The Best Time to Buy Almost Anything—and How AI Can Help You Pay Less
What if saving money on a major purchase had less to do with finding a coupon or an online discount when you are at the register—and more to do with when you buy it?
Most of us know Black Friday or Amazon Prime in the summer can be good times to shop. However, there are buying seasons throughout the entire year if you know a larger purchase is coming up, you may be able to plan when to buy it instead of waiting until it becomes an unexpected expense. This was discussed more in the Your Weekly Wealth Question Vol. 2 newsletter. Stores regularly discount certain items as seasons change, new models arrive, and inventory needs to turn over.
But here's where shopping has changed dramatically.
Put AI to Work Before You Spend
Instead of spending hours searching Google and websites yourself, use AI as your research assistant. Let's say you know you'll need a new refrigerator within the next year. You could ask an AI tool. I recently used AI to help me determine which used SUV, AWD vehicle to buy. I asked AI to conduct a search for a used car between x year and x year, within x price range, which model would have the strongest reliability and least repair or recall record. I asked AI to rank them. The more specific you are about what you need, your budget and your non-negotiables, the more useful AI can be.
It was reported that this last back to school shopping season, more parents were using AI to find the best deals on all the school and sport gear required this year.
You can also combine AI with price-tracking tools. Google Shopping, for example, can compare prices across retailers, show whether certain prices are high, low or typical based on recent pricing, display price history for some products and let you track products for future price drops.
One important caution: AI can help you research, but verify the deal before purchasing. Prices and availability change quickly. The Federal Trade Commission recommends comparing the exact manufacturer or model number and looking at the total cost—including shipping and other fees—rather than relying solely on an advertised discount.
Plan Before It Becomes an Emergency
This is where the bigger wealth lesson comes in.
Instead of: Something breaks → Panic → Buy → Figure out how to pay for it
You can create: Anticipate → Research → Save → Buy strategically
And remember: something isn't a good deal simply because it's on sale. The best deal is purchasing something you actually need, at a price you've researched, with money you've intentionally prepared to spend.
A Deal Worth Sharing
A recent deal I came across that I want to share with you is the gift of sending out cards immediately to family, friends, clients, business partners, etc. For years I have been stingy about buying physical birthday, holiday, etc. cards at the store because I didn't want to pay between $5-8 per card, knowing most of the time these things get thrown out. So, usually I give gifts without cards. I felt like cards were becoming a waste of money and no benefit to the environment. My friend Grace Strachan, is a Gratitude Whisperer. You can sign up, like I did, to send out unlimited digital cards via text or email for only $12 per month; and you can send out physical cards and gifts for much less than buying them at the store. To learn more about Grace and her program click on the link below. https://promptingspro.com/p/greetingswithgrace?utm_source=Bobbie+Harris
Grace has given me back the ability to share my appreciation for others without breaking the bank or impacting the environment with additional trash. The best part is that I can do it on the fly with my phone and text it out. Note: I am not affiliated with Grace or receive any commission from my promoting her.
Your Wealth Question
What large purchase do you anticipate making in the next 12–24 months—and what could you do today to prepare for it instead of waiting until you need it?
Bobbie Harris
Financial Wealth Coach supporting individuals seeking financial clarity and confidence by helping them transform their mindset, habits, and relationship with money.
