Broadway Tickets

The temperatures may be up this summer, but the prices are definitely down. At least that’s the case for some must-buy products.

Word to the wise: shopping at sales doesn’t make you a penny pincher or a bitterly frugal buyer — it makes you a well-dressed shopinista who’s financially savvy. And honestly, who doesn’t want to be labeled as such? Check out our list of the best things to buy for summer 2013 and then shop ’til you drop.

Jewelry

Have you ever been so bored it feels like the second hand on the clock has reduced to a fraction of its normal speed? So bored that you’d rather be back in Calculus 101 just to have something to do? That’s kind of how jewelry store employees across the nation feel right now. Very few people have incentive to buy, as the summer is smack dab between the “jewelry buying seasons” that are Christmas and Mother’s Day. In an effort to increase sales and get revenue rolling, you’ll find lots of drool-worthy sales at jewelry stores throughout the city and online. Stock up on gifts for the year or treat yourself to something fabulous. You deserve it after trekking through the hot smog.

Broadway Tickets

What better way to escape the hot outdoors than by cooling off in an air conditioned theater? Right now and through the end of summer, you’ll find Broadway tickets at up to half off the standard price. Why? There are less tourists in the city (they’re off splashing around on the beach) and no theater wants to put on a show for an empty house.

Hot Weather Clothing

From flip flops to bikinis to breezy maxi skirts, teeny tanks and beyond, July, August and even September are the months to buy summer duds. Anyone familiar with the fashion industry is all too familiar with the always forward-thinking sales floors. I mean, we’re already talking about summer 2014 collections, so anything that’s currently in-season is soon to be pushed out the door. Buy all your summer necessities now — and snag some goods for next year’s hot season — now that prices are reduced.

Office Supplies

OK, so this category may not qualify as a glamorous purchase, but everyone needs office supplies. As back to school specials go into high gear, start thinking about the items you need around your home office and load up. Post-It Notes, pens, notebooks and even high tech gadgets such as tablets, laptops and e-readers will go on sale through August.

Sunglasses

While sunglasses should be worn year round, their peak buying season is undoubtedly early through mid summer. Starting toward the middle of July and through late summer (even into fall), though, you’ll find sunglasses from various brands hitting the “sale rack,” so to speak. I recommend shopping for sunglasses in person since you’ll be able to try them on and determine which styles work best for your face. However, if you find a killer deal online, swoop those babies up if you suspect they’ll be a good fit!

Wine

If you’re a vino lover, mid July through August is the best time to buy your favorite bottles — or to try something new — for a lower price. Thanks to the impending fall harvest and all those new releases that will hit shelves shortly thereafter, wineries run sales on this, and last, season’s harvested wine. Note that many wineries also offer discounts if you buy by the case instead of per bottle.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Hitting the clearance rack is one easy way to save money, but you can save even more by planning ahead and shopping strategically throughout the year. Obviously, items are discounted when they go out of season. For example, winter apparel goes on sale just before spring to make room for new merchandise.

Knowing when other items go on sale may not be as easy to figure out, though.To help shoppers save, Lifehacker put together a chart they dubbed, “The Best Time to Buy Anything in 2013.” For every month of the year, they’ve included a short list of items that are discounted.

January

According to Lifehacker, January is the best time of year to get discounts on clothing, broadway tickets, furniture and linens/bedding, among other items. Broadway tickets go on sale because winter and fall are the slowest months for ticket sales, furniture is discounted because furniture companies release new products in February and linens/bedding go on sale thanks to traditional “white sales.”

February

For February, you’ll still be able to find discounted Broadway tickets since it’s the slow season. In addition, cellphones, televisions and home theaters systems are cheaper than they are the rest of the year. Lifehacker says that cellphones are promoted as Valentine’s Day gifts and, as a result, are part of “buy one get one” sales. Televisions and home theater systems are more likely to go on sale during February as part of pre-Superbowl sales.

March

The month of March is a great time to buy chocolate (post Valentine’s day sales), golf clubs (new models are introduced just before summer, so old models are put on sale) and luggage (March is between travel seasons so demand goes down). Additionally, frozen foods go on sale thanks to “National Frozen Food Month,” so look for coupons and special deals at your local grocery store.

If it’s something you absolutely need right away, then by all means, buy now. For example, perhaps you need new luggage for an international trip you’re taking next week and can’t wait for suitcases to go on sale in March. However, planning your purchases in advance will help you save money in the long run.

By Wendy Rose Gould