April showers bring more than May flowers, they also bring some pretty good deals on certain products. OK, I agree, that was pretty cheesy but it was all I could come up with as I wanted to get this price guide up before we reach Easter Sunday. Here are some products that offer the most savings this month.

Used Cars

If you’re in the market for a “new to you” car buy it in April. One reason and one reason alone. Used cars dealers are starting to stock up on the popular warm season autos. Things like convertibles, sports cars, and the cool off road jeeps and trucks.

When dealers do this, and they almost all do, they have extra inventory and are more willing to wheel and deal with you. Make sure you enter the car lot in full price negotiating mode. Check out this article from Edmunds.com for some great tips on negotiating the best price on used cars.

Cookware

As we quickly approach the season for college graduations, it has many cookware sellers offering some pretty sweet deals on cookware sets. Pretty smart marketing.

They are counting on the fact that the majority of graduates don’t have a single pot to boil water in. So these cookware sets make for great graduation gifts. Buy them now at a sale price.

Fabrics

April is an excellent time to buy your winter and cool weather fabrics and materials. Retailers are trying to clear out this older inventory and are willing to let it go for pennies on the dollar.

If you’re making clothing, just sew for next year and do it on the cheap. Also, almost all of the big retail stores have coupons that can be used to save another 40% off any 1 item.

Vacuum Cleaners

Were you aware that new vacuum models typically come out in June? Yeah, neither was I. Why do I bring up this fun fact?

If you need a new dirt sucker April is a great time to shop around as retailers are trying to clear out last season’s models ahead of the new arrivals. We have seen sales in excess of 50% off the original price.

Car Stuff

Car stuff goes on sale every April. Stuff like cleaners, wipes, polishes, and various products to brighten your ride.

Why? Nobody knows. Actually, it’s because this stuff needs to be sold right now to make room for the upcoming Summer season when product flies off the shelves.

Be sure to stock up with a coupon in hand. AutoZone is your best bet for finding a printable coupon.

Refrigerators

New refrigerator models come out in May and June which makes April an excellent time to look for a new fridge.

The best deals are obviously going to be on last year’s model which pretty much look identical to this year’s models.

The only difference might be where the crushed ice button is located. I mean seriously, why pay more for a fridge with one more bell or whistle? Don’t do it! Instead buy in April and save significant money on a new refrigerator.

Digital Cameras

As most photogs and camera geeks already know, April is a great time to shop for a new digital camera. The clearance sales and coupons tracked here at Rather-Be-Shopping over the previous 5 years back this up.

The reasoning is simple. New camera models typically come in May and June so retailers are in a hurry to get rid of last season’s model. Whether you are in the market for a simple “point and click” stick it in your pocket camera, or a top of the link digital SLR, the time to buy is now.

For example, we found a Nikon Coolpix S3600 20.0-Megapixel Digital Camera w/ free shipping on sale for $119.99. A 20 megapixel Nikon for under $120 delivered for free? Hard to beat. If you don’t mind it being in blue, check out B&H Photo which has the same camera for $109 w/ free shipping.

Some TV Deals

The Japanese fiscal year ended in March which means many new models come out as the new fiscal year gets rolling. For consumers this means there will be discounts available on older models up to 40% off the original price. We have seen some really good deals on HDTV’s in the 42″ to 55″ range.

For example, at Walmart.com we found the Samsung PN51F4500 51″ Plasma HDTV for $498 with free shipping, must login to account to see price. This is $75 less than anywhere else and the cheapest price on a Samsung HDTV over 50″ that we have ever found.

Ask the Reader: Have you noticed any deals on stuff in early April? Let me know all about it in the comments section – thanks!

By Kyle James

Last week, I wrote about all of the best Teacher Discounts I could dig-up, so I figured it only made sense to do the same thing with student discounts. I can remember being in college, living off top ramen and Jägermeister, and looking for every discount I could possibly find. My favorite was at our local Subway which offered students 2 foot-long subs for the price of one.

