February is the Best Time to Find These Deals

February is a busy month. First, we have the Super Bowl, then Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day with its 3-day weekend—all offering us excuses to shop. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to participate in these events—in fact, it can be a great month to save if you stick to the things you need and know where to look. Consider these February deals.

Furniture

Manufacturers release new designs every spring—much in the same way that car manufacturers roll out their new models—that means retailers need to get rid of last year’s designs like now! And that means you can find great deals on last year’s models this month.

Mattresses

February, especially President’s Day three-day weekend, is the best time of the year to jump on mattress deals. Retailers use the holiday to attract people who have put off buying or replacing for a while.

Last year, retailers, including Best Buy, Lowe’s, Mattress Firm, Overstock, Serta, and more had blow-out sales on mattresses. Overstock offered up to 70% off on a wide variety of items for the home including mattresses.

Costco, Sam’s Club (both require membership, but non-members are welcome and will pay an additional 5%) and American Furniture Warehouse (not a membership store) deliver almost anywhere and offer amazing deals on a wide variety of mattresses. Make sure you compare (include shipping costs) before you make your final decision. It’s easy as all three have an excellent online presence.

Not a Costco member?

Here’s a deal you’d be smart to consider! Join Costco in February and get a $20 Costco Shop Card*. As a member, you’ll be able to shop in-warehouse, but also at Costco.com.

• MORE: Even Small Households Can Save Big at Warehouse Clubs

Jewelry

February is an ideal time to find great deals on jewelry because, well … Valentine’s Day. While there are lots of “sales” starting now, if you can wait you’ll score authentically after Feb. 14, when retailers have been known to offer true discounts upwards of 80%.

Phones

In the past, some manufacturers and wireless carriers have offered really good deals on cellphones including smartphones—like BOGO (buy one get one free) deals—in February. Start watching for that now if you need to make a replacement or upgrade. Check around! Go to Decluttr.com to check out good deals on refurbished phones and Amazon for renewed smartphones.

Winter coats and jackets

Winter coats are taking up a lot of space in retail stores, and they need to clear them out to make room for spring merchandise.

Want to see some amazing examples? Click over to LL Bean (deals appear to change daily, even hourly!) They’re clearing out women’s winter coats and jackets with some as much as 80% off—plus 2% cash back to your Rakuten account.  You can be sure that other in-store and online retailers are doing their best to compete.

• MORE: This Is The Best Way To Get Cash Back When Shopping Online

TVs

February is Super Bowl month, so shoppers are searching for discounts on big-screen TVs. This month, retailers are anxious to comply.

Some 17% of Americans plan to purchase a new television during Super Bowl sales this year, and the average television budget among those who plan to buy is $753 Is that you? Better hurry. Sales will continue for a few weeks, but typically supplies are limited when the prices are so deeply discounted.

There’s no shortage of Super Bowl TV deals to shop, either. We’ve found various TVs on sale right now from Costco, Samsung, Best Buy, Amazon and more.

Valentine’s Day sweets

Stock up on candy treats after Valentine’s day when prices are super sweet. Stores like Target and Walmart offer super blow-out clearance prices immediately following the holiday of love—especially on themed items. Hint: Red works well for July 4 and Christmas, too!

If you love chocolate, you will be scouting out markdowns on Valentine’s Day-themed chocolate, and gift boxes that will be marked down 50% fifty percent or more as the end of February draws near.

Steak and lobster

Your local supermarkets and butcher shops are loading up on more expensive cuts of meat and seafood in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. And you can be sure that come February 15, there will be terrific mark-downs on steaks, lobster, and more—what remains after the big day.

Canned food

February being National Canned Food Month is the best time of year to load up on canned foods. Manufacturers and retailers will team up this month to offer loss-leader type sales and all things in cans.

Humidifiers

Typically, people purchase humidifiers at the beginning of winter in anticipation of the dry winter months ahead. And as far as retailers are concerned, February marks the end of that season. Expect to see bargain prices on humidifiers. But with plenty of wintertime, you’ll enjoy the benefits immediately.

Consider our Best Inexpensive pick—this Wi-Fi-enabled Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier because it’s quieter, more durable, and easier to deal with overall than any other humidifier I’ve tested, with its 1½-gallon tank that will last all day.

Sporting equipment

From clothing to sporting equipment, now’s the time to stock up on winter products. You’ll still have time to use the items this year and get them at a discount. Winter products are on their way out the door because many retailers have already released spring arrivals, which typically hit shelves at full price.

Ski trips

If you book a winter vacation this month, look for big discounts on ski trip vacation packages, especially to Colorado and Utah. The peak season for resorts in these states has passed with the winter holidays. They need to fill rooms, sell lift tickets and keep their resorts humming with business for at least a few more months. How do they do that? By discounting vacation packages and ski trip prices.

Tax software

It’s that time of year and right now—contrary to most retailers who wait until after their holidays to put their goods on sale—tax software manufacturers are getting a jump on Tax Day, April 15, 2024, by putting tax software on sale at bargain prices.

Free tax-help

The IRS now provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $58,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.

Presidents Day sales

There’s another holiday besides Valentine’s Day in February. Presidents Day falls on Feb. 20, 2023, and if this year is like previous ones, expect retailers to host holiday weekend sales. They’ll likely focus on home goods like bedding and small kitchen appliances. You could score free shipping, too.

Heart health

February is American Heart Month. We can expect hospitals and community centers across the country to offer workshops with a more one-on-one approach and a variety of complimentary or low-cost lectures and events on ways to stay heart-healthy. You can find events in your area along with other heart-healthy information and resources by going to Heart.org and clicking on “In Your Community.”

Bonus: National Frozen Yogurt Day

Finally, sweeten up an already sweet month with National Frozen Yogurt Day on Feb. 6, 2023. Look for free or discounted yogurt at a business near you. In past years, I’ve seen deals to buy one froyo and get one free. Look for specific promotions for yogurt deals near you on social media.

 

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