Play the calendar game

When shopping, timing is everything. It's not just what you buy but when you buy it.

For instance, it's best to wait until the end of the month to buy a car. Many dealerships establish monthly sales quotas. During the last week of the month salespeople are hungry to make a deal to make their bonuses.

You probably know that the time to buy new sheets is during January white sales. But every month different types of products usually go on sale. For instance, May is a good month to buy athletic apparel and shoes, cordless phones, and small electronics. For a calendar of deals, go to www.ConsumerReports.org and click on the Money tab, then on What's On Sale When (under Shopping).