7 Days Of The Week, When To Buy

Knowing a little more about the sales cycles of certain products and services and retailers can add much value to the your hunt for a deal. According to Smart Money, there are certain days of the week when you can find the best prices for things. If you have experienced success with this I'd like to hear from you.



Airline Tickets
Best to buy: Wednesday morning
Why: Airlines usually have deals over the weekend but the war begins after the weekend when other airlines are trying to match the prices set by the first airline that reduced prices over the weekend. Prices reach their lowest point by late Tuesday, early Wednesday.

Cars
Best to buy: Mondays
Why: Car dealers love the weekend because that is when they make the most sales. On Monday, they are already looking toward the weekend and the low foot traffic makes it seem like it will never come which gives the consumer a little more negotiating power.

Clothing
Best to buy: Thursday evening
Why: Kathryn Finney, author of "How to Be a Budget Fashionista" says this is when retailers begin to stock for the weekend and when retailers such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Express start their weekend promotions. It brings people out to shop mid week.

Dinner Out
Best to buy: Tuesday
Why: Most restaurants don't receive food deliveries on the weekend and throw things out on Sunday (they should donate to the food rescue mission instead). By Tuesday they have received new deliveries so food is fresher and you get more bang for your buck.

Gas
Best to buy: Thursday before 10 a.m.
Why: In addition to oil prices, consumer demand also drive up prices. Weekend demand is higher when more people are traveling. Most gas stations change prices Thursday mornings and by getting gas then you will sneak in before the price change and weekend rush.

Department-Store Wares
Best to buy: Saturday
Why: Many department stores have a lot to mark down for their Sunday circulars, so they frequently start the process on Saturday evenings before store closing to prepare for the Sunday rush. Even if the markdowns haven't been made, many employees will honor the sale price if you ask. Print out the circular preview from the store's web site, and bring it with you when you head to the mall.

Cinco de Mayo Food Cents

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

One of my favorite days because I love Mexican food. I know you can eat it all the time but there something about having it on Cinco de Mayo that makes it better. And of course we can't forget about the margaritas. But, back to the food. I was excited when I learned of some low cost Cinco de Mayo recipes from Eating Well today. Now I know what I am having for dinner. Great recipes for less than $3 per serving! Can't beat that. Following is a sampling.

Crispy Turkey Tostadas: Shredded leftover turkey tops homemade tostadas in this Tex-Mex favorite. Making your own tostada shells from fresh corn tortillas is easier than you might think—crisp them up in the oven while you prepare the toppings. Choose either regular petite diced tomatoes or those with added jalapeños, depending on your inclination for spicy food. Serve with black beans, rice and extra salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Calabacitas: Enjoy this traditional Southwestern dish of sautéed summer squash, onions and peppers as a side or as a vegetarian filling for tacos.

Salsa Rojo: Here’s a homemade version of the tomato salsa served at taco stands and burrito joints everywhere. Try it with all your favorite Mexican foods—it even works as enchilada sauce.

If you make any of these let me know how you like it!