1. Winterize your home: Save energy, save cash

As temperatures drop, home heating bills rise. But properly sealing and insulating a house can save an average of about 11% a year on energy costs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Keep your expenses to a minimum by sealing gaps and cracks in windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Clean and inspect your furnace to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Also consider increasing your insulation. Though your wallet will take a hit for the season, you’ll probably get more than your money’s worth in a few years.

2. Start your holiday gift hunt

We all know that the sale to beat all sales — Black Friday — comes on the heels of Thanksgiving. But don’t forget about the little guys: Columbus Day and Veterans Day usually mean smaller but still significant discounts. As the year winds toward its close, expect sales on appliances, cookware, clothing and electronics. Beat the winter rush and get started on your holiday shopping.

3. Traveling in December? Book your trip now

If you’re flying for the holidays, now is the time to book if you haven’t already. Follow your favorite airlines on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up for their email announcements for deals. This is also a great time to cash in your travel credit card miles, especially if your earned perks are due to expire at the end of the year.

4. Check your flexible spending account balance

If you’ve been putting money aside in a health care flexible spending account, or FSA, make sure you spend it before your money effectively disappears at year’s end. Book yourself a dentist or eye appointment, or get an annual physical.

And check with your company to see whether there’s any wiggle room. Your employer might allow you to roll over up to $500 to the next year or give you a few months’ grace period.

With a little planning in the fall, you can save enough money to get through the long (and often pricey) holiday season that’s just ahead.

© Copyright 2016 NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Since high school, Marcus Inyang has been inspiring hope wherever he goes. From leading prayer circles at lunch, to starting an on-campus Bible study group, to dreams of missionary work and entrepreneurship, Marcus plans to continue bringing beauty out of broken situations through a career as a registered nurse.

This fall, Marcus, alongside his fiancée, will be attending Georgia Highlands College as part of the college’s nursing program. We caught up with Marcus to learn more about what his future holds and how receiving our scholarship will help him achieve What’s Ne[x]t.

Why did you decide on Georgia Highlands College?
After graduating from the International Baccalaureate Program in high school, my fiancée and I started college at Kennesaw State University. We had a great year and a half there, and set our eyes on pursuing a nursing degree together. We intended on staying at KSU until we met some roadblocks. Certain classes, which we needed, were full and we couldn’t get into them, so because that would slow us down, we looked elsewhere to complete our prerequisite classes. My fiancée’s mom suggested Georgia Highlands College, and the transition was seamless and very convenient. In this last semester, our experience at Georgia Highlands was really incredible. The Douglasville campus, where we attended, is close to home for both of us, and the teachers and staff were very personal.

What made you decide to pursue a degree in nursing?
I dreamt of being in medicine since I was very young, and it was always greatly encouraged by my family. For years, I thought about being a neurosurgeon, and I’m still open-minded to other realms of the medical field, but I decided after high school that nursing was a great place to start for building a foundation of medical knowledge and valuable experience caring for people.

How does a career as an RN fit with your passions in life and what do you hope to achieve with your degree?
I love people, and I think nursing should embody love in action. As an RN, my skill set will be needed across the world. I would love to meet people all over the world from different walks of life and be able to go above and beyond, not only serving them with my skill set, but also with my heart and passion.

What does it mean to you to receive the $8,000 scholarship, and how will it help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t?
This scholarship is a huge blessing and a huge surprise to me in consideration of the great work done by so many applicants. My fiancée and I have wondered how we could afford to pay for the rest of our schooling in conjunction with the costs associated with getting married and budgeting for everyday expenses. There is no doubt this scholarship will alleviate so much pressure as we continue on this path to becoming RNs.

In your video, you mentioned one day hoping to own a business that restores and remodels dilapidated buildings. Can you tell us more about this dream?
I can honestly say, I am not 100% sure how I will be able to afford and to oversee the restoration of numerous dilapidated or abandoned buildings from this stage of my life, but that’s what makes it more exciting to me. I know I have so much to learn, and I’ve heard it said, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough!” By that standard, I definitely think I’m dreaming within a good range. The way I envisioned it was a small town or small city with all or many abandoned buildings that I would seek to renovate, refurbish, and literally turn into artworks with murals and all. The project would be so enormous; I would have to collaborate with builders and artists from that city and afar. My goal would be to turn what others deemed hopeless into a beautiful attraction. It won’t only be the final state that speaks loudly, but it will be the process and story behind it that speaks volumes. And it’s the same mentality I’ll have when I’m walking into a patient’s room as a nurse and taking care of them. It’s all about bringing hope and beauty out of brokenness.

