Where I live, March usually means the long, cold winter is coming to an end and it’s a reason to celebrate. This year no snow and temperatures in the eighties. However, that’s not the only reason to smile. If you’re a Budget Smart Girl, March is one of the best months for picking up bargains. Here are my favorite picks-
It’s Frozen Food Month
Just about everything in the freezer section in the supermarket is on sale. Yesterday I bought great buys on frozen veggies and pizza which I always keep on hand for emergency meals. Most big name brands have some type of promotion going on. And if you’re in the market for a freezer, they’re usually on sale or someone’s having a giveway to win a chest freezer.
Lent
Easter falls at different times each year but you can safely say the month of March is when Lent begins. Lent means fish and it, like frozen foods. goes on sale. This month I’ve stocked up on everything from frozen cod, shrimp and beer battered fish filets. Fish is getting more expensive so you can’t afford not to take advantage of these sales.
St. Patrick’s Day
The big savings come after St. Patrick’s Day when green plates, cups, napkins etc. go on sale. Green is also one of the colors of Christmas so it’s perfect for grabbing some bargains…even green gift bags, and storing them away for the holidays.
Easter
Sometimes it’s over and done by the end of March which means slashed prices on Easter eggs, candy, napkins, plates. If the candy sticks around long enough I use it in baking for the rest of year. Other items I store away for next Easter instead of paying full price.
Eggs
Eggs aren’t as cheap as they were a couple of years ago but still give you one of the biggest bangs for your nutritional buck. Nice thing about March or when Easter occurs, eggs go on sale so people can decorate them. I use this time to stock up. I not only use them for meals but store them for later use. No, not as is, but I take a dozen eggs, beat them, add some salt, sometimes some cheese and herbs and pour them into a baking dish and cook them. I then cut them into squares and freeze them. They make perfect fillings for sandwiches and quick breakfasts.
Winter Items On Sale
If you’ve been holding off on buying a snow blower or anything associated with winter weather, this is the ideal time to head to the store. I’m guessing with the warm weather we’ve had, prices will be slashed even more this year.
Add to Your Wardrobe
And my final thing I like about March is clothes go on sale. Not that I rush out to buy a whole new wardrobe but it’s a good time to give your closet a spring clean. While I’m packing away sweaters for the year, I check to see if anything needs tossing, donating, and if I need items that are now on sale, like maybe a new black sweater. Don’t wait until the end of summer or fall to figure out you need something for winter because it’s going to cost you twice as much. The key to being budget smart; shop off season.
