With prices unpredictable this year, deal hunters are hitting the stores for Memorial Day weekend deals.

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With any large purchase, smart shopping expert Trae Bodge recommends a price comparison tool, like those offered by Google or Yahoo. She also urges consumers to shop with a target price in mind.

“You’re really only going to see 40-60% off during a big sale moment, like a three-day weekend,” Bodge said.

How you pay also matters.

“Make sure that you’re using a credit card that gives you points or cash back. There’s a really good one from Bread Financial called the Bread Cashback American Express. It gives you 2% cash back on everything,” Bodge said.

Retail categories with the biggest discounts

According to the data-gathering company Decodo, Memorial Day shoppers will likely find the biggest discounts in the following categories:

  • Patio furniture and outdoor goods: 34% off
  • Fashion and apparel: 32% off
  • Mattresses and bedding: 30% off
  • Major appliances: 22% off
  • Groceries and beverages: 15% off

Products with some of the steepest discounts include pre-season clearance furniture, athleisure and swimwear, and bundled kitchen appliance sets.

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Shopping this weekend? Plan ahead, compare prices and utilize coupons and rebates, so you don’t waste your money.

Click here to view the original segment on ScrippsTV.com.

Related: How to Save Money When You Shop