What to buy in October

October brings a host of deals on Halloween goodies, from costumes to candy, but shopping this month isn't all about tricks or treats. There are a few other categories where you can save this month, said Trae Bodge, senior editor and spokeswoman for consumer website Retailmenot.com.

“Appliances are pretty reliably discounted in September and October for last year’s models because the new models come out,” Bodge said. So if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, washing machine or other large appliance, this is a good month to shop around for the best deals.

October is also the perfect time to get aggressively discounted summer merchandise. The selection may be dwindling, but you’ll find deep discounts on patio furniture, garden and outdoor items, and other summer goods. “As we get close to the holidays, those discounts will get deeper,” Bodge said.

Check such stores as Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears and Target for their remaining stock of summer goods. And, remember, the selection can vary widely by store. I was recently in a Target store that had an entire aisle of summer merchandise priced 50 percent or more off, while another location had a single shelf of those items.

If you are in need of denim, it’s time to shop for your perfect pair of jeans. “Retailers are trying to clear space for holiday merchandise and work through their back-to-school stock at the same time,” Bodge said. Take advantage of these post back-to-school deals to get discounts on jeans as well as school or office supplies, she said.

Of course, in October most of us are thinking about Halloween — 75 percent of Americans say they will spend money on Halloween this year (an average of $83 per person), according to a RetailMeNot survey.