I actually once ate both foot-longs in one sitting. Ironically, I also once clogged the dorm toilet. But anyways, here are the best discounts for students that I could find for savings on food, clothing, books, insurance, and entertainment. Bookmark this list and use it often as it serves as a small hedge against inflation.

Food/Restaurant Student Discounts

Arby’s: The next time you are craving a Beef ‘n Cheddar at 2am, you can save 10% off your entire meal when you whip out your Student ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings: At many BWW locations you can score 10% off your meal. Just ask!

Burger King: Who knew The King handed out deals to students? Not I. But yes indeed, you can use your Student ID to get 10% off your next meal.

Chick-fil-A: Thirsty? Use your Student ID to get a free drink when you buy anything at Chick-fil-A.

Chipotle: The next time you get a burrito the size of a log, use your Student ID to score a free soft drink.

Dairy Queen: From Consumer Reports, “High school and college students are eligible to receive a discount card or a “Student Meal Deal” at participating locations. The amount of the discount depends on location.”

McDonald’s: At many golden arches locations you can use your ID to get 10% off your purchase.

Pizza Hut: Flash your Student ID and get 10-20% off your next pie. Amount depends on location.

Subway: At participating Subway locations you can use your Student ID to get 10% off your subs, salads, and snacks.

TCBY: Just show them ANY form of student ID and get 15% off your yogurt goodness.

Waffle House: Nothing better than a visit to your local Waffle House after the bars close. Next time save 10% off by showing your server your Student ID.

Book & Newspaper Discounts

Barnes & Noble: While B&N does not offer a flat discount, they do offer deals on textbook rentals with savings up to 50% off.

New York Times: College students can save 50% off the regular rate. Check the College Rate page for all the details.

Wall Street Journal: Students can get the amazing rate of $1 a week for the WSJ. Click Here for all the details.

Clothing Retailer Discounts

Adidas: Get 15% off your full-priced order. Details here.

American Eagle Outfitters: Get 20% off your full-priced order, both online and in-store. Details here.

Ann Taylor: Get 15% off your full-priced order with your Student ID. Details here.

ASOS: Just fill out this form and get 10% off until you graduate.

Banana Republic: Save 15% off your full-priced order with your Student ID. Details here.

Charlotte Russe: 10% off your entire purchase with your ID card.

Goodwill: Yes, even your local Goodwill will give you 10% off with ID.

H&M: Save 15% off your entire in-store purchase with your ID.

J.Crew: Save a cool 15% off (some stores offer 20%) when you present your ID card at checkout. In-store only.

Juicy Couture: Save 15% off your in-store purchase with your ID card.

Limited: Save 15% off every purchase made in-store with your ID.

L.L.Bean: College students get 10% off their entire order, verify your eligibility here.

ModCloth: The popular online vintage clothing retailer offers a 10% discount with registration.

Nike.com: Students get a 1-time use discount for 10% off your online order. Details here.

Sally Beauty Supply: Just register for your beauty school ID and get exclusive savings and coupons.

Steve Madden: Save 10% off with your Student ID.

Target: For 2024, students can save 20% off any single purchase through September 28th, 2024. Details here.

Toms: Save 10% off with your Student ID at Toms.

Urban Outfitters: Save 10% off specific days with your Student ID. Sign-up for their Student Program to be kept in the know.

Tech/Wireless Discounts

Adobe: Students can save up to 80% off popular Adobe software titles. Click here for the details.

Apple Music: Similar to Spotify, students can get the Apple Music service for $4.99 month.

Apple Store: Check out the Apple Students section of their website and save up to $200 off a new computer. They also offer a discount on a Apple Music subscription. Details here.

AT&T Wireless: Click HERE to enter your school email to see if you qualify to get a 10% discount.

Best Buy: Check out the College Student Deals program for exclusive deals on laptops, tablets, desktops, and small appliances. Details here.

