Post-Holiday Budget Backers

Back in November, we shared with you some products that were known to offer pretty good deals for consumers right around the holidays. Well, wouldn’t you know it, the post-holiday retail lull offers some nice deals, too, as merchants try to shake the retail hangover left over from all the holiday spending sprees. So because we’re all about saving, let’s once again take a look at some items that could help ease your budget.

Warm Clothing, Hot Deals 
Hey, it’s January in the Midwest…we still have a few months of cold weather to muddle through, right? And you need warm clothes, right? You’re in luck! By January, most people have competed their winter wardrobes. That means retailers are looking to shrink their inventory, which means deals on all those hats, coats, gloves, even flannel pajamas. Experts say you could see price cuts of 40%-70%. Bingo!

Digital Cameras
Don’t ask us to explain it, but for some reason digital cameras are often a hot buy this time of year. Maybe not enough made it under Christmas trees? Or maybe it’s because today’s consumers are using their smartphones to capture those must-have memories? As a bonus, TV prices are still pretty good as well, with savings of 25%-35%. Just in time for those Super Bowl parties!

Cosmetics
We’re not saying you need make-up, but if you like a little touch-up now and again, now might be a good time to stock up on cosmetics. But this saving is a bit different. Rather than offer lower pricing, many times the cosmetic companies create special sets that offer you more for your money.

Housewares
White sales are an annual January tradition, but savings these days go beyond the sheets and straight into housewares. Oh, you’ll still find sheet and towels at savings of up to 50% if you look, but you’ll also find specials on dinnerware and small housewares with discounts of 20%-50%.

Remember, a sale isn’t really a good reason to buy if you don’t need the item on sale. But if you have a need, waiting for an item to go on sale is a great way to save money. As a matter of fact, a good savings plan is to take all your savings from any given sale, and add it to a savings account of some sort. Let’s say you got a $75 coat on sale for $30. You could put the difference ($45) into a savings account! Vantage has a number of savings options, and our Vantage Investment Services Group (ISG) can help you with any investment questions you might have.