8 best bargains during May

May is the month of blooming flowers, Mother’s Day and the unofficial start of summer over Memorial Day weekend. As we prepare to say goodbye to spring, May is a good time for finding bargains on the things that will soon become oh-so-last-season.

Here’s a look at some a-May-zing deals. You may want to shop for a new credit card before you shop for anything else.

Markevich Maria/Shutterstock.com

Markevich Maria/Shutterstock.com

Spring apparel

Just a couple of months after spring apparel was introduced, you’ll see some deep discounts. Stores need to clear out those clothes, so buy whatever you’ll need for spring this year and next! Experts at DealNews say look for sales at Macy’s, Uniqlo, Gap and other chains.

Be sure to try on a new cash-back credit card as you hit the dressing rooms.

Jorge Moro/Shutterstock.com

Jorge Moro/Shutterstock.com

Domestic travel

Select destinations in the U.S. will be considerably cheaper in May, according to TripAdvisor Rentals. These include the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where May’s average weekly rate for a rental ($1,495) is 61 percent cheaper than July’s ($3,800). An Ocean City, New Jersey, getaway is $1,200 per week in May, 53 percent less than in July.

Brendan Hunter/Getty Images

Brendan Hunter/Getty Images

Star Wars stuff

“May the Fourth be with you!” That’s what some Jedi fans will be saying on May 4, when the world celebrates what has become known as Star Wars Day. Last year saw sales on digital collections of the first six films, video games and other assorted Star Wars merchandise. As Yoda might say, out there you must get and shop.

Mikael Vaisanen/Getty Images

Mikael Vaisanen/Getty Images

Mattresses

When it comes to this type of bargain, if you lose, you don’t snooze. Spring is a great time to replace your uncomfortable mattress, so don’t miss out on the savings. Memorial Day, specifically, is when you’ll see the greatest deals at department and mattress stores, including Sears and US-Mattress. You might find a new mattress for as much as 50 percent off.

Dmitry_Evs/Getty Images

Dmitry_Evs/Getty Images

Appliances and kitchen gadgets

Memorial Day also brings excellent discounts on appliances and kitchen supplies. According to DealNews, specialty retailers including Williams Sonoma and Chef’s Catalog will be cutting prices by as much as 70 percent. Also look for markdowns at department stores like J.C. Penney.

Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images

Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images

Gifts for Mom

You don’t want to forget: Mother’s Day is May 14. Chains including Bath & Body Works — known for its lotions, scented candles and bath products —  are holding store-wide sales through mom’s big day, according to RetailMeNot. Things Remembered, a popular retailer of personalized gifts, is offering discounts plus free shipping.

kali9/Getty Images

kali9/Getty Images

Jewelry

In time for Mother’s Day, jewelers are offering bargains on bling. At Zales, you’ll find mother and grandmother jewelry at 25 percent off through May 15, and Dillards gives a free charm necklace or bracelet through May 29 when you buy two James Avery Charms.

Adam Gault/Getty Images

Adam Gault/Getty Images

Tires

Save when you get your car ready for that big Memorial Day weekend road trip. Consumers who purchase a select set of Goodyear tires through May 31 can receive $80 back. The rebate can double to $160 for those who purchase using the Goodyear charge card.

A great rewards credit card can offer benefits wherever you shop.

Think being a smart saver takes too much time and effort? Check out 5 simple ways to save money in 5 minutes.