When to buy

Sounds like it's time to buy a gas grill. Consumer Reports Magazine has a smart article about what time of year shoppers should buy certain major purchases to get the best price. In-house researchers looked at industry surveys and publications and talked to experts to come up with this list, from the July issue of their magazine.

September:
bikes, gas grills, shrubs, trees, perennials, small consumer electronics

October:
bikes, digital cameras, gas grills, winter coats

November:
new cars, bikes, computers, gas grills, toys

December:
new cars, bikes, computer, gas grills, small consumer electronics, toys, tvs.

If you want to take advantage of sales on gas grills (or another item) but don't live in a warm climate that lets you use them year-round, keep the new purchase in its original packaging. When you open it next spring or summer, it will really seem like you just bought it.

More items to come when it's closer to that time of year.