Did you know that there is a hidden secret on the things you buy throughout the year?  That’s right. Depending on what items you are buying, there is usually a better time during the year to buy those particular things.  Right now, for example, we can focus on the best items to buy in September, even if the month is almost half-up.

So, if you are ready to do some shopping, here are the best items to buy in September to save the most money:

• Bicycles.  New model year bikes are coming out this month, which means that it is the best time to find deals on last year’s models.  And let’s face it, the new year’s models aren’t going to be any better than last year, so save yourself some money!
• Bedding and mattresses.  Labor Day is the kickoff to sales for mattress stores nationwide.  These sales tend to last the entire month, so you can find some really good deals!  Bedding prices fall to complement the lowered prices of the mattresses.
• Furniture.  Again, Labor Day prices on furniture can be ridiculously low.  Take advantage now to score some seriously deep discounts. (I just bought a VERY nice brand new leather living room set for less than $1000 at one of these sales.  Note: Don’t discount doorbusters.
• Apple products.  New Apple products are about to hit showrooms.  Now is when you are going to find steep discounts on the older versions of Apple iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more.
• Appliances.  Looking for new appliances?  Right now is the best time to find appliance deals because, again, new models are coming soon.  Be sure and stroll through the clearance section and see what kind of steals you can find on the appliances that you are wanting to upgrade.’
• Camping gear.  Camping season is over for most people and the stores are trying to clear their shelves of their camping and other summertime outdoor supplies.  I once bought a 10 person tent for $89 (75% off) during September.

What’s your favorite deal you have ever scored in the month of September?

Keeping up with the Joneses is a trap for many Americans.  It is what keeps many different families in debt. Worrying about having the nicest house, nicer cars and any and every other nice thing that you can just so you don’t feel like you are lesser than them. I’m a big believer in not caring too much about what others think of what I have, what I drive or where I live, but even I have found myself “keeping up with the Joneses” when it comes to my children.  When all of the other kids at school had brand new iPhone Xs, I decided to break down and get my daughter an iPhone (it was an SE, but still), I always make sure they have name brand clothes too (bought second hand typically) because truth be told, kids are mean to kids that don’t have nice clothes. I have always maintained that we don’t have to spend a lot to have the same nice things. That being said, I am realizing that although I don’t spend a lot on this, I am doing my kids a disservice by following this routine. There are plenty of reasons though to not live this lifestyle though and here’s why.

Here are 5 reasons to stop keeping up with the Joneses that will make you happier in the long run:

1. Non-stop competition.  The competition never ends and that is, honestly, exhausting.  I don’t know about you, but I really just like to be able to relax sometimes and not worry about others.
2. It’s expensive.  There is just something so very calming about not living paycheck to paycheck. If you choose to live a less expensive lifestyle, you can do this!
3. It doesn’t teach your children well.  Do you want your kids lives run by consumerism?  I know that I don’t. I want their lives run by so much more than just this and I am trying to teach them that.
4. It teaches entitlement. Entitlement is destroying the behaviors of young people everywhere, I want to be a part of the generation that ends this type of behavior.

What are your thoughts on this?  I thought the hear people’s ideas of this and the best ways to go about it.