The beginning of September marks peak Labor Day and end-of-season clearance sales to help you save money shopping on a variety of items.
In the coming weeks, further markdowns and deals will happen to clear storefronts for holiday sales.
It’s also the perfect time of year to grab a pumpkin spice latte to stay cozy while leisurely considering your purchases.
Here are the 12 best things to purchase in September.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Television sets
Labor Day Weekend is the first weekend in September. It also happens to be one of the biggest sales holidays of the year. During a five- or more-day span, you should find televisions marked down quite a bit.
Storefronts are interested in moving units as they prepare for the biggest sales and exclusives on these items in the coming months.
It is usually easier this time of year to haggle a bit with electronics professionals, namely at stores like Best Buy.
Freezers
Why does it always feel like the freezer wants to stop working right when hot weather hits?
Freezers tend to be an in-demand appliance during the summertime, whether customers are purchasing to replace ones that go out or grabbing them for home extensions and renovations.
But once school starts, there’s often a dip in price. Take advantage of this time to find your next box and garage freezers at unbeatable prices.
Mattresses
Big holiday weekends are perfect for when you need a mattress. You will almost always find a great option somewhere.
From Costco and Sam’s Club to Mattress Firm, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Amazon, and beyond, the first week of September might be an optimal time to refresh your sleeping situation.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Meat
Labor Day is the last big warm-weather outdoor barbecue holiday before we march into the autumn months. Did you know that the best time to purchase meat at the grocery store is in the three days directly after a major holiday?
This time of year, look for overstocks of sausages, hot dogs, steaks, and other fun grilling meats to be on clearance. Freeze them for the opportunity to stock up and save.
Speakers
Labor Day is a great time to scout out new speakers on sale. This includes smart home speakers, travel speakers, waterproof options, and more.
In fact, most audio aficionados don’t suggest purchasing electronics like sound systems and speakers during Black Friday, as discounts aren’t as deep that time of year.
Trending Stories
Kitchen appliances
As the winter holidays approach, people will most likely be spending a little more time in their kitchens. Because of this, kitchen appliances — like KitchenAid stand mixers, toaster ovens, air fryers, and hand blenders — tend to be included in sales.
Sometimes, You can find options like built-in microwaves and ovens because home renovations wind down in the colder months.
Baking supplies
For similar reasons that kitchen appliances are on sale this time of year, baking supplies start to see a shift in price around the end of the month.
As we get closer to cozy, cold-weather holidays, baking ingredients like chocolate chips, sugar, flour, and more will be discounted. This is the best time of year to keep an eye on pantry staples.
Summer fashion
While many markdown shelves for summer fashion leftovers were cleared during back-to-school blowouts, September is still a great time of year to look for warm-weather staples in the sales area.
There will be less turnover in the clothing aisle while people prep for Halloween and stores transition into true winterwear, so there should be some great late summer and maybe even early fall options.
Warm weather footwear
Between now and Black Friday, stores and warehouses will be trying to clear their warm-weather inventory. A new shoe sale, featuring sandals, pumps, and other spring and summer fashions, crops up every other week.
Keep your eyes peeled for your favorite online brands stacking sales on top of clearance prices, especially over the first few weeks of September.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Air purifiers
Looking ahead to the coming months spent indoors, it’s time to consider your air quality. While wildfires are now an issue throughout the year, the demand for air purifiers and filters increases during natural disasters.
Purchasing on a holiday weekend before the dry season sets in is the perfect time to nab an energy-efficient option at a great price.
Air conditioners
Air conditioners are a big purchase that can go hand-in-hand with air purifiers. Since September usually marks the end of hot temperatures, the demand for cooling decreases, and the need to continue to push more through the door drives the prices down.
Window and portable units, home and office units, and even filters are on sale this time of year, so it’s a great time to upgrade or stock up.
Lawn equipment
September is really the best time to scoop up lawn equipment, such as leaf blowers, wheelbarrows, fertilizer, aerators, mowers, and more.
These are the last few weeks before retail chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s move their patio furniture and lawncare items off the floor and replace them with Christmas trees, fire pits, and other cold-weather fixtures.
Bottom line
As you can see, September is a great time to purchase an array of items. While deep discounts are focused toward the beginning of the month with the sale holiday, a few items can help you stretch your paycheck toward the end of the month.
Remember, shopping out of season for items will often give you the best price, and using browser extensions may help increase your savings.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.