Pursuing higher education is a wise investment in your future, but nonetheless a costly one. What’s your plan for managing the cost of college while in school and after you graduate?
I hope to come out of college with no debt. I can testify that it is possible. I have really strived to apply for scholarships that match my given situation, and I’ve not only thought about getting more scholarships and revenue, but also decreasing expenses and output. Georgia Highlands is very affordable, and there are no options to live on campus or anything like that, but even if there were, I would prefer to save the money. Thus, with expenses low and revenue high, debt-free college is possible. I’ve also used a budget on and off, and I would definitely advise someone to stick to a budget if they can, and really hold themselves to it. Also, throughout college, I’ve had the HOPE Scholarship, which has been very helpful, and I would suggest to any student in Georgia to work hard at receiving the HOPE Scholarship with a GPA of 3.0 or higher if they don’t already have it.

What do you think makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
As Georgia’s Own Credit Union says, they stand by the philosophy of “people helping people,” and I happen to be one of those people. Firstly, I am one of those who are being helped. My experience with this credit union has been incredible, and every interaction has been consistently helpful. My fiancée has already greatly built her credit with Georgia’s Own. And now, I am receiving this awesome scholarship, so that, in turn, I can continue my schooling and fulfill the first half of that philosophy: someone who is now helping other people.

Why did you apply for our scholarship?
In light of being a Georgia’s Own member and meeting every qualification, I figured the scholarship was worth a try, so I submitted my video application and hoped for the best – I knew that any of the scholarship amounts would have been a great help!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am currently working in college as a graphic designer, cartoonist, and social media content writer for a local web design company in Douglasville called Fame Internet Marketing. Our team is like no other in Metro Atlanta, and I love what I do and who I get to work with every week.

Meet Our Other Winners

Tell us why you chose Augusta University and what you will be studying there.
I chose Augusta University because of its unique academic programs and its recent partnership with the Medical College of Georgia. Through the seven-year Medical Scholars program I am pursuing, I will have the opportunity to achieve not only my Bachelor of Science degree in three years, but also guarantee matriculation into MCG for my Doctor of Medicine degree.

What does it mean to you to win this scholarship, and how will it help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t?
I am truly excited that my diligence in working towards my passions has been recognized, and am even more motivated to continue shaping the world. This scholarship will help to relieve some of the financial burden associated with the educational pathway I have chosen. By saving money during my undergraduate education, I will have the freedom to pursue a graduate education. In addition, I am grateful to Georgia’s Own Credit Union for this opportunity.

What makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
I characterize myself as a person who is driven by the prospect of impacting the lives of others in a positive manner and eventually making the world a better place. I believe this desire is shared by the credit union and is what makes me one of Georgia’s Own.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
One of my favorite hobbies is hiking. I often make weekend trips to the Appalachian Mountains here in Georgia and have also summited various peaks across North America.

Tell us why you chose Liberty University and what you will be studying there.
Liberty University gives me a way to study my passion hands-on, while also being surrounded in a great environment to deepen my relationship with Christ. I will be studying film and getting my Bachelor’s in Cinematic Arts. From there, I plan to dive into the film industry and online media platform.

What does it mean to you to win this scholarship, and how will it help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t?
It’s an honor to receive such a generous gift that will help launch me into further education and my career. Because of Georgia’s Own, I will be more prepared to approach my classes and approach my independent life.

What makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
Growing up in Georgia has been a tremendous blessing. My dad always taught us the value of hard work, and when I was 10, my brother and I earned money by shoveling snow or mowing lawns. With the money we made, we set up a savings account at Georgia’s Own. Over the years, the jobs have changed, but Georgia’s Own has always been there for my savings and checking needs. Wherever my education and career take me, Georgia will always be home.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I’m actually fairly good with the jump rope and used to do Double Dutch (two ropes). I can spin it twice around in one jump and twist the rope back and forth as I’m jumping.

