Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Every January there is a list of traditionally great buys. I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about this as well, since helping you save money is my specialty. But what I hope to do is to help you get savings on top of savings. Along with this article, I'll be talking about great January buys on my podcast, available for free anytime at SavingsAngel.com/podcast.
(1)Exercise equipment and supplies:We know the beginning of the year is one of the two biggest times people vow to get in shape. Rivaled only by springtime, January is a huge month for exercise-related gear sales. Exercise equipment and supply prices are slashed just about everywhere they are sold. What you might not know is that this is also a peak time to find coupons for these items. Anything from small hand weights to large workout pieces can be marked down, and have a matching coupon to boot. One tip for saving the most on standard equipment is to check out department stores, like Meijer for my Midwestern friends, rather than necessarily going to a store that specializes in exercise gear. This is especially helpful if you are going to try something out to see if you even like it. You don't want to spend a fortune on equipment you end up hating. Of course, for anything more expensive, or if you don't really know what to get, it's always advisable to go somewhere where you'll get higher quality products and expert advice.
(2)Gym memberships:Gyms and clubs want to get people locked into membership contracts while their interest is at its peak. So they are willing to deal and offer discounts. Use this to your advantage. Find out what is offered around town, and what the member perks are. Take gyms up on free trials and tours before picking one. And if their price is higher than another you are considering, don't hesitate to mention that fact. Gyms wanting to get your business might be willing to sweeten the deal even more. Check local newspapers and coupon booklets, as well as websites, for special offers and coupons. A word of caution: Don't sign up with a gym, committing to 6 months to a year, unless you are completely committed to using the membership regularly – and don't fall for any ‘Jedi mind trick' sales techniques if you don't in ANY way like the deal. Otherwise, you're just wasting money. Instead, find something you love to do, and you'll follow through with making it a regular part of your healthier life.
(3)Furniture and Linens:To both take advantage of people's desire to have “out with the old, in with the new”, and to keep with tradition, white sales (linen sales) and furniture are priced to sell. January also yields a bumper crop of coupons and coupon codes for these items. Percentage off coupons, even as much as 50% off, can be found for numerous retailers. Some can even be used on already reduced or sale merchandise. Check outRetailmenot.comand store websites to get them.
(4)Health and diet foods:In line with the desire to get in shape, people make commitments to eat better, so January boasts a slew of sales and coupons for health and diet foods. Everything from fresh produce to vitamins to protein products get the push. Check outSavingsAngel's free coupon databaseto get your share of the savings. And don't forget to use rebates and extra money off apps, likeIbotta,Snap by Groupon,SavingStar, andCheckout51.
(5)Tax preparation software:If you do your taxes yourself, January is a great time to get the software you'll need. Not only will you find several styles of software on sale, coupons and coupon codes are currently available. Places that carry tax software, and those that sell online downloads, are offering coupons for as much as 20% the retail price.
