5 ON YOUR SIDE: October deals

It may feel a little early to start thinking about holiday shopping, but retailers certainly are. October has become the unofficial kickoff to the holiday sales season. Consumer Reports has advice on what to buy this month and how to make sure that big sale is actually a good deal.

Consumer Reports tracks prices throughout the year to see when the products it tests tend to hit their lowest prices. And you can expect October will be a good time to fall into some seasonal savings.

If you’re looking for a new pressure washer, Consumer Reports experts say to choose the right level of power for the job. Lighter-duty models work well for outdoor furniture, while stronger models are better for durable surfaces like concrete.

Target Circle Deal Days and Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days start on October 6. Other major retailers are also rolling out...