After the holiday season ends and our credit card bills start coming in, many of us go into a financial hibernation, vowing to make January a no-spend month. Or at least close to a no-spend month.
That may be the wrong attitude to have. Retailers struggle to attract shoppers in January, and will offer some nice deals to get people in the door.
Here are three things that you should be buying in January.
Gym memberships
Any member of a gym can relate. The place is full of new people every January, desperate to lose a few pounds to accomplish their New Year’s resolutions.
Gyms know this, and they will compete hard to get those new customers. Most will offer discounts like a month or two free on a year membership, or completely waiving any sign-up fees.
Just make sure you’ll use it. Approximately 80% of people who join a gym will quit going by June.
Leftover Christmas stuff
The best time to plan for Christmas is far in advance. Stores that don’t sell all of their wrapping paper, bows, and other decorations in December will really make them cheap in January. If sure beats paying retail in November, that’s for sure. Just make sure you’ve got enough storage space.
Gift cards
January often features a flood of gift cards hitting sites like Craigslist and EBay as people look to exchange Christmas gifts for cold, hard, cash.
Some will insist on getting full value; most know better. Snagging a gift card for 20% off is certainly achievable.
