The Update

What to Buy and What to Skip in August

August is a month of transition — summer is winding down, school is gearing up, and retailers are making room for fall merchandise. If you’re looking to stretch your dollars wisely, timing your purchases is key. Here's what to buy and what to skip in August.

What to Buy in August

Back-to-School Supplies & Tech Deals

From notebooks to laptops, August is one of the best times to stock up on back-to-school essentials. Big-box stores and online retailers offer competitive bundles and discounts on everything from pens and planners to Chromebooks and tablets.

Summer Clothing Clearance

Retailers are clearing out summer apparel to make room for fall fashion. This means deep discounts on shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, and sandals. It’s the perfect time to snag next year’s summer wardrobe at a fraction of the cost.

Outdoor Furniture & Grills

As Labor Day approaches, stores begin marking down patio furniture, grills, and outdoor accessories. If you’re okay with storing items until next year, you can save big on high-ticket items.

Tax-Free Weekend Sales

Many states offer tax-free weekends in August for school-related items. Even if you’re not a student, this is a great opportunity to save on clothing, shoes, and electronics.

Gardening Tools & Supplies

With the growing season coming to a close, you’ll find markdowns on garden tools, pots, and even lawn care items like fertilizers and hoses.

What to Skip in August

Fall Clothing

While it’s tempting to jump into cozy flannel and boots, new fall arrivals will be full price. Hold off until October or November for markdowns.

New iPhones & Tech Releases

Apple typically announces new iPhones in September. Buying now could mean missing out on better models or price drops on older versions.

Major Appliances

Unless it’s an emergency replacement, wait until September or October — that’s when manufacturers release new models and older ones go on sale.

Halloween Decorations

Stores will start putting Halloween items on shelves, but prices are at their highest. Wait until late September or even October for discounts.

Final Thoughts

August is a savvy shopper’s sweet spot — especially for scoring deals on school supplies and summer clearance items. But with a little patience, you can skip over-pricey fall items and score even bigger savings in just a few weeks.

Take Advantage of Your Rewards

Don't forget, when you use your RGCU Visa® Card and your RGCU Debit Card you earn rewards for everyday purchases. Redeem points for cash back, merchandise, gift cards, and more!