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What to Buy When for July
Knowing what to buy when for July means you’ll take advantage of the best sales on all things barbeque, as well as the launch of Back-to-School sales. There are tons of ways to save this month as you gear up for the traditional fall procession of school supplies, dorm bedding, computers, and more. Knowing what to buy when will make a big difference in your summer budget. Remember, it pays to know your sales cycles.
The Sales Cycle
The rotation of featured sale prices is called the sales cycle, and it’s important to know about because it will save you money. Three to four times a year, nearly every grocery item will go on sale at its rock-bottom price. Saving the most money means that you will make your purchases when that item is at its lowest price, and you will buy enough of that item to last you until the next time it goes on sale at its lowest price. For example, when I find toothpaste on sale for $1, I usually have a coupon to pair with that sale, making it free. I will stock up on toothpaste so that I have enough to last my family until the next time it goes on sale (in about three months). Bigger purchases, such as laptops, furniture, home decor, and televisions, usually reach their absolute lowest price once a year.
On sale in July
But let’s talk about what goes on sale in July. From mid-month on, it’s the time to stock up on school supplies like reams of copy paper, pencils, and spiral-bound notebooks, for example. Prices on these educational essentials will be at their rock-bottom, and these sales won’t cycle around again until next July. It’s important to know how to budget so that your purchasing dollars are ready to stock up on these items—buying enough to last you over the entire school year.
At the Grocery
During the month of July, you’ll find always find sales on these items at the grocery:
- Blueberries
- Barbeque sauces, bottled marinades
- Salad dressings
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, brown mustard, mayo
- Grilling meats: Hot dogs, Burgers/ground beef, steaks, ribs,
- Hot dog/Hamburger buns
- Baked beans
- Ice Cream
- Picnic paper goods will be on sale through the Fourth of July: Cups, plates, utensils, tablecloths, paper towels, paper napkins
In the pharmacy area:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Aloe
- After-sun skincare
- First Aid supplies (Now is a great time to update your at-home First Aid kit with antiseptics, bandages, and antibiotic ointment.)
*Find corresponding coupons on Coupons.com and my Coupon Database.
July In-Season Produce — Click on the links to go straight to great recipes!
- Apricots
- Basil – Basil Pesto Recipe (Lean how to harvest Basil), Basil and Lemon Spaghetti, Tomato Basil Soup
- Beans – Skillet Green Beans, Marinated Green Beans
- Beets
- Berries – Recipes with Strawberries
- Cherries
- Cucumbers – Carrot and Cucumber Ponzu Salad, Recipe for Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Sandwich Spread and Dip, Fresh Strawberry Juice with Cucumber
- Dates
- Figs
- Grapes
- Mangoes – How to Cut a Mango (Video Tutorial), Easy Couscous Recipe with Mango, and Mango Avocado Salad with Cumin Dressing
- Melons
- Okra
- Peaches – Peach French Toast, Peach Cream Pops, Peach Salsa
- Chile Peppers
- Sweet Peppers
- Plums
- Summer Squash – Summer Squash Pasta
- Tomatoes – Learn How to Freeze Tomatoes in Bulk, Summer Tomato Lentil Salad, Tomato Basil Quiche, Squash, Caramelized Onion and Tomato Pasta, Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream, Cheesy Tomato Stroganoff, Tomatillo Salsa, Summer Orzo Salad, Tomato Basil Soup, Baked Penne, Tomato Covered Minute Steak
- Watermelon – Watermelon Arugula Salad
*Print out my full listing on my Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Chart. (Post it as a reference on your refrigerator.)
National Sales Events
July is a month with several National Sales Events going on.* Keep your eyes open for sales that are promoting:
- National Blueberry Month
- National Anti-Boredom Month
- National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
- National Hot Dog Month
- National Ice Cream Month
Clearance Items
- Camcorders
- Digital cameras
- Indoor furniture
- Sandals
- Swimwear
To buy or not to buy? You’ll see “sales” on many items this month, but that doesn’t mean the prices won’t go even lower.*
DO BUY:
- Tool sets, accessories, and tool storage kits
- Laptop deals on MacBook Air
- 46″-47″ HDTV’s (Look for prices under $500)
BUT DON’T BUY:
- Patio/Garden items, outdoor furniture sets (Wait until September for the best prices.)
*SOURCE: Deal News
You might also like:
- Fourth of July Recipe Round-Up
- Five Dessert Recipes with Strawberries
- How to Budget | Free Printable Budget Worksheet
- 5 Tips for Using Coupons
- Seasonal Fruits and Veggies Chart
Find out What to Buy When on Faithful Provisions.
Do you have any tips or sales you look forward to in July? Please share them in the comments below. If you liked this post, please share it on Facebook!
