Sarah Wells: How to be financially savvy by shopping the mid-year sales

Here we are, mid-way through July — and that means we’re only four months away from December and the frenzied retail spending that comes with the festive season.

But what if you could take some of the stress out of shopping and deal with some of your festive spending in July? It’s a different take on Christmas in July, that also makes a lot of financial sense.

By shopping the mid-year sales and buying presents and some of the bits and bobs you need for December now, you spread out both the costs and your budget over four or five months instead of squeezing it all into one.

Amazon’s Prime Day starts tomorrow, which means that if you’re a Prime member you have access to some serious discounts on big brands, such as Apple and Dyson, and across categories including electronics, homewares, beauty, video games, toys, clothes and books.

This Prime Day is Amazon’s longest ever, running from July 16 to 21, so you have six days to bag a bargain.

If you’re not a Prime member, don’t fret. You can also make the most of sales at the big department stores such as David Jones and Myer, which all run end-of-financial-year sales well into July. You can also score a bargain online at The Iconic, Etsy and The Outnet to name a few.

And if you’ve got your heart set on a new TV or gaming devices for the kids, JB HiFi also has big sales at this time of the year.

My advice is to make a list of the big-ticket items you have your heart set on this Christmas and then do your research online to see where you can get the best deals.

Mid-year is when a lot of stores are also getting rid of old stock, so you can make an offer in store and they’ll consider it. Your July mantra should be: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

When it comes to shopping the mid-year sales and getting the most out of your festive spending in July, there are several smart strategies you can employ. Here are some tips to help you shop the sales wisely:

Do your research

Before making any purchases, research and compare prices and find the best deals. Look for discounts, promotions, and bundle offers that can help you save even more.

Shop around

Don’t limit yourself to just one store. Explore different retailers, both online and offline, to find the best prices and selection. Keep an eye out for special offers and exclusive deals.

Negotiate

When shopping in-store, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price. Retailers may be willing to consider your offer, especially if they are looking to clear out stock and older-model items.

Set a budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on your festive shopping and stick to it. Setting a budget will help you avoid overspending and keep your finances in check.

Use cashback and reward programs

Take advantage of cashback and reward programs offered by retailers or credit card companies. These programs can provide additional savings or rewards for your purchases.

Remember, the key is to plan ahead, compare prices and make informed value-based decisions.

By shopping smart during the mid-year sales, you can spread out your expenses, make the most of your festive budget and deck the halls come December.

Sarah Wells is a Perth-based money and finance specialist