What to buy in October

 With all the hustle and bustle right between back-to-school shopping, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, it is difficult to know if consumers are getting the best bang for their buck. Check out this list by Mark Di Vincenzo from TIME’s Moneyland before you make a purchase this October:

1. Shop Online – The weekend before Halloween has the best deals on clothes and electronics, with savings up to 30% off.
2. Buy a 2012 car – September and October have the best selection of 2012 cars at a deal because car lots are trying to make room for 2013 cars. Wait until November/December and risk fewer options.
3. Buy jeans – Back-to-school jeans that haven’t sold by October are discounted as much as 40%.
4. Buy camping gear – Camping gear that didn’t sell during the peak camping season will be on sale in October. Look for sales on tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, and hiking gear.
5. Beware of diamonds – October offers the best selection of diamonds but with the highest prices.
6. Produce – Produce is offered at a great price if it is in season. The abundance of fruit and vegetables will be put on sale so it won’t rot. Here are the fruits and veggies that are in season this month: apples, cranberries, honeydew melons, oranges, peaches, Bartlett pears, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and spinach.
7. Travel Deals – Airfare and hotels are cheaper for more diverse locations because summer is over. The different weather also means fewer tourists.
8. Health – Get your flu shot in October and it should protect you through much of the flu season. The shot is $30 and insurance typically pays for flu shots. Clinics could give it for free.

For more information, see Moneyland’s article What to Buy in October.