With the total student loan debt in the United States hovering around a mind-blowing $1.23 trillion, it’s important to be smart about budgeting and managing your money while you’re in school so you’re not one of the 43 million Americans drowning in student loan debt.

Creating and managing a budget isn’t the most fun in the world, but it’s not as much of a hassle as you might think, either. Plus, it’ll help you stay on track during school and avoid graduating with heaps of debt.

For starters, you’ll want to figure out whether you want to track your budget per month, per academic semester (or year), or per calendar year. Once you’ve chosen a timeframe for your budget, you’ll want to decide what tool or tools you want to use to track it. You could go old school with pen and paper, or you might opt for using a computer spreadsheet, or maybe your phone is your life and you’d prefer to use a budgeting app. Georgia’s Own BALANCE Financial Fitness program offers free resources to help with budgeting, and we’ve also created an budgeting spreadsheet to help you track your income and expenses (download it for free here). I personally love Mint – it’s simple to use, secure, and automatically updates all of my accounts in one place. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a tool you’re comfortable with and one you’ll actually use.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your budget:

• Your income: Be sure to include all sources of income, including wages, any financial aid refund, and any contributions from family.
• Your expenses: Expenses include fixed expenses like your cell phone or rent, as well as variable expenses such as dining out or gas for your car (if you have one). For your initial budget, you may have to estimate some expenses until you have a better idea of how much you spend on that category.

The next step is adding up your income and your expenses so you can balance your budget. To do this, you’ll subtract your total monthly expenses from your total monthly income. The goal is to have a positive balance, meaning you’re earning more than you’re spending. If you have money left over each month, you can save it or even start paying on your student loans (if you have any), since they do accrue interest while you’re in school. (Read more about why paying on your loans while in school is a good idea).

If your balance is negative, you’re spending more than you’re earning and need to adjust your budget. You can cut back on expenses or find a way to supplement your income, such as getting a second job.

Now that you’ve created and balanced your budget, there are two more important steps in maintaining that budget:

1. Review your budget monthly – doing so will help you stay ahead and avoid surprises.
2. If you make a spending mistake, don’t dwell on it. Next time you’re tempted to make an impulse purchase, ask yourself if you really need that item and if so, can you afford it?

Developing good financial habits in college (or earlier) not only helps you cut down on student loan and credit card debt acquired throughout school, but also helps sets you up for success later on in life. Trust me – things like credit scores and savings accounts may seem trivial now, but it’s a lot easier to start off strong than to find yourself in heaps of debt after school and trying to correct mistakes that could have easily been avoided.

Do you follow a budget? What do you find the hardest about sticking to a budget? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Encourage your teen to get a job

Preaching about the value of a hard-earned dollar isn’t quite as effective as encouraging your child to get a job. By working for their money, teenagers are likely to begin thinking critically about how they spend it, which is a good habit to pick up at an early age. If your child is too young for a job, you could provide a weekly allowance for helping around the house.

Help your teen set a budget

Once your teen starts earning money, explain how to set a budget. Consider explaining the difference between essential and nonessential expenses, providing examples from your own life.

Set financial goals together

Since creating a budget isn’t the most exciting activity, introducing the idea of saving up for a fun purchase might reinvigorate your teen. Putting away money every month requires discipline and is a great skill to practice at an early age by regularly stashing away some cash for a new smartphone, for example. Crunch the numbers with your child to determine how much needs to be saved each month to hit the savings goal by a certain date.

Help your teen sign up for a checking and savings account

So money doesn’t have to be stashed under their mattress, sign your teenager up for a checking and savings account. Although you’ll need to co-own the account if your child is under 18, your teen can have an active role in managing it. Just know that you’ll have to foot the bill if any fees, such as overdrafts, are incurred.

Encourage responsible credit card use

Although your child won’t be able to get a credit card before turning 21, anyone can be set up as an authorized user on your plastic at any age. Make sure to implement rules regarding when your teen can use the card, and make it abundantly clear that your credit score will take a hit if your card is maxed out.

Take your teen shopping

It can be tempting to overspend on name-brand products. To help your teen fight those initial instincts, shop together and explore the wonders of coupons, sales and store brand items. This should underscore the notion that popular products don’t always have to be the go-to option, which can save your child a lot of money over the years.

