Shopping deals by the month

~January~
It''s a cheapskate''s market for housing this month and next.
Clearance sales: gift wrap, holiday decor, linens, and all luxury items that didn''t move well over Cjristmas, such as jewelry or electronics.

~February~
If it''s an early Easter, buy Valentine''s candy for baskets. It''s a good time to get perfume on the cheap, too. Clearance sales: winter clothes and coats, women''s lingerie that boyfriends and husbands didn''t buy.

~March~
Consignment shops clear winter inventory this month. Clearance sales: ice skates, skis, snow equipment.

~April~
Spring fashions begin the markdown cycle-move fast for best selection. Garage sales start popping up. Clearance sales: home improvement materials and after-Easter apparel.

~May~
Garage sale season offically begins! High-ticket items you''ll likely find for petty cash: bed frames, outdoor furniture, baby stuff, lawn mowers.

~June~
Looming father''s Day holiday means bargain season for aftershave and --gasp!--ties. This is a good time to buy windows and pianos. Clearance sales: wedding decorations and supplies.

~July~
As with and holiday, look for decoration and food sales after Independence Day. Lilies are beautiful this time of year;some, like ''Star Gazer'', smell great!

~August~
Get warm-weather apparel for a pittance. Watch for back-to-school deals and tax-free shopping days. Marketdowns on kids'' stuff are abundant-bikes, swing sets, and yard toys. Clearance sales: bathing suits, lamps, paints, and rugs.

~September~
Cut tiny bouquets of mums for a burst of color indoors. Consignment shops are clearing out summer stock. Clearance sales: Yard furniture.

~October~
Watch for plummeting prices on the current year''s cars. As the weather starts to chill, housing prices will drop, too. It''s risky, but plant bulbs are heap now. Clearance sales: fishing gear, fabrics, and fall decor.

~November~
Turkey price are the lowest in the United States just before Thanksgiving Many olive harvests begin-look for deals at farmer''s markets and gourmet shops.
Clearance sales: Halloween costumes.

~December~
Cooking items are often on sale. Sock away your Christmas money for post-holiday deals. Buy next year''s holiday ards this year. Clearance sales: toys, Christmas trees and ornaments one week before the big day.