1. Holiday gift wrap and cards: Stock up now and you will be very happy that you did next Christmas.
2. Chocolate: You will find some great deals on chocolate left over from Christmas.
3. Linens:  John Wanamaker introduced the first White Sale in 1878.  The tradition continues with January deals on linens, bedding, towels, etc.
4. Cold and Flu Items:  Cold and flu season is upon us and this means you can find some great deals on medicines, vitamins and pain relievers.
5. Stop Smoking Aids :  The number one New Years Resolution for many people is to stop smoking.  If you are one of those people, look for deals on patches, gum and lozenges.
6. Gym memberships:  Another popular New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and get in shape.  Gyms take advantage of this increase enrollment.  To attract new clients, they often offer incentives such as waiving their enrollment fee.
7. Fitness and Weight Loss Products: – Just like gyms, stores that sell fitness equipment take advantage of New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and get into shape.  You will likely find some great deals on exercise bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, and fitness DVDs .
8. Organizing Supplies:  Another popular New Year’s Resolution is to get organized, so you will often see many organizing products on sale this month.   Look for deals on storage containers, label makers and other organizing products.
9. Gift cards:   Many people receive gift cards for Christmas for places that they don’t shop.  These people want to exchange these gift cards for something they will actually use.   Look on gift card exchange websites to buy cards at a discounted rate.
10. Cameras:  Look for discounts on digital cameras, camera bags and accessories.
11. Furniture: Many manufacturers release new furniture designs in February.  Stores need to make room, so they are looking to get rid of their old inventory.
12. Remodeling:  Many people get remodeling done in the fall, just in time for the holidays.  Work slows down for contractors in January, which means that you may be able to get a lower price.  Seek out multiple quotes for the best deal.
13. Houses:   Less people are looking at houses during the cold winter months.  Use this to your advantage.  If a seller is anxious to sell, you may be able to score a great deal.
14. Vacations:   Many people did their traveling during the holidays.  Things slow down in January.
15. Patio furniture and grills:  There is not much use for these items in January.  Retailers are looking to unload their inventory to make room for new models coming out in the spring.
16. Outdoor gear:  You can find some great deals on sports equipment, camping gear  and mountain bikes in January.
17. Fine Jewelry:   After Christmas retailers start making room for new stock so they can be ready for Valentine’s Day.  Early January is a great time to save money on a Valentine’s Day gift.
18. Perfume:  Similar to jewelry, there is a window of opportunity between Christmas and Valentine’s Day to score a good deal.
19. Video games:  Now that the holidays are over, you will see many of the older games on clearance.   Stores just don’t have room for all of them.
20. Electronics: Retailers put many electronic items on clearance this time of year, to make room for new items coming out.
21. Air conditioners:   Not too many people buy these in January, so retailers are looking to unload them.
22. Calendars and Planners:  If you can wait until  mid-January, then you can save over 50 percent on 2013 calendars and planners.
23. Winter produce:  If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to eat more fruits and vegetables, look at what’s in season for the best price and quality.   In January, look for avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, and sweet potatoes.
24. Tax Software:  Be on the lookout for some early deals on this.
25. Winter apparel:  Retailers begin to mark down winter apparel to get ready for spring arrivals. Look for deals on jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and boots.

photo credit: Aine D

Stores strategically place items throughout the store in an effort to lure you to spend more money.  Follow these simple rules to avoid impulse buys and keep more money in your pocket.

1. Make a shopping list.   Make the list before you leave the house and stick to it. Only look for items specifically on your list.
2. Eat before you shop.   If you are hungry when you arrive at the store, you will be more likely to purchase out of hunger.  You will also be more likely to purchase unhealthy snack foods.
3. Beware of sales.  Sure, buy one get one free sounds great.  But were you planning to buy the item in the first place?  Remember you are not saving money if you purchase something that you would not normally buy. 
4. Use a basket instead of a cart if your list is small.   This way you won’t be able to buy more than you can carry.
5. Avoid junk food and candy aisles.   If you don’t even go down these aisles, you won’t be tempted. 
6. Don’t bring your kids.   Kids love to try to convince us to buy things that we don’t need.  If you are able to go to the store without your kids, it will make sticking to your list easier. 
7. Use cash.   If you make a budget then you should know how much grocery shopping should cost you.  Only bring that amount with you. 
8. Limit trips to the grocery store.  Don’t rush out to the store every time you run out of something.  Instead, try to do without it if possible.  Each time you set foot into a store, there is going to be temptation to buy things that you were not planning to buy.  The best way to avoid this is to simply stay out of the store.
9. Edit Your Shopping Cart.  Once they’ve put something in their shopping cart, most people leave them in there.  Remember, you can take items out of your cart!   Before you check out, give your cart a once over.  Review everything that’s in there.  Do you really need everything that you see?  If you see something that you don’t need or that you might be able to get cheaper somewhere else put it back. 
10. Beware of the checkout lane.  Stores strategically place items throughout the store.  This is especially true at the checkout register.  All these items are convenience items.   The store is hoping that you will buy something that is not on your list before you walk out the door.  Don’t fall for it!

What do you do to avoid impulse buys?