So you have just started to recover from the Christmas break disappointment of having to miss out on buying a popular present, having to greet the New Year with the ceremonial promise of the coming year's resolutions? Only to find out that your friend has dropped a word in your ear to tell you that they've just found an irresistible bargain at the clothing boutique for a cheap price and guess what you're too late to get there because it was a week ago that the sale started and so on?? When is this nightmare going to stop, Christmas, New Year, oh when will this ever stop?? Why are other people finding these bargains, whilst I find out via the magazine, paper, and media, only to reach to the store to be told ALL SOLD OUT??? Why do some shops place ads, fully knowing that the item you gazed your eyes on, you've set your mind on, will never be bought by you, because it was never available in the first place, no point in queuing, no point in being at the door first, because after the mayhem of getting to the item, it's gone, yes gone?? What you need to do is get clued up, wise up your shopping technique and get smart?? Instead of waiting till last minute to venture out, why not utilize the information below and plan a course of action well in advance for once??

January

Retailers cash in on New Year's resolutions to exercise and get organized, so there are bargains on fitness equipment and office supplies.

February

Shops cut prices on boxes of chocolate a few days before Valentine's Day to shift stock that's going out-of -date. Winter clothing also gets its biggest mark-downs now.

March

The first signs of spring means there are price reductions on gardening items, as well as holiday luggage.

April

This is when people are thinking about putting their homes on the market, so DIY stores encourage home-owners with mark-downs on paint and wallpaper.

May

Watch for bargains on white goods around the bank holiday

June

As the weather improves, retailers try to boost television sales with markdowns.

July

The summer sales are some of the best of the year. Summer clothing gets drastic price-cuts along with barbecues.

August

With summer warning, there are often bargains on outdoor furniture, with the summer holidays heading to a close. Retailers also offer bargains on school supplies and uniforms.

September

Sales abound on summer items such as lawn mowers and grills.

October

The newest toys for Christmas are hitting the shelves so shoppers can snap-up great deals while retailers make room for the latest crazes.

November

To cash-in on our desire to show off a sparkling home to Christmas guests, vacuum cleaners go on sale.

December

Yule-tide decorations, foods, cards, and toys get drastic markdowns as soon as Christmas is over.

More Tips on Savings

Watch the Scanner

it may mean you need to put down the magazine but this is not the place to get lax. Keeping your eyes peeled to the scanner has dual advantages. First, it will keep the cashier more alert. Secondly, it will allow you to stop the checkout process if an item is showing the incorrect price. Keeping the store circular nearby is also helpful in disputing and incorrect price. You can also ask the cashier to stop ringing while you accompany the employee to the aisle to check the price of an item.

Setting Limits on Impulse Buying

Avoid spontaneous shopping trips is one of the best deterrents to impulse buying. A well thought out shopping list that you stick to will help cut-down on grabbing for things that you do not need. In addition, giving yourself enough time to shop will help prevent dashing in and reaching for the first item that you come to. Setting a pound limit for impulse buying will help soothe the craving without busting the budget.

Beware of Marketing Strategies

Avoid marketing ploys designed to draw your attention to a particular product. Knowing some of the tricks of the trade will ultimately save you money. Beware of end-of-the-aisle dump bins, island displays, recipe related item placement, and "middle-shelf" items. This is typically, where higher priced and impulse products are placed.

Store Brands - Try it, you May Like it!

The days of generic type packaging and bland tasting food in store brand products is over. Companies have worked hard to improve their private-label brands and often the taste is equal to the national brands. Do not be afraid to experiment. If you find the product meets your standards, you can save an average of 40 percent off your annual grocery bill.