MAKING THAT DOLLAR STRETCH

For bargain hunters, February is a great month to shop.  As retailers slash prices on the last of winter goods (like coats, scarves and gloves) to move them out the door, shoppers will also find deals on the first sure signs of spring -- like strawberries and asparagus.

Here are some of the food and household items that will be on sale in February:

* Berries - blackberries, strawberries & blueberries
Look for deals on fresh fruit of two cartons for $3 to $5. If you find them on sale, you'll find prices 20 to 25 percent lower than that.

*Asparagus 

As Mexican-grown asparagus hits the stores early in February, prices should drop 25 to 30 percent  If it has to compete with a flood of domestically grown vegetables toward the end of the month, the price could drop as much as 65 to 70 percent. 

 

*Mangos and Oranges

 

*Lettuce, dark leafy greens 

For loose lettuce, if you've been paying $2 to $3 a pound, those prices could fall as much as $1 a pound. While the prices on packaged lettuce mixes should remain virtually the same, you could see the actual mixture change to reflect what's most plentiful

*Fresh Mussels and Canned Fish

 

*Candy

Can you say Valentine's Day? It is always marked down 50% the day after.  You can freeze chocolate and it will keep for at least a year.

 

*Holiday Sales 

Valentine's Day
Jewelry, deals will start about a week to 10 days before the holiday.  Expect special deals -- 35 to 65 percent off -- on a few items rather than widespread sales
Deals on select lingerie -- up to 25 to 35 percent off certain item

Presidents Day sales

Consumers will find "some good sales on furniture," especially around the Presidents Day holiday Since many companies are coming out with new products, they want to clear space in the stores,  Look for deals of 25 to 35 percent off.

Look for 10 to 25 percent off large appliances (like washers, dryers and refrigerators)

LINK: WHAT NOT TO BUY IN FEBRUARY