Yesterday's post was kind of short (it's hard to update the blog from my phone), so I thought I'd spend a little more time today on things that it's smart to buy during after-Christmas sales.

As I mentioned yesterday, the primary target for your shopping should be Christmas items that are on massive discount. These items are also likely to be gone by New Year's Day. If you have decorations or lights or the like that need to be replaced, now is a good time to get them. It's also a good time to re-stock on holiday basics, like boxes, gift tags, ribbon, and wrapping.

Now is also a very good time to stock up on foods that are on sale. Of particular note are things that keep very well, like broth and baking essentials (chocolate chips, flour, condensed milk, sugars, etc.). All of these things store well (many even freeze) and they are useful throughout the year. Since the holiday sales are usually the lowest prices, buying enough for a few months is a good plan. It's also a good time to purchase party foods on sale for New Year's — things like cheese and wine and shrimp.

Through the first week of the new year, you'll also find good deals on organizational supplies (for keeping those new year's resolutions). Things like storage bins and filing systems are often on special, as are cleaning supplies.

You notice what's not on this list? Clothes, electronics, and toys!