It's the end of summer and most of us are either bemoaning its end, getting the kids ready for school, worrying about the winter heating costs or some variant of all three. yet the end of the summer is also a good time to survey the landscape and ask yourself, "Is there a deal out there for me?" Maybe there is. The Frugal Yankee has put together a list of things whose prices will be very reasonable at this time of the year.

But remember, the big part of being frugal is analyzing your needs and then determing the best way to achieve that need. Here are a few tips and ideas.

* IF IT SAYS SUMMER
ACs, outdoor furniture, lawnmowers, BBQs, anything that is at the end of its season is an tem to consider. But just don't buy because it is 50% or more off. Do your research . Go on line or read up on the goods in question. Consumer Reports, Consumer's Checkbook or some other reputable resources, are great starting places.

* BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME
Nurseries will be looking not to winter over shrubs, trees, shrubs and other plants. You'll find deals on all sorts of landscaping items, including plants. I'll be looking for a few fruit tree to put in. And if you plant in the fall, you get a head start on next spring's growth. As long as the ground is not frozen, you can plant.

* BACK 2 SCHOOL
About two weeks after school has started, all the inventory left over in stores will be going on sale. Think ahead, what will you need: clothes? Office supplies? Look for deals between 50 to 70% off.

* APPLIED APPLIANCES
Labor Day will have some serious appliance sales - stoves, maybe fridges.  Be sure you do your homework as to make, model, energy efficiency and price.
Tip: Read up on what you want - model, price, bells & whistles, etc. Then go to various online sites and get the best price, print the page. One such site is PriceGrabber.com. Take the page to the brick and mortar store you like, and ask them to beat the price by 15%.
Tip 2: Don't buy an extended warranty. Appliances will go bad in the first couple of months, the regular warranty . Extended warranties are a profit center for stores, not you.

* NEW CAR? DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN
If you're thinking about buying new car, August/September is a good time.  Although the Frugal Yankee prefers buying used, we do know how the 'new car smell is seductive.
Tip: Find the actual cost of the vehicle you want and add a little profit for the dealer. That's you target price.
Tip: Buy your car at the end of the month. Dealers have quotas and will be more flexible at the end to meet that quota.
Tip: If you're financing, get you rate ahead of time with a financial institution. After you've struck your deal with the dealer, then talk financing. They will make no money on the financing if it seals the deal.

* FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Just like are hardy ancestors, end of the growing season is a time to plan for the winter. Whether you have a freezer, you plan on canning or even have an old fashioned root cellar, here are few items you can store away.
CORN: freeze
TOMATOES: can or turn into sauce and freeze
PEACHES: can or freeze, make into jam
ACORN SQUASH: cool, dry, dark shelve.
EGGPLANT: Make eggplant parmagiana and freeze.
CABBAGE: make sauerkraut (recent studies have been touting its anti-oxidant value)
TIP: There are tons more ideas. If you don't have a book on hand, go to the library

* WINE NOT?
With many vineyards releasing their new wines in September and October, wine stores will be having some significant sales to clear the counters.
This is also a good time for 'cult' wines. These wines are in high demand and have a low supply, but in the early fall, you'll get the better deals.

* WORK OUT A DEAL
August is a terrible time for healthclubs. If you're thinking about joining, now is the time. If you have one, now is the tine to renew.
Negotiate membership fees, other add-on fees and maybe length of contract. You can drive a good deal. They need the cash flow.
Fact: January is the worst time to get a deal on a health club.

* MOVING IT
Like everything else we mentioned here, retailers specializing in bikes, camping gear, motorcycles and other outdoor sports would rather sell at close to cost rather than hold onto inventory. As with cars, go online, find the best price and then bring a printed copy of your research and ask for a discount.

The Frugal Yankee encourages savvy shopping. Take the time to define what you want. Then figure out the smartest way to get there. You'll save money and your chances of 'buyers remorse' is significantly decreased.