What to buy in March

Sick of the cold weather? Go online and book yourself a Caribbean cruise: January through March is traditionally the busiest booking season for cruise lines — and when you’re apt to find bargain prices. Double your savings by booking now for a trip in April, considered a border month between the winter and summer cruising seasons when prices drop.

Of course, if you’re a snow lover, March also is not a bad time to purchase lift tickets — warmer weather is a death knell for ski resorts, which are eager to squeeze out a few more weekends with two-for-one deals, or discounted all-day passes. And if you’ve been eyeing that awesome new ski jacket and bibs, now is the time to buy. Same goes for skis, snowboards and skates. And don’t forget sleds for the kids to use next winter!

While we’re talking sports, you don’t have to be a college hoops fan to enjoy the March Madness discounts on food. Check out the deals at your local pizza shop and supermarket specials on drinks and snacks. Though lagging behind America’s favorite food-and-sport event, the Super Bowl, the men’s and women’s college basketball playoffs get more popular every year, and food companies are catering to the audience.

Finally, if you’re looking for new digs, this may be a good house-hunting month. We say “may” because the old rules of real estate went out the window with the financial downturn. Now, most agents say the best time to buy is whenever the seller hits your bid. But because home sales heat up in the spring and summer, shopping just before could mean you’ll have more room to negotiate, plus the chance to close and be ready to move when school lets out.