Saving with 6abc: Time shopping for best deals

You probably know to check for coupon codes and sales before buying anything online.

What you probably don't know is retailers tend to follow patterns - releasing deals at specific times.

That's why DealNews crunched the numbers and cracked the codes for you.

Number one: Retailers always release a lot of coupons on the first day of every month, but they tend to offer bigger savings mid-month or later to spur more sales before the month ends. So if you can wait, you'll probably save more. Also - be advised - most retailers offer new sales and promotions on Sundays.

Number two: If you can, wait to buy around a holiday. The next big round of coupon codes will probably be released around Labor Day Weekend.

Number three: DealNews says that, for the past two years, active coupons reached their highest levels at the end of August and the end of October.

Now, some stores don't offer a lot of coupon codes.. So here's how you can still get a discount:

- Sign up for their emails and a lot of retailers will send you a one-time use code..

- Also, "Like" stores on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Many retailers now offer certain promotions via social media only.

-And last but not least, call the store and ASK if it has any coupons available. It never hurts to try!

ONLINE: DealNews.com