Teach your teen about compound interest

When it comes to saving money, compound interest is a person’s best friend. Teaching your child about the many benefits of compound interest should encourage contribution to a 401(k) plan in a future full-time job.

© Copyright 2016 NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

While’s he’s known as the head coach of the Panthers, Coach Hunter is also well known for coaching a game each season barefoot, a tradition he started while head coach of Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. He coaches barefoot to benefit Samaritan’s Feet, a foundation that donates shoes to children around the world who can’t afford them. We were able to speak with Coach Hunter to talk about his thoughts on coaching, his success at GSU and his involvement with Samaritan’s Feet.

How did you get into coaching?

While I was still playing collegiately, I realized that coaching was what I wanted to do for a living. From that point on, I tried to learn as much as I could from my coaches to make the transition to coaching as easy as possible when my playing days were over.

What’s a typical day look like for a Division I basketball coach?

Honestly, I don’t know if there is a typical day, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Every day is a little different depending on if we are in season or out of season. The great part of everyday being different is that there is always a new challenge which keeps the job fresh. I take great pleasure in that my job never gets boring.

Do you have any advice for someone who may be thinking about becoming a coach?

I think it is a great profession to be in. For someone young who wants to get into coaching, they must understand that it is a huge time commitment and it can take a long time to move up the coaching ladder. However, it is extremely rewarding getting to work with student-athletes and molding young minds.

What advice would you give our young adult readers on how to achieve future success in whatever career they choose?

In my mind the key to success is doing something you love. Over the course of your life, you are going to spend a lot of time at work. If you enjoy it, it will never feel like a job, but rather just a part of you. I love coaching and have been doing it for a long time and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Can you briefly describe the feeling you had watching your son, R.J., hit the game winning shot versus Baylor?

It was probably one of the most emotional experiences in my life. Obviously I was extremely proud of R.J. I was also proud of the way our team reacted when we trailed by 12 points with under three minutes remaining in the game. They never gave up and kept pushing. That attitude gave us a chance at the end and fortunately R.J. knocked down a shot that will not soon be forgotten.

After Georgia State stole the show during the first weekend of the 2015 NCAA tournament, you were the lead story on ESPN and other media outlets. What was the most memorable experience for you during that time?

There were a lot of great stories told during the tournament. However, my most memorable experience was right when we got back to the hotel after the win and I got to spend about 10 minutes with my wife, son and daughter. We laughed, cried and everything in between. After those 10 minutes, we got to do an ESPN piece as a family and that time together was extremely special.

What’s your favorite thing about Georgia State University?

Honestly, I have a lot of favorites, so it would be tough for me to select just one. However, I love being in the city of Atlanta and everything that makes up our campus. We have been fortunate to win a lot of games in the last couple of years and the support that we have received from our students, fans and alums throughout the city has been special.

R.J. was selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft. What’s it like as a parent to see him get drafted?

Knowing that R.J. was getting a chance to fulfill his lifelong dream, it was extremely gratifying for me as a parent. Not too many fathers get to spend every day with their college-aged kids, so I made sure to enjoy the three years he was a part of our program. It culminated with an incredible night surrounded by family and friends. I could not be any more proud of him.

We know you’re involved with Samaritan’s Feet and have coached a game barefoot for the last several years to benefit them. Can you tell us how you got involved with that organization?

A group from Samaritan’s Feet, including founder Manny Ohonme approached me almost 10 years ago. They explained to me what they were trying to do and right from the start, it just felt right. They were trying to bring awareness to the 300 million children around the globe who wakeup without shoes each day and wanted a coach to help raise awareness. I was fortunate that they found me as it has been extremely rewarding.

What’s it like coaching a game without shoes on? It must have been a little odd at first?

At first, it was kind of painful, however, the more I thought about it the more I realized that the pain was nothing compared to what a child must go through never having a pair of shoes and dealing with that pain every day. To be in some pain for two hours is nothing compared to that. It was definitely a little strange, but I will keep doing it if it helps raise awareness for an incredible cause.

What does it mean to you to give back to those less fortunate?

