March Sales

What to Buy in March

Although the weather may be variable, retailers stick to a seasonal schedule -- and that means savings for the smart consumer. Use this post-holiday seasonal transition month to score deals on jewelry, winter sports equipment, and luggage, among other items. Many of our February deals may still be in effect, albeit with smaller selections. March also brings its own array of fruits and vegetables in season and big sales on frozen foods.

Jewelry.

Now that Valentine's Day is over and there aren't any major gift-giving holidays on the horizon, jewelers are even more eager to sell merchandise. And let's not forget all the Valentine's Day gifts returned by picky romantic partners. With a lull in sales compared to February and higher inventory due to returns, March may be one of the best months to buy diamonds, gold, and other jewelry.

Frozen foods.

March is National Frozen Food month, so manufacturers and grocers alike will pump up the promotions on frozen meals and food. Take a tip from extreme couponing and use your coupons during ongoing supermarket sales to stock up cheaply on frozen goods. As we mentioned in our essential pantry staples post, frozen vegetables are a long-lasting and nutritious standby that offer a myriad of fast and cheap meal ideas.

Foods in season.

Eat healthy and cheaply by cooking seasonally. Nutritious greens like asparagus and lettuce start to thrive in March, while winter's root vegetables, including parsnips and shallots, are still available. Artichokes, peas, broccoli, and oranges are plentiful and at their peak this month. Find everything you need to make a roasted vegetable dish or a colorful salad.

Winter sports and outdoor gear.

Ski and snowboard season is coming to a close, so take advantage of this moment -- retailers need to clear out old merchandise to make room for the new. Find lower prices on skis, snowboards, equipment, and apparel in March.

Luggage.

Now that snowbirds have returned and the winter travel season is over, it's time to replace that old carry-on. Find luggage bargains between the winter and summer travel seasons when sales are slower and new models roll in. Check our recommendations for the best cheap luggage and be on the lookout for sales during March.

General contractor.

The best time to hire a general contractor for home remodeling or repair is when other people aren't. Hire one before the spring/summer home improvement rush when many contractors are so busy that they have to turn down work. Winter can be slow for contractor work, so take stock of what repairs or work need doing and get a head start. Prices may be more flexible and you'll have a better chance of getting contractors' full attention to your home. Tip: It takes time for contractors to assess the work you need, plan for materials, and prepare an estimate, so hire a contractor sooner rather than later.