Dell: Via Dell University, students can qualify for some really good savings on new laptops and desktops.

Fujitsu: Students are eligible for a 5% coupon on select LIFEBOOK notebook and Tablet PCs. To receive the discount, call 1-800-FUJITSU.

Hewlett Packard: Check out the HP Academy program for some exclusive discounts.

Microsoft: Visit the Microsoft Store for Education and save 10% off software, Windows PC’s, accessories, and more.

Norton:  Check out their Discounts page and save up to 50% off titles like Norton 360, Anti Virus, and Internet Security.

Spotify: Students get a 10% discount on the Spotify music service, premium too. Premium comes out to only $4.99 per month. Thanks to reader Andrew for this one!

Sprint Wireless: Visit the Sprint Discount Request page and enter your email address. Expect monthly savings in the 10-15% off range.

T-Mobile Wireless: Visit StudentRate.com and get a 10% discount on your monthly bill. It looks like they will even pay your early termination fee with your current provider.

Subscription Discounts

Amazon Prime: Join Amazon Student for a cool $49 a year (Regularly $99) and get free 2-day shipping, free Kindle books, and free unlimited streaming of 41,000+ TV shows and movies.

Sam’s Club: Sign-up for a Sam’s Club Collegiate membership and get a free $15 Sam’s Gift Card. They’ll also mail you “student only” deals and coupons.

Insurance & Transportation Discounts

Allstate: If you’re a student under the age of 25 Allstate offers a savings up to 20% off for full-time students.

Esurance: If you’re under 25 years old and maintain at least a 3.00 GPA in high school or college, they’ll lower your premiums by a cool 10%.

Eurail: While they don’t offer a specific discount, any person under the age of 26 can get a youth pass which is good for 35% off the adult fee. Detail here.

Farmers Insurance: They offer a Good Student Discount which entitles students to a nice discount if the can carry a “B” average.

Geico: Must be age 16-24 and maintain a “B” average and you’ll be eligible for the Geico Good Driver Discount.

General Motors: When buying a GM car make sure to get the College Discount when financing the purchase. The cool thing about it is that you can combine it with any current incentives GM is offering.

Greyhound: Get the Student Advantage Discount Card and save 20% off your next ticket. Also, you can save 40% off and package shipping.

State Farm: State Farm has a really cool student program that not only gives you 25% if you get good grades, but the savings lasts even after you graduate until you reach the age of 25.

Travelers Insurance: Travelers also offers a great discount if you maintain a “B” average. Must be a full-time student and between the age of 16 and 25.

Entertainment Discounts

AMC Theaters: Many AMC theaters (almost all, actually!) across the country offer discounted ticket prices every Thursday. Just present your high school or college ID to get your savings.

Cinemark Theaters: Check this list of all the Cinemark theaters in the U.S. that offer a discount. Who doesn’t love a cheap night at the movies? ID is required to get your discount.

Chicago Art Institute: While not free, the Chicago Art Institute offers a nice 20% discount.

Denver Art Museum: Colorado college students get in for a measly $8.

Houston Ballet: College students, show up early and buy Rush tickets for only $10. Available only 90 minutes prior to the show.

Regal Theaters: Many Regal locations offer discounts on select shows.

Ask the Reader: What other places offer student discounts? Let me know and I’ll check it out and maybe add it to this article.

By Kyle James

I can’t believe it has taken me so long to put this teacher discounts article together. Why? Well, my wife is an amazing teacher and my dad was an awesome junior high science teacher for over 35 years. They deserve all of the discounts they get and many teachers aren’t aware of all the incredible savings retailers and service companies offer.

Well…until now that is! I plan on keeping this resource updated and will update it as I get new information. My goal is to make this article the “go-to” resource for teacher discounts on clothing, software, computers, school supplies, and even travel.

