There's a smart time to buy nearly everything. Yearly sale cycles are fairly easy to predict on many types of merchandise. So if you’re willing to be patient and plan ahead on your purchases this year, you can save a bundle.

Here’s a bargain hunter’s shopping guide:

January: January can be a slow retail month—the holidays are over and tax returns haven’t started to arrive. You can find great bargains on furniture, televisions (new models release in the spring), carpeting, and flooring. January is a traditional month for home “white” sales, so look for linens at discount prices. Shop after-holiday sales and stock up on supplies for next year, like wrapping paper and greeting cards.

February: New digital camera models begin arriving in February, so you
can get great discounts on last year’s merchandise.

March: Spring and summer merchandise begins to arrive in March, so you can purchase coats and other winter apparel at clearance prices. Look for coupons and sales in the grocery store, too, since March is National Frozen Food Month.

April: Sales on kitchen items are plentiful in April—these make great wedding gifts for the upcoming wedding season. Check out used cars if you’re in the market—the spring selling season is just getting started.

May: Great bargains on mattresses can be found in May. Look for other
incentives too, like free delivery.

August: August brings summer clearance sales on seasonal items, like outdoor furniture and toys, pool equipment, swing sets, and swimwear. With school just around the corner, prices on school and home office supplies are at their lowest.

September: Shop for a new car in September with the new model year just beginning. The same thing goes for appliances—check out last year’s models and discounted floor models. If you’re planning to landscape your yard, trees, shrubs, and other perennials are typically on clearance in the fall. Start shopping for discount airfares for holiday travel.

October: With colder weather on the way, look for bargains on warm-weather essentials like grills and lawnmowers in October.

November: Catch after-Halloween sales and stock up on discounted candy. Baking supplies are on sale just in time for the holiday season too.

December: Look for holiday deals on computers and computer-related equipment. Bundled items, deep discounts, and free shipping can save you a lot.