Hot items on summer sales lists

The weather isn't the only thing that's hot this time of year. The months of July and August also mean deep discounts on everything from clothing and produce to patio furniture. But what should one buy now, and what should one hold off on to score the biggest savings? Here's a guide that will keep more money in one's pocket -- so one can spend it on the important things, like weekly pedicures, impromptu road trips or daily ice cream runs. Sweet!

JULY

Grills: Fourth of July sales often boast great savings on gas grills -- sometimes as much as half off. Those dogs ain't gonna cook themselves.

Summer clothing: It's clearance time at retailers, as they slash already reduced prices to make way for new offerings. Stack these deals with coupons and, if buying online, buy through a site that also offers rebates or cash back to really maximize savings.

Furniture: It's also clearance time for furniture, as stores and showrooms make way for new items that typically hit the sales floor in August.

Fresh fruit: It's time to stock up on berries, peaches, melons, cherries and all the other sweet and delicious produce hitting grocery store aisles or farmers markets this time of year.

AUGUST

Back to school items: From storage containers and clothing to backpacks and electronics (especially laptops), retailers cut prices this time of year, as students get ready to crack open the books again. (Note: The 2014 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday will be Aug. 2 and 3. Details at tinyurl.com/3jkl5cl.)

Linens: Two words: White. Sale. You can thank all those college students for deep discounts on towels, sheets and bedding this month.

Swimsuits: Pickings may be slim, but if one wants to pick up a few cheap bikinis or trunks for next year (or that winter vacation to Hawaii), now is the time, when they're pretty much all on the clearance rack.

Patio furniture: Is this positively the last summer you're going to use that worn-out outdoor table and chairs? Wait as long as you can to score the biggest savings -- but, as with swimwear, note you may not have a ton to choose from.

Style on 07/01/2014

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