Extreme bargain hunters have something in common: timing. They've got it down to a science, and I'm talking about specific days, or even the exact time of day, to get great bargains.

AIR TRAVEL. The magic hour to shop for cheap airfare is 3 p.m. EST on a Tuesday. Historically, major airlines announce sales on Monday night. This triggers other airlines to try to match those sales on Tuesday. It takes a few hours to get through the system, making 3 p.m. the time when the cheapest seats become available. And the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

DINNER OUT. Tuesday is historically the least crowded day for restaurants, so you can expect the best deals on those days in lots of chain restaurants, such as the popular Kids Eat Free and Twofer Tuesday specials.

BAKING STAPLES. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are the best time to buy baking staples. Bargains of 50 percent off full price are not unusual. If you can, load up with the ones you'll need for the coming months, or until they go on sale again.

SNEAKERS. Here's a fun secret: April is the time to get a great sneakers bargain. Athletic shoe companies sponsor charity walks and races in April, and many nonserious runners hit the pavement to support. Great sales tend to accompany these spring races.

WINTER COATS. January and February are the two best months to find a great bargain on a winter coat. The longer you wait, the lower the prices will be.

THRIFT STORES. Shopping at resale stores is becoming so popular that it's gained a slang term: "thrifting." The best time to hit the thrift store is right after the dry cleaners and clothing stores make their donations. Get chummy with the workers so you can find out the best day to shop.

AUTOMOBILES. The best time of the year to buy a new car is September through December, when you can expect to save 10 to 20 percent on a model from the previous year. If you can wait until December, you'll get an even better deal.

APPLIANCES. Major items like cars are redesigned every year. But new models of appliances are debuted in the summer. That makes May and June the best time to get a nice big discount on a new refrigerator, provided you can live with last year's model.

RANGES AND STOVES. The two times to bag a great new stove are holiday weekends, especially Fourth of July and Labor Day, and the months of September and October, right before the new models arrive. Ditto for dishwashers.

AIR CONDITIONERS. When it's cool outside, most people aren't thinking about air conditioners. This lowers the demand, increasing the supply. Stores that stock air conditioners year-round are anxious to move merchandise. Expect to find the best prices during the months of December, January and February.

HOUSE. The best day to buy a house, shockingly, is Christmas Day. Sellers are in good moods but also concerned they won't sell before year's end. They'll be more inclined to be generous in response to a lowball offer. The biggest challenge is finding an agent willing to write up and present your offer on Christmas!

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.