Whether it's a power drill or a hammer, the price on tools generally doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year. But at the holidays, tools are often discounted, says Andrea Woroch, savings expert with CouponSherpa.com. So if you're in the market, it can pay to wait.
When to expect better deals: In November and December. "You start seeing specials as early as mid-November" as retailers start marketing for the holidays, she says.
What is on sale this month: Gardening supplies and air conditioners.
Everything from shovels and wheelbarrows to outdoor brooms and gardening gloves gets less expensive as the temperatures drop, Woroch says. While folks who live in warmer climes won't see superdeep discounts, those who live where it gets truly cold outside can save 60 percent to 70 percent, she says.
In October, bargains can be found on portable air conditioners, too, says Sharon Banfield, spokeswoman for PriceGrabber.com. "Retailers are really looking to clear their shelves," she says. And consumers who do their research and compare prices from different retailers "can find significant savings in the realm of 40 percent off the original price," she says.