Buy Winter Stuff in March or April - Shel Horowitz's Monthly Frugal Fun Tip

Buy Winter Stuff in March or April

Hot off the Press--Review of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist by January magazine A nice, long review of my book on frugal fun just appeared on the front page of a snazzy new webzine, January Magazine. If you want to check it out, please visit.

And now on to this month's tip:

Though a month ago probably would have been better, if you move quickly, you'll probably find some incredible clearance deals on winter clothes and sporting goods, as the stores move the last of it out to make room for the spring lines.

I got my winter coat at the end of winter, several years ago--after looking for two months and beginning to feel that I'd set myself an unrealistic budget of $100. The coat I found was perfect in every way except color--Thinsulate lining, huge pockets (and lots of them--cut way down on lost hats and gloves), a good hood... And it's held up well through its fourth winter, so far. The cost: $41!

Now might also be a good time to pick up a ski package, for example--and don't just check with the sports stores; call around to the ski facilities themselves, and see if they're offering any good deals.

Also check on trade-up programs for kids. We found that one ski touring center has a day in November when they sell used skis, and kids can get a trade-up program. Each complete set of skis, poles, boots, and bindings cost us about $50, and it's $5 each year to trade up to the next size, if necessary. Far cheaper than the cost of renting several times a season, and it also gives us the freedom, as a family, to go ski in a park and save the trail fee.

I've now completed my first year of tipsheets. Would love to get some feedback on them. Please take a minute to tell me which tips worked best for you, and which were off-track.

Happy spring, Northern Hemisphere readers!

Until next month...