Eight things you should buy in October to get the best deals!

October ... time to buy these things!

Almost everything in the retail world runs on a revolving schedule, and that means the price you pay for most things will rise and fall. Buying at the right time can net you huge savings! So ... if you're in the market for the following, consider buying this month and pocket the savings - just in time for Christmas shopping!

Air conditioners - prices fall when demand drops, and the best deals are found on last year's models. If your air conditioner is on its last legs, you'll save by replacing it now instead of waiting for premium prices next spring. And if you expect your current air conditioner to keep running, extend its life by planning to keep it well-serviced - but don't call yet. Service calls are usually the best deal in February, when the demand is low. Mark your calendar now.

Gas grills, outdoor furniture, boxed pools and pool supplies - sales are grinding to a halt on these items at the end of the summer season, and stores are anxious to clear out inventory to make space for Christmas trees and other seasonal inventory. Many retailers take steep discounts and sell these items for 50% of their regular retail cost, sometimes even less. If you can store it in such a way that the weather won't ruin it, now is the time to buy these items.

A new car - after the new year's models come out, the current year will begin to be discounted. From now until the end of the year can net you big savings on a new car, though October will give big discounts along with a still-decent available inventory to choose from. Don't buy JUST yet though, at the end of the month when dealerships are trying to meet their quotas, they are likely to offer bigger discounts and better incentives.

School supplies - we have not seen the super-deep discounts that were offered several years ago in August, though they are still on somewhat of a sale. Now it seems the best time to buy school supplies, if you can project what your children will need. Most stores are anxious to clear out expanded back-to-school inventory in anticipation of the holiday season.

Toys - if you aren't looking for the projected "hot" items. Last year's toys will be offered at varying discounts from August through October, and time is winding down for the stores to clear out old toys in order to have stock on hand for the favored Christmas toys. If you are planning to buy a particular toy for Christmas, start watching prices now. You might find a good sale, but your best bet is probably going to be the day after Thanksgiving - Black Friday - if you can stand the crowds.

Seasonal produce - always a better deal and at the peak of freshness and best-tasting when bought in season. Depending on your location, October is the season for:
apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, cranberries, cucumbers, dates, figs, grapes, kale, leeks, lettuce, okra, onions, oranges, parsnips, pears, peppers, pumpkins, quince, radishes, shallot, spinach, squash, star fruit, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, zucchini

As noted, produce will depend on where you live. There are online tools to check what is in season for your location - try Epicurious for the interactive map.