Financial Fitness

What to buy and not buy in October

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As we ease into the holiday season, October is a good time to find a number of deals: Here's what to buy, and what to avoid this month.

October means monster bargains. Temperatures are cooling down and sale prices are heating up for items that will soon be out-of-stock. 

According to shopping site Slickdeals, now is a good time to find discounts on outdoor patio furniture and appliances like barbeque grills. You can find end-of-season sales right now, at stores like Walmart.

Prices are also being cut on some Fall clothing. Items like denim and outerwear are fully stocked right now. So look for sales at spots like Old Navy and JC Penney.

Now's also a good time to buy a new car. Dealerships are looking to make room for 2019 models. That means you can score a sweet deal on a 2018 vehicle.

And it's not too soon to book a holiday flight. Some airlines are offering discounts this month. Just be sure to read the fine print and check for blackout dates. Remember, the best deals typically come when you bundle things together, like your hotel and rental car.

With all that being said, there is some stuff you should skip this month. Electronics is a big one. If you're interested in a laptop, TV, cell phones or video games wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The same goes for major appliances. Hold off on buying that new refrigerator, washer or dryer.

And finally, jewelry is a classic holiday gift. So even if you find a good deal, remember the deep discounts won't actually be available until next month.