Frugal Family: What To Buy In July

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column is dedicated to giving you at least five ways each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

July is a great month to purchase certain products. The retail world is already gearing up for the 2012 holiday season and there are mark downs, clearance sales and inventory clearances across the retail board. And while July is typically thought of as a slow sales month for many businesses, there are some great buys out there if you know what you’re looking for.

Here are five products you can get great deals on right now:

1) Summer Apparel/Swimsuits. Next year’s summer lines ship in January, so now’s the time for huge summer clearance sales. And since it is still really hot out there, theses summer bargains feel all the more cool! Click now on these two national chain stores located on Dallas Highway, Target and Belk’s, to see the current summer clearance sales on items for the whole family. Target Stores  2535  Dallas Hwy., Marietta (770) 792-7933;  Belk Village Green 3636 Dallas Hwy Sw, Suite 100 Marietta (770) 590-9665

2) Outdoor Grills – After July 4th, grill sales begin popping up everywhere. It is, hands down, the best time to get a great deal on outdoor grills and accessories. Big Lots has a variety of Char Broil Grills on sale right now including a Char-Broil® 48,000 BTU Stainless Steel 4 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner for $189.  Big Lots 680 Powder Springs Road – Marietta (770) 422-7565

3) Computers/Cameras/Electronics – All the new computers, brands, models and gadgets come out in the fall to holiday season so now is a wonderful time to get a deal on the “older” models. It’s amazing that in a few months, the newest “it” thing is considered “old” and its prices slashed to make room for the next “new” thing. Check out  Wolf Camera - The Avenues At West Cobb  3625 Dallas Highway, Marietta, (770) 428-5552 for the latest end of summer bargains.

4) Furniture - July (and January) is a great time to buy new furniture.  New models usually ship in August and often are the same as the old ones just with different upholstery or colors. Furniture stores begin marking down prices now to make room for the new models. And, since Saturday is still the busiest shopping day for furniture, it is also the best day to get a great deal. Sales people are under the most pressure on Saturdays - take advantage of it. Click here: Kirkland’s Home Décor, Gifts & More for current sales and summer clearance ads.  Kirkland’s - The Avenue West Cobb 3625 Dallas Highway Marietta   (678) 354-0183

5) Jewelry – This may come as a surprise when you are geared to think  Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day as the big jewelry sales events. Many of those prices are marked up in advance so the sales seem really big. But since July is not a typical gift giving month, jewelers are more likely to negotiate prices and you can get a real deal. James Avery Jewelry at The Avenue West Cobb is a unique jewelry store combining an interesting history with a strong set of values --and gemstones.  They are the real deal. James Avery Jewelry The Avenue West Cobb 3625 Dallas Highway
Marietta  (770) 429-8195

The Avenue West Cobb, a “unique, open air mall,” on Dallas Highway in Marietta, has a great website you can go to and see all its stores’ current sales, promotions and events. With its wide variety of specialty stores, national chains and eateries, it’s a great choice to reap the benefits of many summer sales—all in one place. Click on westcobb.shoptheavenue.com to view a complete list of stores including American Eagle, Kay Jewelers, Jos A Banks, Justice and more.