Timing Your Buying

Timing is everything when you're looking for a bargain. Some purchases are difficult to time perfectly, such as stocks, airplane tickets and gas.

But many other consumer staples -- from cars, to electronics, to produce -- go on sale predictably at certain times of year.

To help you plan your purchases and save a bundle, Kiplinger Personal Finance has developed a "Month-by-Month Guide to Best Bargains."

So what should you keep in mind for finding bargains at any time of year?

On "The Early Show" Wednesday, Janet Bodnar, an editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, explained finding a great deal can depend on two things: the time of year and the economy.

She said some times of year may be intuitive, and others not. She added the economy has enabled people to get a lot of deals on things you get deals on a year ago.

So what bargains can you find at this time of the year?

In August, the best deals, Bodnar explained, are on outdoor toys, school and office supplies and patio and outdoor furniture.

On the school and office supplies front, Bodnar added some states are even giving sales tax holidays that are geared towards back-to-school supplies and computer supplies.

In September, Bodnar said you may get discounts on health insurance. People have a tendency to renew what plan they had last year, but she suggested people look into new offerings and plans.

"(It) does benefit you to take a look at that," she said.

Also, with the holidays coming up, you can get deals in September on holiday airfare.

New cars are also a deal in September. It's the end of the model year, Bodnar explained. And with the sluggish state of the current economy, she said you can get a great combo deal with the "Cash for Clunkers" deal.