With the new year approaching, you may have your eyes set towards your goals for the upcoming year. Perhaps you’re hoping to buy a new home, or the next car for your family. Or maybe this will be the year you buy your partner the engagement ring they deserve. The truth is, no matter what your major purchases will be in the months ahead, there are certain times of the year where it’s better to buy these items than others.
Here's a list of some major purchases you may be looking to make in the new year, as well as the best times of year to make these purchases.
If you’re looking to buy a car, there are fortunately several times of year that work well to find your next ride. The end of the month, as well as the year, can be the best time to buy a car. Dealers may be seeking to hit a sales goal, thus being more likely to negotiate with you to complete a sale. August through October is also a great time, as car models change from year-to-year during this period.
Additionally, keep an eye out for sales around holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even the unofficial shopping holiday, Black Friday. The winter months are also a strong option, as the demand for cars decreases around this time. This could mean a better deal for you!
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Finding the best time to buy a home is a bit more complex than a car or furniture. The best tip you can follow when it comes homebuying is to keep an eye on the interest rates. This is the annual rate of interest you’ll be charged on the money used to buy your home (commonly called a mortgage). A lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over the term of your loan.
Once you have the interest rate top of mind, you can then continue to search for the best times to buy your home. November-January typically are less competitive months, where there are fewer homebuyers. Additionally, sellers may be more willing to complete their home sale as they likely want to move into a new home also.
August-September are also two months where homebuying can be more advantageous. Sellers may be more eager to finalize a deal, especially if they have children who will be returning to school or starting at a new school in a new district.
Here at American Heritage, we can help you save on finding the perfect home for you and your family! We’re proud to offer some of the lowest mortgage rates in the region, as well as our comprehensive My CU Home Connection Program™**, which is a perfect option for buyers (including first-time homebuyers) as well as sellers.
Just like cars, there are a few times throughout the year that are the best time to buy furniture. Holidays are a perfect option, where stores will often carry significant deals on days like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. You may also want to aim to buy at the end of a month, when a salesperson is more likely to want to make a deal.
Outside of the holidays, January and July can be good months for furniture shopping. Retailers often clear out their inventory following the winter holidays and earlier summer sales. New furniture styles also generally roll out in February or August, where you may be able to capitalize on older styles that are marked down.
While you’re more likely to shop for clothing whenever you need it most, there are certain times of the year when you may score a better deal. This includes the end of seasons—late February is a perfect time to score deals on winter clothes, while late August aligns well for summer clothing. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may also offer additional deals.
Keep an eye out on the websites and social media profiles for your favorite retailers. They may offer sales events unique to their own stores. Some outlets will also offer mid-season sales, aiming to boost foot traffic in their store or sales overall.
Whether it’s a toaster or a television, you can save quite a bit when shopping for appliances at the right time. Like cars, clothing, and plenty of other goods, Black Friday (as well as Memorial Day and Labor Day) may provide significant discounts and be the best time to buy appliances.
Don’t be afraid to do some additional research when it comes to the specific product you’re looking for. Older refrigerator models often see price markdowns in May as newer models are released, for instance.
Mattresses are other items that are typically discounted at different points of the year. This includes specific holidays, namely Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. You may see ads from mattress retailers around these dates, promoting discounts and sales. Newer mattress models also debut around May, so you may be able to score a discount around this time on an older model.
Thankfully, mattress deals are fairly spread throughout the year given these identified holidays. This provides you with several options when it comes to the best time to buy a mattress. Keep an eye out at local mattress retailers and online to find the right sale for the perfect mattress.
The trick to finding the best time to buy jewelry, like an engagement ring, is to avoid the peak times. Engagements are very common around Valentine’s Day and the winter holiday season. So, consider buying in the months following like March- August. The summer months especially are advantageous, as demand is much lower.
Jewelers also may discount their inventory towards the end of the year. If you’re considering this time, do your research and shop around, as the winter holidays may hold some retailers off from bringing prices down.
*Rates and promotions effective as of November 14, 2025, and are subject to be cancelled, extended, or changed without notice. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for members who choose to make loan payments via payroll deduction or automatic payment from an American Heritage Credit Union account. APR is increased by .25% without payroll deduction or automatic payment. Rates for this product are determined by an evaluation of applicant credit. Your rate may vary from the rate shown. Borrowers of promotional refinance or purchase offer will skip first two payment cycles and then make 63 consecutive monthly payments. Sample Monthly Payment: $18.08 for every $1,000 borrowed at 4.99% APR at 63 months. Monthly payment (per $1,000) examples are based on longest term in each range. Your payment may vary. Auto Loan refinance rates available for vehicles not previously financed at American Heritage Credit Union. Rates available for automobile model years 2022 to present. Not all applicants will be approved or receive the lowest rates stated. Interest will accrue during promotional deferred payment periods. Other rates and terms available for vehicles 2015 & earlier. Ask for details.
**My CU Home Connection™ is available to you through a participating credit union membership. Cash Rewards are available to members who register to use My CU Home Connection™ and who use a qualified real estate agent in the My CU Home Connection™ network to buy or sell their home. It is not a requirement to use any or all of the service provider partners in order to earn the realty cash rewards. Cash rewards amounts are dependent on the commissions paid to the agent. The credit union may have specific rules on how cash rewards will be paid. Cash rewards are void where prohibited by law or the lender. Please consult with your credit union for details that may affect you. Account with a minimum balance of $15 to be eligible.