Your April WalletPop monthly planner

Welcome April, you colorful and tauntingly warm but inconsistent month. Those of us living in four-seasons-land find it particularly hard to be stuck behind a desk on those first breezy, sunny spring days. If you can free yourself, this is a great time to do some shopping, house work, and take part in recreational events. Here are tips for making the most of early spring.

Shop smart: April is a great time to buy

• Cookware

• Vacuum cleaners

• Candy (after Easter)

• Used cars

• Fabric

• And a special shout-out to new car deals this month, as other car manufacturers scramble to meet Toyota's recall-induced specials