Start researching in August for items you plan to buy, but it may pay to wait until Labor Day sales

August marks the beginning of the end of summer, as well as a new school year for many people. Because of that, it may not seem like a good time for shopping anything other than pencils, notebooks, and backpacks.

However, August has much more than back to school deals and sales. It brings potential chocolate chip cookie freebies, tax free shopping, and deals on garden tools, summer clothing, laptops, patio furniture, luggage, air conditioners, and more, according to DealNews.com.

In addition, begin watching for early Labor Day sales. They’re likely start popping up around mid-August. Expect the big items in these sales to be summer clothing, major appliances, and mattresses, plus grills and patio furniture should be featured prominently, too.

Since many young adults are heading off to college for the first time, you may find retailers offering discounts on bedding. Furniture is another category that will likely see discounts as part of the off to college sales as well as early Labor Day events.

Dealnews.com suggests items not to buy in August include the latest iPhones, fall clothing, big-brand android phones, and TVs.

Again, lots of research and price comparisons will get you the best bargains in August and September.