and you find your vacuum’s lost its suction.
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But prices for new ones climb as latest models appear in May and June, so get in quickly and sign up for weekly alerts at local stores.
And don’t throw away your old one – you can get decent money for working parts on secondhand sites like Gumtree.
April
MAY is the most popular month among Brits to brush up their homes with a bit of DIY, so grab your home improvement goods before they break the bank.
“Warmer weather, longer days and handy bank holidays put us in the mood to paint a few walls and renovate rooms, and shops know it,” says Gemma.
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“You can save up to 45 percent on DIY goods like drills, ladders and even electric saws in the month before May.
“Check out B&Q for a decent offer and become a member (it’s free) for a new shopper discount.”
May
SICK of your saggy, springless mattress? Good news, May is prime mattress month.
“It’s about this time of year when your telly throws out adverts about beds promising the best sleep of your life,” says Gemma.
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“Why? New products roll out in June and they need to shift the old stuff.
“It’s not just the new buy saving you money.
“Providing your mattress is in decent condition, you can sell it second hand for £100 or more and save the effort of lugging it to the tip.
“You’d be surprised how many people will offer to take it off your hands.”
June
THE summer holidays are on the way and with money tight, most Brits can’t afford to jet abroad – but camping comes in cheap.
“Outdoor gear like tents, walking boots and anoraks get their prices slashed in June as families face the elements in caravans and tents across the country,” says Gemma.
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“Decathlon, The Range and Mountain Warehouse tend to take up to 30 percent off their collection as demand rockets.
“You can even pick a free campsite at freecampsites.net to make your trip even cheaper.”
July
AMAZON Prime Day pops up this month to offer some tempting deals on new tellies – and other brands slash the prices as they know people watch less TV when the evenings are warm and bright.
“You can score up to 40 percent of top-of-the-range TVs on Amazon Prime Day, but do your research first,” says Gemma.
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“I search for the TV I want on price trackers like Camel Camel Camel and Price Runner.
“They send me alerts when the price has dropped further – it’s a really easy way to save a few more pounds.”
August
WITH the kids almost back at school we can kiss the beach goodbye, but it’s well worth bagging a cheap cossie for next year.
“Britain’s seasides are cold enough in the summer months so swimwear prices take a nosedive ahead of the autumn term,” says Gemma.
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“Check out supermarkets like Tesco and Asda where you’ll find trendy bikinis for half the price – often as little as a fiver. Just don’t forget where you put it next summer.”
September
COOKING up a storm in the kitchen?
Now’s the time to save on appliances with up to 55 percent off in big stores.
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“Cookers, dishwashers and ovens will be on the pricey side in the first half of the year as we try to cut back on bills by splurging on energy-saving, eco models,” says Gemma.
“Try and hold out until September when the rush has passed.
“I’ve seen big appliances like cookers drop from £800 to £400.”
October
SUMMER is over and there’s no way you’re braving the cold to sort out the garden, and that’s why lawnmowers sell for less.
“Lawn mower sales skyrocket from about April to September each year when we’re pruning and preening,” says Gemma.
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“But come October we’ve battened down the hatches.
“When the demand dies down you’ll get at least 40 percent off last season’s models, plus mega savings on outdoor items like barbecues and paddling pools too.”
November
YOUR teenagers are probably gagging for the new iPhone heading into stores this September, but wait a few weeks and those prices will come crashing down.
“Black Friday is well worth waiting for if you want at least 25 percent off a new mobile,” says Gemma.
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“Big companies like Apple drop their new models later in the year, around September, and the old models drop in price soon after – so hold tight and do your research before you dive in.
December
IT might sound like madness to buy a car with Christmas coming, but it’s the perfect month to drive a hard bargain.
“At the end of the year, car dealers are trying to hit their annual sales targets and will shave at least five percent off the forecourt price,” says Gemma.
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“If you’re lucky, they might even sell you a motor at a loss to secure their bonus.
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“It’s worth keeping tabs on prices to spot reductions.
“Just remember to save up through the year to pay your car insurance next December.”
