HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE GREAT BUYS DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL

SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG! 

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, there are lots of Spring weather related items on sale this month. Non serious runners are getting back out on the roads, so April is one of the best months to buy running shoes, and other running gear. Spring projects are also underway, and you will find some good buys on home improvement supplies. Because the weather is neither hot nor cold, now is a bargain time to have a new furnace or air conditioning installed.

It’s time to start your yard work, so you’ll see lots of plants, seeds and garden supplies at good prices. Many gardeners believe that Good Friday is the day to plant your potatoes. If you are in the market for a new lawn mower, this is the time of year to consider purchasing one. If you want to wait until the end of Summer, you might be able to find better buys, but will have less selection.

WINTER MARKDOWNS:

Now that the snow season is over (hope, hope!)  it is also the time to find bargains on snow boards, a new pair of snow skis, ski boots, or Winter outerwear for next season. You may still be able to find other Winter items on clearance, but don’t wait too long.

FRESH PRODUCE BUYS FOR APRIL:

Asparagus is in its prime as are strawberries, spinach, limes, salad greens, green peas and rhubarb. Fresh rhubarb may be expensive, but frozen is quite affordable.  April is also pineapple and mango season. What I’ve discovered while researching, is that different areas of the country have a lot of variations as to what is readily available for the best prices. Of course the freshest seasonal local produce is tastier and also most nutritious.  This link will show you what produce is in season for your state.   You can imagine that produce in season for Texas is quite different from Alaska, which has potatoes and carrots as the only seasonal produce listed for April.  This is one of the best months to buy organic or natural foods. It is wonderful that we can enjoy good produce year round simply by choosing frozen, canned or dried.

EASTER SALES AND CLEARANCE DEALS:

Easter is in early April this year, so you’ll want to keep a look out for great prices on all the supplies to make a great dinner, including baking items, cake mixes, pie crusts and hams. I like to buy extra hams, on sale, and keep them in my freezer. Eggs, butter and cheese are also traditionally cheaper this time of year. Keep your eyes open for after Easter candy clearances.  We can’t ever guarantee that those Cadbury eggs will be on clearance, but it is always worth it to check. 😉

SPRING CLOTHING AND SUMMER STUFF: 

Since Spring clothing has now been in the stores for several months, you’ll find some great sales and bargains, and don’t forget to check out shoes, which have been neglected by shoppers during the Winter. Clothing and shoes will all be moved to clearance racks to make room for summer items, which are now appearing in stores. There will be some great sales, because retailers want to move those products. Keep an eye out for early sales on summer items. You might even find bargains on swimming pools and grills.

BUY EARLY FOR MOTHER’S DAY AND GRADUATIONS:

You’ll start seeing sales in the middle of April for Mother’s day and Graduations.  April is a great time forpretty clothing, and jewelry. Want to have flowers sent to Mom for Mother’s day?  Get your orders in during the later part of April or early in May for some great bargains from online sources.

ELECTRONICS:

Traditionally Spring is a good time to check out electronic deals. It is the best time of year to get a new laptop or desktop computer. You’ll find some special deals on digital cameras as well as televisions. Many people get their tax refunds in April. Retailers want to take advantage of this, and offer some great buys on bigger ticket items.

VACUUM CLEANERS AND LARGE APPLIANCES:

New models of vacuum cleaners come out in June, so April is a good time to look into replacing your older model.  If you are looking for new large appliances, you’ll be able to find some good sales this month as well, but wait until May for the best prices.

SHOP THRIFT STORES AND FLEA MARKETS:

Because folks tend to Spring clean in April, look for their cast off treasures at your favorite thrift store or flea market, and don’t forget yard, garage or tag sales. With the warmer weather there will soon be lots of those to check out.

TRAVEL BARGAINS:

If you can travel in the Spring, you will find some great prices on Cruises, Airfare and Hotels.  As usual the prices go up after Memorial day, and the wise traveler makes reservations while bargain priced seats or rooms are available. If you are planning to take a trip on July or August, now is the time to look for those tickets. You might consider doing something different and see the country by train!  Amtrack also has lots of special deals.  Book by May 15 for big savings.

This also reminds me that spring is a great time to buy tires.  Lots of people are switching from Winter tires, so there are some great competitive prices available, and the price for gasoline is expected to go lower before it rises again. Maybe this year is the year for a road trip!

 TAX DAY FREEBIES:

Here is HOME AGAIN Jiggety-jig’s  list of “FREEBIES” for this tax season – April 15.  Some offers are available immediately and there are some which are good for a couple of weeks. You’ll even find a couple for April 14 – to help you make it through your last minute tax preparation.  New offers are added every day right up to April 15th.

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