Cars

When to Buy: September

Why: Next year's models are on the lot, meaning all vehicles in the current model year must get cleared out pronto, During this time, cash incentives from auto makers abound, plus dealers are more willing to negotiate.

Holiday Airfare

When to Buy: September

Why: Booking your trip to Aunt Louise's house for Christmas a few months in advance offers you the best combination of fare selection and price.

Jeans

When to Buy: October

Why: Retailers start discounting their jeans after the back-to-school promotional push ends in September, Dresses are very 'in' this year, which may cut into jean sales,More stock on the shelves means bigger discounts at a faster rate.

Plants (Trees/Shrubs/Perennial Flowers)

When to Buy: September

Why: Nurseries and gardening stores would rather deeply discount their inventories of trees, shrubs and perennial flowers than try to hold them over until spring. Autumn is actually the best time to plant.

Sneakers

When to Buy: November

Why: Get trendy shoes for less before the winter hits. In September, retailers push sneakers for back to school. But by mid-October, they've started thinking, "snow" with Boots, which means more sneakers on sale.

Toys

When to Buy: October

Why: Most new toys debut in September. It's the start of the holiday season in retail land. Retailers begin making price adjustments By October, you'll see hot price competition — and those must-have holiday toys that everyone will be fighting over in November will still be on the shelves.

Wedding Dresses

When to Buy: November (specifically, after Thanksgiving)

Why: "The dynamic of the wedding industry is that most people get engaged at Christmas. Bridal-shop owners are anxious for business, so you have much more negotiating power. You could easily save 15% to 25% on your dress or get free alterations (typically a $300 value).

Wine

When to Buy: September

Why: Fall is always when the new bottles from last year's harvest show up on the shelves. Vineyards desperate for your attention keeps prices low. The exception: high-demand, low-supply "cult wines" like Burgundies and California Cabernets.