Major retailers are reminding you it's back to school, back to work, and back to seasons without so much sun. Before you buy what they're selling, consider the nice chunk of change you can save in August with these smartly timed purchases.


Each month, we take a look at the chart and list of the best times to buy anything we compiled back in January and pull out the items you should be on the lookout for that month. Here's a full-size blow-up and cut-out of what to look for this month (click for a larger view):


Now, on to the best deals you can find throughout August. As always, this isn't so much a list of things to "Run out and buy right now," so much as, "Buy this now, rather than later, if you're in the market." Normally we'd include some all-season deals, but in the summer, the best deals are often toward the tail end—big appliances in the post-remodel-season wind-down.

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Older computers: John Morris of CNET tells MSN Money that July and August can sometimes yield savings on slightly older computer models, as AMD and Intel's release schedules see computer makers ramping up to release new gear around this time of year.

Laptops: Per Gizmodo's post, and the knowledge that this is when big-box retailers and direct-sale makers start piling on with the back-to-school deals.


Outdoor Toys and Camping Equipment: CNN's Money site quotes eToys.com's Sheliah Gilliland as stating that retailers are eager to move the space-hogging pools, playgrounds, squirt guns, and other summer toys for as much as 65 percent off as the pre-holiday season approaches. Yahoo! Finance suggests it's also a good time to pick up your camping gear.


Kid's Clothing: Because even if you don't have a kid going back to school, you might have a kid you can buy gifts for now. If you do have kids, think beyond the immediate fall needs.

Wines: Somewhat obvious, sure, but you can also lock down some hard-to-find, small-run wines in the early fall harvest season, according to SmartMoney.com.


Linens and Storage Containers: They're aimed at the incoming college crowd this time of year, as AOL Shopping suggests, but you don't need to show a college ID to pick up some things you almost always find yourself in need of.

We're combing the comments of these monthly pieces to see what other deals our readers find during particular months, in the hopes of kicking out an upgraded buying guide in 2011. Got a hot tip on off-season or space-making sales you've seen? Share them in the comments.