Holiday shopping
When to buy toys for Christmas: early or wait
When to buy toys for Christmas: buy the one popular toy early and wait on the rest, because most toy prices drop only a little in November.
Mathieu Roux2 min read
Buy at the right time.
See when things usually get cheaper, which sales are worth it and what is better to wait on.
Topic
When to buy
When to buy
Buy now, wait or skip: November and December verdicts
A one-table list of common purchases with a buy now, wait or skip the sale verdict for the November and December shopping window, with exceptions.
Rania Khelifi3 min read
When to buy
Last year's model vs the new model: which to buy
Last year's model vs the new model: when the older one is the better deal, and the few cases where the new one is worth the extra money.
Rania Khelifi4 min read
When to buy
Best time to buy a vacuum cleaner, and when to skip
The best time to buy a vacuum cleaner is often spring or November, but a flat price all year means you should buy when you need it. Here is how to tell.
Rania Khelifi2 min read
When to buy
Best time to buy a mattress without overpaying
The best time to buy a mattress is usually a long holiday weekend, but the trial period matters more than the discount. Here is the rule.
Rania Khelifi2 min read
Topic
Black Friday
Black Friday
Returns and price adjustments for holiday sales
How to protect yourself when a sale price drops after you buy: what to check in return and price-adjustment policies, and what to keep.
Mathieu Roux4 min read
Editors' picks
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Topic
Back to school
Back to school
Student discount vs sale price: which saves more
Student discount vs sale price: how to compare the two, when a student offer beats a sale, and when a sale is the cheaper way to buy.
Mathieu Roux3 min read
Back to school
When to buy school supplies to pay less
When to buy school supplies: late July through August is the usual window, but the first week is the time to skip. Here is the simple plan.
Mathieu Roux2 min read
Back to school
Back to school laptop deals: when to buy one
Back to school laptop deals usually start in July and run through August, but the best price can come in November. Here is how to time it.
Mathieu Roux4 min read
Back to school
Should you buy school clothes early or wait for sales
Should you buy school clothes early or wait for sales? A simple rule for kids who grow fast, plus what to buy now and what to leave for fall clearance.
Mathieu Roux2 min read
Topic
Holiday shopping
Holiday shopping
When to buy toys for Christmas: early or wait
When to buy toys for Christmas: buy the one popular toy early and wait on the rest, because most toy prices drop only a little in November.
Mathieu Roux2 min read
Holiday shopping
The gift you bought too early
A short opinion on buying holiday gifts too early: why the October deal often costs more than it saves, and what a calm gift shopper does instead.
Mathieu Roux4 min read
Holiday shopping
Last-minute holiday gifts that still arrive on time
How to buy last minute holiday gifts that still arrive on time, what to pick when shipping is late, and how to avoid paying extra for panic.
Mathieu Roux4 min read
Holiday shopping
Holiday shipping cutoffs: when to order so gifts arrive
Holiday shipping cutoffs decide whether a gift arrives on time. Here is a simple timing rule, what to do when you miss the date, and when to pick up in store.
Mathieu Roux2 min read
Topic
Summer
Summer
Best time to buy patio furniture and grills
The best time to buy patio furniture and grills is usually late summer through early fall, when stores clear stock. Here is the plan and the catches.
Mathieu Roux4 min read
