November kicks off a two-month spending spree that traditionally doesn’t end until the new year begins.
As with just about everything else in 2020, the holidays will be different this year, with smaller, more-subdued celebrations and a holiday shopping season that could well take place mostly online.
But, as usual, November will present some unique ways to cut costs and save money, even if some of these opportunities require you to spend a relatively large amount of money now so you can save during the rest of the year.
What follows are six ways to save more money in November.
Buy things you’ve needed all year long
It sounds strange, but hear us out. You might be able to save cash by bunching up more purchases in November. The reason: Black Friday savings.
Do you need a new computer or television? Shopping November sales can net large savings on big-ticket items.
Look also for deals on smaller appliances, like a blender or toaster oven. These may even be available as hot buys when you can find them promoted as “doorbusters” designed to lure shoppers into the store.
The best savings accrue to those who have the discipline to buy only what they need and resist impulse buys, even if they are on sale.
For more tips on saving when you shop, check out:
Buy a car
If you need a new ride, November can be a great time to buy.
Deals on new and used cars get better between Labor Day and New Year’s Day. Says AutoTrader:
“As a general rule of thumb, the later in the year you’re shopping for a car, the better deal you’re likely to get. October, November, and December are the months where we typically see the most attractive incentives available on new cars.”
Just stay away from showrooms early in the month and on Saturdays. That’s when dealers are the busiest. You want to wait until the last half of the month, when salespeople are feeling more pressure to hit their sales targets, AutoTrader says.
Also, shop smart. Don’t just buy used; buy a gently used model that has a track record for depreciating more than others.
For more tips, check out:
Stock up on popular Thanksgiving groceries
Everybody eats turkey during Thanksgiving. But who gives a second thought to the bird for the rest of the year? Because of the holiday demand, you’d expect turkey prices to rise.
Oddly, that’s not the way it works. Lately, anyway, turkey prices have plummeted before Thanksgiving.
Last year, the cost of turkey dropped just before the holiday, although the supermarket cost of ham went up.
FoodDive, a food industry publication, says that’s because of innovations that help farmers raise mature turkeys more quickly at a low cost.
The takeaway: If you like turkey, go for it when prices drop in November. Buy a couple extra and freeze them to enjoy low-cost protein later in the year.
Look for other deals on food in the season, too — canned cranberries and canned pumpkin are a couple of examples.
Tie the knot
If you are looking to get married, November is a great month to do so.
November — along with January, March and April — are when demand is lightest and costs can be “far” less expensive. Says this Dummies article, about how dates and times can affect your wedding costs:
“Venue prices may be lower, and vendor prices are likely to be significantly lower simply because the demand isn’t as great.”
Other ways to save:
Buy next year’s Halloween and Thanksgiving decor
Patience is a virtue, and it can pay financial dividends, too. Shop in the days after Halloween to score massive deals on seasonal decor that you can use the following year. While you’re at it, pick up your favorite candy at a deep discount.
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