Myth: Shop Early for the Best Deals

While early holiday shopping can snag you discounts and the best selection, you are most likely to get the best deal just before holiday shopping.

Retailers need to move holiday-specific merchandise because they are seasonal items. You can probably score deals 20% and 30% deeper in December, while the same article will be slashed by 50% or 60% in January. Not every item should be left for the last-minute sale, but fun and unnecessary items can be bought as the holidays get closer or even post-holiday to stock up for other events.