5 ON YOUR SIDE: August deals

August can be a great month to save, with back-to-school promotions underway and early Labor Day deals beginning to appear. Consumer Reports says shoppers can find discounts on everything from school supplies to major home purchases—but timing matters.

As summer winds down, many families are trading beach bags for backpacks. Consumer Reports says August is one of the best times to stock up on pencils, notebooks, backpacks, children’s clothing, dorm furniture, and other school essentials.

Consumer Reports shopping expert Samantha Gordon says back-to-school prices can change throughout the month, so it’s important to watch the items you need and buy when the price drops. Waiting too long could also mean finding fewer choices as popular products disappear from store shelves.

August is also when many retailers begin offering early Labor Day discounts. Shoppers c...