
August is another big shopping season, especially for back-to-school supplies, but what should you be buying and what should stay on the shelf until the prices come down? Here is a list of what to buy and what to skip this month!

Buy: Outdoor toys
Outdoor toys, like sandboxes, bikes, inflatable pools and more, typically get big discounts in August. Check out sites like Overstock, Wayfair and look for markdowns on playground sets at retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Skip: Major household appliances and mattresses
If you are in the market for a new oven, mattress or another major household purchase, you are better off waiting until September. Retailers tend to slash the prices on these items by 30% or more during Labor Day weekend sale events. Plan ahead by checking out upcoming sales in the weeks leading up to the holiday weekend. Doing so will help you land the best prices on your purchases.

Buy: School supplies and children’s clothing
With back-to-school shopping starting almost as soon as school is out for the summer, August is already late in the season. It’s also when school supplies and children’s clothing tend to see generous markdowns. Stock up on supplies to last all year long and get your children outfitted for the coming season at low prices in August.
Skip: TVs
Don’t run out and buy a new TV just yet. If you need a new flatscreen, you are better off waiting for Black Friday to get the best deal.

Buy: Office supplies and furniture
Back-to-school sales mean you can also cash in on office supplies and furniture. If you are one of the many Americans working from home, you may need to restock your home office with basic supplies or to upgrade your office chair or desk. Why not save on these purchases by paying for them in August?
Skip: Fall clothing
Fall apparel will just be hitting the stores in August, so you likely won’t be seeing any steep discounts on fall wear until October at the earliest. It is best to buy just a few autumn basics during the Labor Day sales and fill out the rest of your wardrobe later on in the season.

Buy: Patio furniture
Those patio sets can get pricey! Pick up a great deal on patio furniture by buying your sets and single pieces at the end of the season. While you are giving your patio a facelift, you will also find grills, outdoor decor and more on sale in August.
Make sure you take advantage of your Benefits Plus® membership to help you save even more! Once you upgrade your basic checking account to a Benefits Plus® checking with SeaComm, you will gain access to discounted gift and eGift cards, as well as a variety of savings at local retailers like Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and more. Click here to learn more or stop by your nearest SeaComm branch location to enroll!
For complete information, terms, conditions and exclusions please visit www.benefits-plus.org or call 866-329-7587.