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Courtney Orton reporting From the gas pump to the grocery store, prices are up! And Utahns are feeling the pinch on their pocketbook.
Last week, we reported on ways to save money by changing how you shop. This week, we are looking at ways to save money by changing WHEN you shop.
Timing is everything. When you buy certainly matters when it comes to what you buy -- whether it's clothes, electronics, a big purchase like a car, or gas for your car.
The day of the week or the month of the year can help you get a better deal. It's called shopping by the calendar, a savings calendar.
Televisions may go on sale in January for the Super Bowl, boats in October and furniture in January and August.
If you're in the market for a brand new high-definition DVD player, Consumer Reports says it's best to buy small consumer electronics in February, June, November and December. And if you can wait a month or two, or sometimes a bit more, you can generally save 50 percent to 70 percent.
But shopping by the calendar doesn't just mean by the month.
Smartmoney.com says if you're reserving a hotel room, it's best to call on Sunday. Call the hotel directly and ask to speak with the manager on duty or the director of sales. They are more willing to negotiate. They'd rather have a booked room at a discounted rate than an empty room.
If you are buying a new car, do it on Monday or the last day of the month. If you are looking for an SUV or a pickup, shop in January. And if you're looking for last season's models, October is the best time to buy.
Airline tickets tend to be least expensive on Wednesday mornings. Consumer Reports says that's when airlines try to fill unsold seats on flights for the following week to 10 days.
Are you running out of gas? Smartmoney.com says it's best to buy gas on Thursday before 10 a.m. Weekend demand for gas is high, so prices usually start swinging upward on Thursdays as travelers fuel up to head out the following day.
National stores normally have big sales at the same time each year.
Nordstrom's big Anniversary Sale is usually the last two weeks of July. You can save up to 70 percent at Victoria's Secret in January and May. Sales at IKEA are in late July to early August, and Williams and Sonoma is January and June.
If you are shopping online, there really isn't a better time to do that because the Web has made sales a regular event. So instead, try searching for discount codes. All you have to do is search the brand name plus the word "coupon," and you can normally find codes for discounts or free shipping.
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E-mail: corton@ksl.com
