By now, if you've stuck with the 52-Week Savings Plan, you've probably put aside a modest $10. Don't fret—that small sum will multiply! Each month, I'll share advice on stretching your dollars to help that nest egg grow steadily. If you haven't grabbed my handbook yet, it's available for just $5. It includes extra tips and printable charts for weekly, biweekly, reverse savings, and even a kids' savings chart.
Now, let's dive into money-saving strategies, top purchases for this month, and February deals!
February is packed with holidays and events – Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 4), Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), President’s Day (Feb. 19), the Chinese New Year (Feb. 16), and Black History Month.
It's also a month full of excellent deals that can help you save money and prepare your household for emergencies. February bargains are worth hunting down, especially since many families are still recovering from costly holiday spending.
Some January winter sales may carry over into February (see January bargains here), particularly for cold-weather clothing.
February food bargains
All those holidays bring celebrations. Look for food sales before and after the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and the Chinese New Year. Valentine’s Day is a great time to stock up on comfort foods for your pantry. Who wouldn’t appreciate chocolate and candy during a long power outage? I keep candy on hand for my kids in our tornado shelter. Easter baskets in our home have often been filled with pink heart-shaped chocolates bought in February. Tablecloths, plates, napkins, and decorations will also be discounted after the festivities if you need to replenish those supplies. Think about future events where pink or red decor might come in handy and buy now at rock-bottom prices.
Many canned goods go on sale this month tied to holiday celebrations. Steak and seafood should be marked down after Valentine’s Day, though neither is ideal for long-term storage! Still, you can freeze them—preferably vacuum-packed—and enjoy them later in the year, knowing you paid less. Oatmeal is another February bargain—a fantastic food storage item. It’s also an easy, healthy breakfast that’s versatile and budget-friendly.
Buy fruits and vegetables in season for the best prices. To make them last year-round, learn how to freeze, can, or dehydrate them. Fruits and vegetables in season during February include:
- Cactus Pear
- Clementines
- Dates
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Pear
- Cabbage
- Leeks
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Sweet Potatoes
- Mushrooms
Stocking up on household goods
Winter gear and clothing will still be discounted this month. If you have children, what sizes will they need next year? Consider grabbing extra hats and gloves for each family member to keep in the car. Wool socks and long underwear are also heading to clearance, and if this winter’s weather is any clue, you’ll be glad to have them!
Dry winter air often prompts purchases of humidifiers, so watch for discounts on those this month. If you’ve ever been congested, you know how handy a humidifier can be. If you find a good deal, it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup if you already own one.
Furniture and mattresses are big February sellers. Not sure why President’s Day ties to mattresses, but they’re usually a great deal this month. President’s Day 2018 is sure to bring price breaks on these higher-ticket items. Sleep is vital for health, and if you need a new or better mattress, comparison shop and negotiate the price if possible. Furniture purchases are typically expensive, but during February you may find excellent discounts on pieces you’ve been needing. Do you need a new bookcase? Scoring a deal on better-quality furniture means you’ll save money on something that lasts. Many preparedness-minded people stock up on books, so adding another bookcase might be a smart move!
Dental supplies are a February specialty. Look for deals to stock your family on toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash for the year and for emergencies. When you find these on sale—especially if you also have a coupon—buy extras so you can assemble a ready-to-go toiletry bag for each family member. My dentist said she can tell which patients use a regular toothbrush versus an electric one. These don’t have to be expensive. This model from Oral-B is reasonably priced.
If you suspect your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, February is a good month to look for replacement deals. Check what rebates your state or energy company may offer for energy-efficient models if you replace your air conditioner or furnace. One place to check is Energy Star.
Other large appliances, like washers and dryers, often go on sale around President’s Day. These may also qualify for energy rebates, and February can be the best time to buy appliances.
Every dollar you save by spending less helps your savings grow! In fact, you might even be able to add a little extra each month and end up with more than the original 52-Week Savings Plan goal.
BONUS TIP: Whenever you need a major appliance, try to wait for the next big holiday, since there are always big sales over those three-day weekends.
Other February bargains
Cell phones and tablets may be on sale this month to make room for newer models. Out with the old, in with the new. For emergencies, you might consider letting your child have a cell phone when they’re away from you. Cameras may also still be discounted. Cameras can be useful for documenting your property for insurance or emergency situations. Some digital cameras also have video recording.
Fitness
Treadmills and ellipticals are still on sale this month to capitalize on New Year’s resolutions. Being fit cannot be overstated when preparing for any situation. Take advantage of these sales to get your body healthy and strong. Just be careful not to overspend, and create a simple, practical exercise plan so your new fitness gear doesn’t become a waste of money. With that in mind, you might find even better bargains by shopping for these items on Craigslist as others decide to unload their own fitness purchases.
Finances
Tax day, April 15, is approaching, and you’ll start seeing deals on tax software and preparation packages. New tax offices may offer discounts on their services to build a client base. Tax returns must be filed, so keep an eye out for a deal if you need assistance. Also, start thinking about the best way to use any refund you may receive—savings, buying more food storage, paying down debt. Be smart with that refund!
Transportation
You may still find deals on boats and motorcycles this month due to the cold weather. Motorcycles can provide a family member with cheaper transportation if gas prices rise again. If you live near water, a boat can help you bug out or access a food source, but since our goal is saving money—not spending on luxuries—make sure these purchases make long-term sense for you and your family.
Saving money on gifts
After Valentine’s Day, you can pick up Valentine’s cards for your children’s classes on sale for next year. It’s also a good time to stock up on children’s craft items for parties, snow days, or extended power outages.
Jewelry, perfume, and gift sets will be on sale after Valentine’s Day. This is a great way to stock up on gifts for the year for family and friends. You can always separate the items in pre-packaged gift boxes or baskets and give them as individual gifts. That’s a fantastic way to take care of many Christmas stocking stuffers 10 months ahead of time!
Speaking of gift purchases, anytime you see an offer on the purchase of a gift card—like “Get a $10 gift card for yourself when you buy our restaurant’s gift card”—grab it! Use my Gift Card Tracking Chart from my ebook, and by purchasing at least one gift card per month, by December you’ll have at least a dozen to either give away as gifts or use for holiday shopping.
By the end of February …
According to the 52-Week Savings Plan, you should have $36 saved by the end of February. I know you can do that! If you have extra cash right now, perhaps skipping ahead to Week 52 and saving $52 would be a smart move since February usually doesn’t have many extra holiday expenses.
If you haven’t already, join our Facebook group for extra support as you work to stay on budget and build your savings!
Your family paychecks might show a bump this month due to federal tax cuts. When you see that increase, make smart decisions about how to spend it. Even an extra $40 in a biweekly paycheck will add up to nearly $1000 by year’s end. The key to winning at saving money is to pinch pennies wherever you can with purchases and then put even small amounts saved into your stash.
We’ll be back in March with more money-saving tips to help you stay on track, both with your budget and your savings plan!
P.S. Wondering how to best store that Valentine candy you bought as a February bargain? Watch this tutorial video.
