Buy Great Gifts Using Fall Savings

I use to be one of those people who waited until the last minute to shop for anything. You know the type. The one on Thanksgiving day knocking on the neighbor's door to borrow a tablespoon of sage. Even worse, the one out driving around on Christmas eve trying to find just one store still open to finally finish shopping for gifts.

The holidays are hectic enough without adding stress that could have been easily avoided. With a little planning, and even a tight budget, yes I said a tight budget, you can be finished with your holiday shopping by Thanksgiving. After that you can sit back, relax, and have peace of mind knowing you got the overall best deal.

Everyone knows that the biggest shopping day of the year is the day after Thanksgiving, better known as Black Friday. Stores claim to have their biggest and best sales during this time, but that involves getting up before the birds, fighting your way through mass crowds, and then snagging maybe five of the 20 items on your list. Forgive me, but I'd rather stick with the last minute, picked over gift shopping method than to have to participate in Frantic Friday.

When it comes to some items, it's possible to find a few great deals around Thanksgiving, but some purchases are best being bought in the late summer months on into early fall.

Another summer has come to an end, and stores are gearing up for their busy fall and winter sales season. Have you ever thought to yourself, "what do they do with all the summer merchandise that went unsold?" The answer is simply one word. Clearance!

Most summer and outdoor inventory has to be sold one way or another to make room for all the new products businesses will receive. This is when you need to be on the lookout for the best deals.

Here is a list of the top 3 best items to buy in early fall. You can buy now, and give as a present later, or reward yourself for finding such a great deal!

1. Wines- This is around the time of year that grapes are harvested, and you can usually find the best deals on the smaller or locally produced wines. Stock up for the winter, and you'll always have a great bottle for a holiday dinner, or unexpected guests.

2. Computers, Laptops, and other electronics- During back to school time, many items that are needed for education purposes go on sale. You don't have to be a student to buy, just need to have an idea of what you want or need, and go out and get it this month. This is also helpful for families with multiple school aged children.

3. Outdoor Items- Patio furniture, grills, lawn mowers, even pools! There are so many summer items that are left over, and stores will have a hard time selling during the fall and winter months. Be sure to get out and shop around for deals near you, and next summer you will already have your outdoor needs ready to use.

Other big ticket items that usually go on sale in the late summer, early fall months are:

• Stoves
• Washing Machines
• Dryers
• Dish Washers
• Cars

With the year drawing to an end, manufacturers must find ways to push this year's inventory to be able to put out the newest model of their products. Just because it isn't new to the store anymore doesn't mean it's not new to you right, and who doesn't want to get a new appliance or car for the price of a used one.

With a little planning and shopping around to compare prices, you can find some of the best deals in early fall right in your own neighborhood.