Beyond cheap wrapping paper

Everyone knows that January is the time to buy holiday ornaments, wrapping paper and winter clothing at rock bottom prices, but did you know that you can save tons of money on many more exciting things this month? So, while you're out stocking up on wrapping paper at 99 cents a roll, consider shopping around also for some big ticket items you didn't think you could afford. Below is a list of items typically available at significantly reduced prices in January.

Electronics
Black Friday isn't the only time to get great deals on flat screen TVs and other high tech gadgets. Two major events happen around this time of year that prompt electronics retailers to drastically drop their prices.
First, the latest and greatest new tech products make their debut every year in January at the world's largest consumer technology trade show, the International Consumer Electronics show. To make room for an influx of new products retailers will offer deep discounts on “older” models. For instance, you can snag a laptop at HP.com for $349.99 and 55” Samsung LED TVs at Sears.com for up to $700 off the regular price this month.
Fans of football and fun commercials can probably guess what the second major winter event is. As the Super Bowl draws nearer you can expect to find more retailers offering big bargains on large screen TVs.

Recreational Vehicles
Have you dreamed of owning a motorcycle, boat or convertible, but can’t get past the reality of their high price tags? For obvious reasons sales of such warm weather vehicles tend to slump this time of year. Therefore, now may be the best time to indulge your mid-life crisis without too much guilt. In order to move inventory during this slow season dealers may offer special deals and salespeople may even allow you to bargain with them for as much as 15% off.

Outdoor Gear
As temperatures drop so do sales of many outdoor sporting goods, specifically “off-season” ones. Fishing gear, tents, backpacks and other camping necessities may be found this time of year at prices as low as 50% off.

Bed and Bath Linens
Thanks to John Wannamaker you can save big bucks on bedding and other linens this month. Wannamaker, a Philadelphia department store owner, created the first “white sale” back in the winter of 1878 with the intention of helping linen makers stay in the black during typically slow economic months. Pottery Barn and Macy’s are among the many retailers following the tradition this January, with discounts of 20-60% off bed and bath items.

Home Improvement Materials and Services
Now that the holidays are well behind us the peak time for home improvement projects like installing new flooring and painting has passed as well. January marks the beginning of the slow season for contractors and home improvement supply retailers. Because of that you may enjoy significant savings on home improvement projects you start now, especially if you decide to update your floors. Check out current flooring and installation specials at Lowe’s and Home Depot. You may also want to shop around for contractors. With a lot of extra time on their hands, some will work at discounted rates.

Houses
Perhaps, for some of you, the best or most cost effective home improvement you could make right now is to just buy a different home. January and February are usually the slowest months of the year for existing home sales. Even with fewer buyers on the market this time of year, the term “buyers market” actually fits quite well. Fewer buyers means less competition (i.e., a lower chance of bidding wars) and eager sellers.

Sources: farnoosh.tv, shine.yahoo.com, hp.com, sears.com