Saving: Things to stock up on in March – Mary Hunt

by Mary Hunt, contributing writer

Even though it still feels a little like winter, home improvement centers are hauling out air conditioners this month and putting them on sale. And March is National Frozen Food Month, so plan to fill your freezer. But that’s not all. Check out all these things you’d be smart to stock up on this month.

SNACKS AND SODAS

The NCAA calls it their Basketball Tournament, but we know it more fondly as March Madness. That’s good news for basketball fans and for retailers, too, who will take full advantage of the situation by offering low prices on party essentials like vegetable trays, wings, chips, sodas, crackers and more.

FROZEN FOOD

Because it’s National Frozen Food Month, you should expect to see significant savings on frozen fruits, vegetables, entrees, side dishes, pizza, chicken, desserts — you name it! Plan now for how you can load up your freezer. Keep an eye on store ads and circulars as well, as there are likely to be some great coupons for frozen foods inside.

CORNED BEEF

St. Patrick’s Day always prompts meat markets, supermarkets and warehouse clubs to load up on corned beef. And it’s usually reasonably priced because they want to sell out. Save some room in the freezer for a few corned beef brisket or flats. You’ll be glad you have them at any price come spring and summer when corned beef is not easily found.

SPRING CLEANING SUPPLIES

Hard to believe but the vernal equinox is only a few days ahead — the first day of spring! That means all of the big box stores — Sam’s Club, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target and Walmart — will be offering deals on household cleaning supplies and equipment. Need to replace that squeegee in anticipation of window cleaning? A new stool that’s not so wobbly? It’s a good time.

CHIPS AND DIP

March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day, so don’t be caught off guard by all kinds of sales and samples in the chip and dip aisles of your local supermarket. If these are staples of your pantry throughout the year, this would be the right time to stock up.

LUGGAGE

As we’re making summer vacation plans, retailers are loading up on luggage — from backpacks to five-piece matching sets. And because they want to move them out, they put them on sale.

GOLF CLUBS

New club models begin arriving this month, so last year’s models will make their way to the sale counter. Don’t miss this; the markdowns will be significant.

ATHLETIC SHOES

Outdoor stores like REI and Cabela’s often have springtime sales in March, and running shoes are almost always on the list. Shop around though. You want the best price out there, and those stores will slash prices to earn your business.

PIES

How could we talk about special days and retailers who take full advantage of them without mentioning pie … I mean, Pi. National Pi Day is March 14, or 3/14. I know what you’re thinking, and you are exactly right: Pi is approximately equal to 3.14, which is why Pi Day falls on March 14! Expect everyone who deals in pies to be featuring big sales in some way this week.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM