Q: I’d love to get some great bargains as summer winds down. Which products go on sale in August and what should be pushed off for now?

Bitten by the gotta-have-it bug? It could be a new spin bike that’s caught your eye, or maybe you want to spring for a new entertainment system? Before you go ahead with the purchase, though, it’s wise to take a step back and follow these steps.

Being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life. Here’s why (and how):

“Buy today with no money down and zero interest!”

You’ve seen the ads when shopping for large purchases like furniture. They offer you the option of spreading your purchase over several months or years, with a zero-percent interest plan. To buy it, you may need to enroll in a payment plan; sign up for their credit card; or open an unaffiliated credit card offering an introductory no-interest period. It sounds like a fantastic deal—but is it? Here are the possible pitfalls of this route and the surprising benefits of financing a large purchase under the right circumstances.