(Looking for Student Discounts?  Click here: 50+ Places That Offer Student Discounts)

Bookstore Discounts for Teachers

Barnes & Noble: Join the B&N Educator Program for free and get 20% off all items for classroom use. Also, during the specific Educator Appreciation Days educators can get up to 25% off. Check our site for a Barnes & Noble coupon too.

Book Warehouse: Sign up for their Educators’ Club for free and get 15% off in-store purchases. All you have to do to join is bring your teacher ID card.

Books-a-Million: Teachers be sure to sign up for their Educator Discount Card which will get you a cool 20% off in-store and 10% off when shopping online.

Half Price Books: They also offer a Educator’s Discount Card which will get you 10% off all purchases. They’ll offer the same discount to recently retired or laid-off teachers which is very cool.

New York Times: Now this one is awesome, get the special Teacher Rate and pay only half of what a normal subscription costs. As an added bonus you’ll only pay 99 cents for the first four weeks.

Clothing Retailer Discounts for Teachers

Aerosoles: Our teachers need comfy shoes and Aerosoles helps make that happen by offering 15% off all orders over $39.99 to our educators.

Ann Taylor LOFT: The Ann Taylor LOFT Loves Teachers program is pretty cool and includes 15% off all full-priced purchases along with access to over $50,000 in grants every year. Also, check out their Teacher Appreciation Nights.

Banana Republic: Similar to Ann Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic offers 15% off all full-priced purchases when you show your teacher ID. This discount is good for students as well.

Charlotte Russe: The generous folks at Charlotte Russe will give teachers 10% off their entire purchase with a teacher ID.

CJ Banks: All teachers will save 10% off your order everyday at CJ Banks. Valid in-store only.

Eddie Bauer: Just pull out your teacher ID at the checkout register and get an easy 10% off all regular-priced merchandise.

J. Crew: Present your ID at checkout and save 15% off your entire in-store J.Crew order. Also valid at J.Crew Outlet locations.

JCPenney: Teachers can get 10% off your entire order, in-store ONLY. Just bring your teacher ID as proof.

J.Jill: It comes as no surprise to me that J.Jill has a teacher discount. The discount is 15% off all full-priced items and is valid in-store only with your ID.

L.L.Bean: All teachers get 10% off their entire order, verify your eligibility here.

New York & Co.: Check out the ‘Big Apple for the Teacher’ program and get 20% off just for signing up and 15% off the rest of the year.

The Limited: No need to sign up for anything, just present your teacher ID when checking out and get 15% off your ENTIRE purchase.

Talbots: Thanks to reader Kathy for letting me know about the 15% teacher discount available at Talbots.

Retail Store Discounts for Teachers

A.C. Moore: They have an excellent discount program for teachers which gives a flat 15% off all regular and sale price orders. Just present your teacher ID or pay-stub when checking out in-store.

Ben Franklin Crafts: They’ll happily give you a 10% discount if you show your ID. They also have a ton of great craft project ideas for teachers.

Costco: They offer a membership discount for new-members. Teachers get a $20 Costco gift card when they sign-up for a Gold Star membership or a $40 card for their Executive membership.

The Container Store: A good teacher is an organized teacher and The Container Store has an Organized Teacher Discount Program which allows teachers to sign-up for free and receive various exclusive coupons and discounts all year long.

FedEx Office Store: Sign up for the FedEx Academic Edge program and get 15% off all kinds of stuff like presentation materials, brochures, flyers, cards, forms, and memos.

Hancock Fabrics: Show your teacher ID and get 15% off your in-store purchase.

Home Depot: Your discount comes in the form of not having to pay sales tax. Click Here to become a tax exempt customer and you’re good to go.

JoAnn Fabrics: Enroll today in JoAnn’s Teacher Rewards Program and save 15% off your online and in-store order.

Lakeshore Learning: Join the Lakeshore Teacher’s Club and save 15% off your entire purchase. Plus, you’ll get monthly specials and coupons sent to your inbox.

Michaels: They have one of the most used teacher discounts available today. Register online with your teacher I.D. and get 15% off your in-store or online purchase.

