When Is the Best Time to Buy...?..A Guide to Saving Smart & Living Well..

Timing is everything. To get the best deals, you've got to know when to shop.

There are some purchases that are difficult to time perfectly, such as stocks, airplane tickets and gas. But many other consumer staples -- from cars to electronics to furniture -- go on sale predictably at certain times of the year, saving you a bundle if you plan your purchases accordingly.

Check out a selection of the best buys for every month of the year:

January: Linens

It may be cold outside, but you can make the indoors warm and comfy -- and save money in the process -- by shopping department stores' "white sales" in January.

It's not uncommon to find discounts of 10% to 60% on sheets, blankets, towels and more (and not just in white).

January/February: Digital cameras

With the Consumer Electronics Show and Photo Marketing Association convention at this time of year, new camera models start arriving at retailers. That means deep discounts on last year's perfectly good merchandise.

March: Frozen food

It's national frozen-food month, and sales and coupons abound. If you have a freezer, stock up. You can store some foods as long as one year.

(Use this storage guide from the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service when deciding what to stock up on.)

April: Used cars

Looking for a used car? This is the best month to shop. Every year, car dealers stock up to kick off the spring selling season. Buyers have a full selection of inventory to choose from and plenty of willing negotiators to land the best deal.

May: Mattresses

As retailers make room for new models, mattress shoppers will find a lot of wiggle room on price, says Luke Knowles, founder of FreeShipping.org.

Look for discounts of up to 50%, as well as promotions for free delivery or free disposal of your old mattress.

June: Gym memberships

Health clubs get a wave of new sign-ups around the first of the year, but business tends to drop in the spring and summer before picking up again in the fall. Shop around for cut-rate promotions during the lull -- you might score a lower monthly rate or get your enrollment fee waived.

And don't be afraid to haggle with sales reps. They may be willing to deal while things are slow.

July: Furniture

New furniture hits showrooms in August, according to the American Home Furnishing Alliance. That means you can save 10% to 50% in July as retailers make room for the new inventory.

August: Outdoor toys

August is the best time to buy swimming gear, swing sets, beach toys and other items for outdoor fun as retailers make room on their shelves for fall and winter merchandise. Look for discounts of 30% to 75%.

September: Holiday airfare

Scout out deals for holiday travel. September is typically early enough to get a good price as well as a good seat.

Keep in mind that Wednesday is usually the cheapest day to fly, according to Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com. (An exception to the rule: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the busiest travel day of the year.) Sunday is generally the most costly.

September/October: Appliances

New models of big appliances roll into showrooms in September and October, making autumn a great time to get a deal as stores clear out the old to make room for the new.

And consider buying scratch-and-dent models -- a ding in a refrigerator door could shave hundreds off the price, and most likely, no one will notice.

November: Candy

Got a sweet tooth? Mark your calendar for November 1 to stock up on Halloween candy leftovers. You can snag bags of sweets and boxes of chocolate bars for 50% to 75% off.

December: Computers

The holiday shopping season is a jolly good time to buy a computer. The deals often include free shipping, special discounts, daily or weekly offers, and free bundled accessories, says Janice Chen, an editor with CNET Reviews. Bargains can range from a respectable 15%-off deal to a 50%-off Black Friday door-buster. Or you may score a free printer, wireless router or antivirus software package with your purchase.

January and February can also be a good time to buy as retailers clear out their inventory for new models.