Labor Day is the traditional end of the summer in the U.S. (even though seasonal summer still has a few more weeks to go).

As I get older, I find that I tend to use a long weekends as an opportunity to catch up on work and chores and projects. But you should try to do something this weekend to enjoy the last vestiges of summer's relaxation.

Some people spend at least part of the Labor Day holiday shopping. And many shopping establishments have special sales this weekend to take advantage of the crowds.

You can get some great deals if you look.Concentrate on things that are ending their season, such as outdoor furniture, picnic supplies, and sporting goods. If you have the storage space, you can save a lot of money by buying these things now. No one buys an outdoor gazebo in November, so stores want them off their hands. You can save by buying it now, even though you will have to store it all winter.

Some stores have huge sales on items just coming into use. It helps to do some research about the available sales — and about the usual prices for things — to make sure you are finding true deals.

You are likely to be overwhelmed by holiday merchandise (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Tempting as it is, very few of these items will be on sale. If you plan to make purchases of these things, make sure you 1) really need the item and 2) know what a good price is.

If you find any great deals, come back and tell us about them. I don't plan to shop this weekend, so I'll shop vicariously through you!