The Best Time of Year to Buy Essentials

July: The Best Time to Buy Home Decor

Why: We’re still in wedding season, so retailers want to take advantage of ceremony-bound shoppers, says Butler. "From table linens to dinnerware, you can give almost any home item as a wedding gift," he says. Also, department and home stores, anxious to move merchandise that is already on the floor, host sales to increase foot traffic. Shoppers can also score deals in September and October, which are also popular months for exchanging "I do's."

Your savings: Twenty to 50 percent. You can also find an increasing number of two-for-one deals, such as silver candlesticks sold with candles.