Story Created:
May 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jan 24, 2009 at 9:55 AM CST
Are you thinking about buying your next t-v, car or kitchen appliance? It's nice to know you are buying it at the best possible time for the best price.
Financial expert Aaron Maguire has some advice on buying big ticket items.
Aaron, Is there really a good time to buy certain items?
Yes, buying during the right time can save you money.
Cars: Buy in September or October to get the best deal on the current year. All of next year's models have arrived and the dealers are anxious to sell the current year leftovers. There are usually a lot of incentives to sell those cars.
Appliances and tv's: Buy during the holidays. This is when the sales are usually the best.
Airline tickets: On Wednesdays--at least 21 days before your scheduled trip.
Groceries: Sunday evenings are the best day because you can use that days coupons, plus, many items have to be sold at the end of that day.
Aaron, what are some ways to get a great price on these items?
Do your homework first.
Cars: look at the website www.edmunds.com, it will let you know how much the car costs the dealer and let you know what incentives are available.
Appliances/electronics/tv's: look at the website www.pricegrabber.com, it will help you find the best price on just about any item. You can usually save a lot of money, and if you don't want the item shipped to you, show you the best price to take to your local retailer and see if they will match it.
Airlines, at one a.m. on Wednesday, the airlines usually reload their computers with the newest fares so set your alarm clock
Aaron, Is it worth buying the extended warranty on the electronics I buy?
It's usually better to stay away from the extended warranties because the companies that offer these warranties make a lot of money when you buy one.
1. The odds that you will ever use the extended warranty is extremely rare.
2. Some of the extended warranties will cost as much as the repair actually would.
3. You are better off taking that money and investing it or taking your spouse out to dinner.
4. Desk top and lap top computers have the greatest chance for a needed repair 33% to 37%, while digital cameras have the least chance for a needed repair, 8%.
For more financial related advice visit www.reliancewealth.com or e-mail Aaron.
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