Office Depot: By joining the Office Depot Star Teacher Program you’ll get a 5% discount on qualifying in-store purchases, 15% discount on qualifying Design, Print, & Ship Services. Plus, you’ll earn 5% back in reward credit (with no upper limit) when you spend $200+in qualified purchases during a reward period – in-store, by phone, or online.

Office Max: The Office Max MaxPerks Teacher Rewards program will give teachers $10 in rewards for every $75 spent. (Max savings per year is $100)

Petco: Apply for some really cool grants for your classroom and maybe even get a free aquarium for your classroom.

Staples: They have a cool deal called the Staples Teach Rewards Program that gives educators 5% back in rewards, and an extra 5% back in rewards on teaching and art supplies. Probably the coolest perk is free shipping on every Staples.com order.

Talbots: Thanks to Kathy who let me know that they offer a 15% discount.

Target: The folks at Target offer a generous 20% teacher discount during the Summer months via their Teacher Prep Event.

Tech/Software Discounts for Teachers

Adobe: Teachers can save BIG on popular software titles like Photoshop, Acrobat, and Captivate, up to 75% off.

Apple Store: Check out Apple Education Pricing and save up to $200 off a new Mac.

AT&T Wireless: Teachers can save 15% off their monthly bill. Just check out this AT&T page and see if your school is already in their database. If it isn’t just take your pay stub to your local AT&T store and they’ll hook you up.

Best Buy: Teachers, visit your local Best Buy and they’ll match the price of the Apple Edu website.

Bose: Bose has long been known for their liberal discounts for teachers on their speakers and music consoles. They are constantly changing offers so be sure to call them at 1-800-353-4207 and ask what they have available.

Dell Computers: Check out Dell University for some great discounts for teachers and students on laptops and desktops.

E-File.com: The folks at E-File offer free tax software to all Public School teachers. Just complete some basic info and receive a voucher to file your tax return on E-file.com completely free of charge.

Hewlett-Packard: Save up to 10% off your HP Academy purchase.

JourneyEd: Teachers can save up to 85% off popular software titles from Adobe and Microsoft.

Lenovo: Click HERE for various discounts for teachers and students.

Microsoft: All teachers can get a free downloaded copy of Microsoft Office.

PBS Store: Teachers can save 10% off at shopPBS.org.

Sprint Wireless: Apply here for a discount up to 18% off your monthly bill.

Verizon Wireless: Save up to $20 per month with the Verizon Teacher Discount. The discount is good for K-12 teacher as well as college professors. (Full review)

Travel Discounts for Teachers

Student Universe: Check out some great travel discounts for teachers.

Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel: Teachers get a great deal of $139/night at either hotel.

Marriott Hotels: Discounts vary by location. At time of reservation tell them you are a teacher or local government worker.

National Parks: Show your teacher ID and save 15% off all park purchases. (Excludes camping and entry fees)

Randomly Awesome Discounts for Teachers

Art Institute of Chicago: If you are a teacher in Illinois you’ll get in for free with registration.

Boston Children’s Museum: Free admission for active New England teachers (K-8). This includes MA, NH, CT, RI, VT, and ME.

Exploratorium: All California public school teachers get in for free. Just click here to request the form.

Graceland: Visit Graceland, TN, the home of Elvis Presley and get a free tour. God bless Elvis!

Insurance Discounts: Check out Teachers.com to buy discounted home, auto, and renters insurance.

Kennedy Space Center: Be sure to sign up for a free Educator Study Pass to get free access to the center.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: One of my favorite places in the world, and one of the best aquariums in the known universe, offers free Teacher Open House nights where teachers get in for free and get a behind the scenes look at this amazing place.

SeaWorld: Be sure to pick up a Teacher Study Pass from SeaWorld if you teach in Texas, Florida, or southern California. The pass will give you free admission all year long along with access to their education team.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to tOrange.biz.