Buy cookware in May, bikes in January

May is the best time to buy cookware, says Hugh Rushing, executive vice president of the Cookware Manufacturers Association. It's when retailers temporarily mark down prices in time for wedding and college graduation season. May is just around the corner. Ready. Set. Shop.

If you can't make it happen in May, October and November are your next affordable options. Holiday promotions kick in during these months. Any other time of the year? Forget it. Prices typically won't budge.

Mark your calendars for February and March if you're in the market for a bike or outdoor gear. This is when the season's new models come out and stores want to replace their fall and winter inventory.

For more scoop on the best time to buy -- airline tickets, big appliances, cars, mattresses -- take a stroll through this article.