What to Buy and What to Skip in August

Q: I’d love to get some great bargains as summer winds down. Which products go on sale in August and what should be pushed off for now?

A: The tail end of summer brings with it some fantastic finds, but some marked-up products, too. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in August.

Buy: Patio furniture

Pick up a sweet deal on patio furniture at the end of the season. While giving your patio a facelift, you’ll also find grills, outdoor decor and similar items on sale in August.

Skip: Major household appliances and mattresses

If you’re in the market for a major household purchase, you’re best off waiting until September. Retailers tend to slash prices on these items by 30% or more during Labor Day weekend sales.

Buy: Swimwear

Stores and online retailers need to clear their summer stock to make room for the autumn and winter line, which gives you the perfect chance to snag a super swimsuit deal! Stash your treasures for next year’s beach season or keep them for a winter getaway to warmer climates.

Skip: iPhones

If you’re looking to update your iPhone, you’re best off waiting a month or two. The new iPhone 13 is expected to be released in mid-September, and older models typically see a price cut when new models hit the market.

Buy: School supplies and kids’ clothing

August is already deep into the back-to-school shopping season, when school supplies and kids’ clothing tend to see generous markdowns. Stock up on supplies to last all year and get your kids outfitted for the coming season at rock-bottom prices.

Skip: TVs

Don’t run out and buy a new TV just yet. If you need a new flat screen, you’re best off waiting for Black Friday to get the best deal.

Buy: Office supplies and furniture

Back-to-school sales means you can also cash in on office supplies and furniture. Restock your home office with basic supplies, upgrade your office chair or spring for a new desk at bargain prices.

Skip: Fall clothing

Fall apparel will be just hitting the stores in August, so you likely won’t be seeing steep discounts on fall wear until October.

The Promises and the Perils of Buy Now, Pay Later

Gotta have it now, but don’t have the cash? Why not buy now, and pay later? (BNPL). It’s the perfect way for you to walk away with that overpriced exercise bike even if your wallet is practically empty, right?

Maybe. Or maybe not.

Let’s take a look at these programs, how they work and what to be aware of before you sign up.

How BNPL works

You’ll find a BNPL button when checking out at most online retailers. This option will usually link you to a BNPL app, such as Afterpay, Affirm or Quadpay. A brick-and-mortar store may offer you this option at checkout as well. Here, too, you’ll pay up through an affiliated app.

If you choose to go with a BNPL option, you’ll need to get approved. Apps will usually run just a soft credit check to confirm your information. Once approved, you can choose to link your debit card, checking account or credit card so the app can collect the payments when they’re due. Next, you’ll generally make a 25% deposit on the purchase, and the item is yours! Most BNPL plans require you to pay off the rest in three fixed installments, but payment schedules can vary.

When to choose BNPL

BNPL programs can be a good choice for items you urgently need, but can’t afford right now, like medical equipment that’s not covered by insurance. It can also be ideal for workers with an uneven income flow who may experience lean times of the year, but know that better cashflow is ahead.

Why BNPL can be a bad idea

It encourages overspending. It’s easy to think that, if you’ll only be paying a small part of the price today, why not buy it now instead of financing the full amount?
Missed payments are penalized. Some services slap an interest charge on your outstanding balance, with rates as high as 40%. Other programs will charge a one-time late fee, which can be as high as $39. Others will tack on an extra fixed fee to all subsequent payments.

It can kill responsible financial habits. If a consumer has purchased multiple items through BNPL programs, the monthly payments won’t be so minimal. The payments will need to be factored into a budget and can eat into other categories, like savings.

Buy now, pay later programs can be super-convenient, but they also present risks. Our best advice? Use with caution.

5 Steps to Take Before Making a Large Purchase

Bitten by the gotta-have-it bug? It could be a Peloton bike that’s caught your eye, or maybe you want to spring for a new entertainment system? Before you go ahead with the purchase, though, it’s wise to take a step back and follow these steps.

Step 1: Wait it out

Often, a want can seem like a must-have, but that urgency fades when you wait it out. Take a break for a few days before finalizing a big purchase to see if you really want it. For an extra large purchase, you can wait a full week, or even a month. After some time has passed, you may find that you don’t want the item after all.

Step 2: Consider your emotions

Before going ahead with your purchase, take a moment to identify the emotions driving the decision. Is this purchase being used as a means to fix a troubled relationship? Or maybe you’re going through a hard time and you’re using this purchase to help numb the pain. Be honest with yourself and take note of what’s really driving the purchase. Is it really in your best interest?

Step 3: Review your upcoming expenses

What large expenses are you anticipating in the near future? Even if you have the cash in your account to cover this purchase, you may need that money soon for an upcoming expense. Don’t spend money today that you’ll need tomorrow.

Step 4: Find the cheapest source for this item

If you’ve decided you don’t want to go ahead with the purchase, there are still ways to save money. In today’s online world of commerce, comparison-shopping is as easy as a few clicks. You can use apps like ShopSavvy to help you find the retailer selling the item at the best price.

Step 5: Choose your payment method carefully

Cash can be your go-to choice if you have the funds on hand now. A low-interest credit card may offer purchase protection, just make sure you can meet your monthly payments. Finally, a buy now, pay later program can be just what you need if you have 25% of the purchase price saved up and you can afford to pay off the rest in fixed installments.

If you’re ready to make a large purchase and need a loan, contact Olean Area Federal Credit Union to explore your options!