Fall Gives Twice The Bang For Your Purchasing Buck

BACK TO BASICS | by SHERRY STRIPLING

FALL IS HERE: TIME TO GET AN URGE FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER or patio furniture or blowup beach toys.

Seasonal merchandize is always a better bargain late in the season but the pickings are especially good in autumn, the last quarter of the year. As you start your own economic stimulus plan, here are items to consider.

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Appliances
New models on ranges and washing machines and other major appliances hit the showroom floors in September and October. Sales go on all year, but big holidays, like Thanksgiving, are often prime time.

Again, new models for big-screen televisions often come out in August and September. Wait a few months for the price to drop. You’ll find bargains during the winter holidays.

Champagne
Why not? Prices are often lower during the holidays because of the competition.

Cruises
People tend to book in mid-winter instead of mid-summer when it’s warm at home, so there are more berths than passengers right now. Costs are lower because of new ships in the Caribbean and merged lines.

Cookware
October and November compete with April and May for good buys. Also buy your BBQ now, along with your matching poolside lounge chairs.

Toys
Watch for two-for-one specials beginning in October and November because toy manufacturers like to get the ball rolling early, so to speak.