I can win every game I coach for the rest of my life, win conference championships and even a national championship. However, it will never be as rewarding as seeing the smile on the face of a child who we have just given their first pair of shoes. I have been fortunate to travel to places like Peru, Costa Rica and South Africa, and each one of those trips has allowed me to see how fortunate we truly are in this country. I will continue to do this work well after I am done coaching because there are still a lot of children out there to help.

At Georgia’s Own, we work to promote financial responsibility. How has financial responsibility played into your personal success?

When you are young and getting into the coaching profession, you live paycheck to paycheck, so it is important to learn financial responsibility. I learned that lesson very quickly and have continued to live that way my entire life. I am fortunate to be able to provide for my family and I think that has led to success on and off the court.

1. Check your credit score

Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 and is used by lenders to determine the risk of lending you money. A higher score will help you receive better rates and other terms. You can check your score and get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months (www.annualcreditreport.com). Reviewing your credit reports ahead of time may give you an opportunity to correct any mishaps so that you can increase your score before you head out to purchase a car. If you don’t have any credit, it may be difficult to get a loan or could cost more in fees and interest. Try building your credit with a small line (like a secured credit card) so you can establish a score and also get some experience managing credit before making a big purchase.

2. Determine how much you can afford

You’ll want to take a look at your financial situation to make sure that you’ll have enough income to cover your living expenses. If you have a couple thousand dollars saved, you can apply that towards a down payment which will help reduce the amount you pay each month. Play around with numbers with an auto loan calculator to see what your payments might look like. When you finance, the amount you’ll pay each month will depend on factors like the price of the car, Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and the loan term. Keep in mind the full price of the vehicle instead of the monthly payments. Paying $500 a month for 36 months is a much cheaper vehicle than paying $500 a month for 72 months. Just because you have it, doesn’t mean you need to spend it! Other important considerations when it comes to affordability include car insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs.

3. Choose your lender

Among options to finance your car, you can get an auto loan from financial institutions like Georgia’s Own Credit Union. Georgia’s Own can pre-approve you for a loan so that you’ll know exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow before you head to the car lot. This will help you avoid the salesman pushing you toward an unaffordable car.

4. Choose your vehicle

Once you’ve figured out how and where you’re going to get the money to pay for your new vehicle, the fun part begins – picking out your ride. Try to be practical with what you really need out of a vehicle. Sure, the brand new, top of the line car looks great, but is it what you need? Also, be careful with car dealers as they may try to talk you into a longer loan that will reduce your monthly payment, but will cost you more in the long run. If you plan to buy a used car from a private party, check the restrictions to make sure your loan covers that option.

Need help finding the right car? Georgia’s Own Carfinder is a car buying service through Georgia’s Own that can get you into the perfect vehicle. Simply provide any details you’re looking for and what you’re looking to pay and they’ll help find the car that fits your qualifications. Plus, they’ll even deliver it to your home or office.

If you’re in the market for a new car, don’t wait until you’re at the dealership to start thinking about financing. If you’ve never had the experience of getting an auto loan, it may seem terrifying at first, but it’s really not that bad. These are just the basics of a car loan so if you’re still not sure, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your parents, family members or friends have probably gone through the process and can help guide you.

Key Car Financing Terms

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – Presented as a percentage, APR is a calculation of the full amount you will pay for a loan over the course of one year. Basically, it tells how much it will cost to borrow money (on top of the actual loaned amount itself). The higher the APR, the more you will pay for a loan overall.
• Amount Financed – The dollar amount of the credit provided to you from a lender.
• Credit Score – A number that lenders use to help them decide how likely it is that they will be repaid on time if they give a person a loan. It’s a number between 300 and 850 that represents your credit risk based on information in your credit file.
• Down Payment – The initial amount you pay to reduce the amount you need to finance.
• Loan Term –The amount of time in months you’re given to either pay back the loan or renegotiate for another term.
• Monthly Payment – The dollar amount due each month on the loan agreement.
• Total Cost – The total amount you will have paid after you have made all the payments as scheduled (includes the price of the vehicle, interest on the loan and any other services you might have added to the loan)

Sources: bankrate.com, Investopedia.com, moneyunder30.com

1. Get organized. Being organized can relieve a lot of the stress around tax season. Gather up any information you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you’re claiming on your return. Your W-2, 1098 or 1099 forms soon should’ve been in the mail by January 31st. If you do not receive them soon, contact the company sending them.

