5 ON YOUR SIDE: August dealsAugust 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. Based on Consumer Reports’ price-tracking data, vacuums, grills, and freezers are also likely to see discounts around the holiday weekend. Consumer Reports says the holiday sales season has been starting earlier, with major promotions often appearing in October from Amazon and other retailers. The bottom line: buy school essentials before shelves get picked over, watch for Labor Day deals on home items, and consider holding off on other big purchases until early holiday sales begin.