2. Consider your filing options. Whether you e-file, use a tax filing software program, hand everything over to an accountant, or just fill out the paperwork by hand yourself, make sure you have everything in place for using this option long before the April 15th deadline.

Turbo Tax Discount – If you choose Turbo Tax, save up to $15 on Turbo Tax Federal products as a Georgia’s Own member.

3. Keep up to date on tax laws. Dozens of tax breaks were extended for 2014, including deductions for teachers who purchase classroom supplies and higher education deductions. Use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to find answers to your tax questions. In addition, IRS Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) is a comprehensive resource for taxpayers and can be found at irs.gov.

4. Avoid common mistakes. According to CNN Money, these common mistakes can cost you a lot of money down the road: not filing on time, wrong information (including social security number, name, and bank account number), using the wrong filing status, not claiming the correct deductions and making math errors. Even if you are not doing your taxes yourself, it is important to closely review all information.

If you owe money or simply need a financial check-up, the professionals at Georgia’s Own Credit Union can help. Call 404.874.1166 (800.533.2062) or stop by any branch to learn about the options available to you.

Color — Standard colors are much easier to sell than trendy colors.

Upgrades and options — Options like leather seats and sunroofs add to a car’s value, but a navigation system or upgraded stereo won’t bring any extra money when selling. Also, automatic transmission is much more popular than manual transmission.

Geography — Demand for vehicles varies in different parts of the country and even in different communities. Convertibles may be good for warmer weather states, but it’s not as valuable in the colder northern states. Likewise, a pickup truck holds less value in bigger cities as opposed to rural towns.

These are just a couple of tips to consider when purchasing a car. Though resale value is important to many who purchase a new vehicle, if you plan to keep it until it dies, then you won’t need to worry about the resale value.

Source: bankrate.com

Savvy Fliers Only
If you’re going to see family this month, minimize the damage to your wallet by adjusting your days to fly.

• Move Your Dates: According to travelchannel.com, you’re going to be flying with the most people on December 23. Make your flight earlier or wait a week and the airports and airplanes will be less crowded.
• Bid for Better Prices: If you haven’t already, start bidding to get a deal on your flights. Be willing to fly less popular hours and you may be able to find a competitive price.
• Reap the Rewards: For those who are have credit cards, now may be a wonderful time to cash in on your rewards.

Make It a Road Trip
If flights are outside your budget now, then it’s time to look at the classic style of a road trip. Depending on how far you drive, you may want to grab a rental car. Excessive wear and tear on your car can be pricey and there are ways you can find deals on rental cars. If you do use your own car, make sure it’s in good shape for the road. Calling roadside service can easily eat up any savings you may have.

• Plan ahead for drinks and snacks: Making constant stops on your road trip slow you down and drain your wallet. Do yourself a big favor and pack snacks and your go to drinks in the car.
• Explore your food options: When you do need to stop for a meal, make it special. Check online to see if there are any hole in the wall spots where you can stretch your legs and have a memorable meal.
• Score a deal on the hotel: If you have a long trip, go ahead and book a room now.
• Be open to carpooling: If you’re seeing your family, you may be able to slash prices by coming into town with a relative. It can be a wonderful way to bond and save money.

Traveling over the holidays can be notoriously busy, expensive and stressful, but it’s not all bad news. While you may have missed the boat on making early travel plans this holiday season, there are still a few ways you can save money and enjoy holiday cheer.

Source: Travelchannel.com, Consumerreports.org

Vehicles – As dealerships get ready for the 2016 models to come onto their lot, prices for 2015 models will drop drastically. Plus some may offer incentives like cash-back.
Grills – With the weather cooling off, there will be less grilling to be done. With stores getting ready to put the newer models out, you can score major discounts on the older models.
Household Appliances – As with many other items, old models of refrigerators and dishwashers must be cleared out to make room for new inventory.
Lawn Mowers – Lawn mowers take up a lot of space so in order to get them off the floors, retailers will cut the prices tremendously.
Patio Furniture – People begin to spend more time indoors so you may see some 50% discounts as retailers start to make room for winter merchandise.
Though you may be looking to save money this fall, spending right now on any of these big ticket items could save you big in the long run.

Source: MSN Money, Forbes