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How to Budget for a Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Set

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How to Budget for a Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Set

Grab your yard tools at the end-of-summer clearance and pay them off slowly without getting hit by interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $300 before anything else
Across the 0% window $16.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $300 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Clearing out overgrown weeds and sweeping up stubborn grass clippings stops taking your whole Saturday once you have a decent cordless set. You just grab the tools off the hook, knock out the edges in twenty minutes, and move on with your weekend. The trick is timing the purchase right when hardware stores slash prices on outdoor gear during end-of-summer clearance events to clear shelf space for winter salt and shovels.

Before you buy the first set you see online, check prices across at least three different home improvement retailers to find the real markdown. Getting more than one price check keeps you from overpaying for a kit that is only marked down by a few bucks. Once you spot the actual clearance price, you can map out your payments without sweating the cost.

That intro window is a hard deadline, not free money, so treat it like a countdown. If you still have a balance left when those 18 months are up, back-calculated interest or standard rates can hit your remaining total hard.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the clearance window

    Wait for the end-of-summer clearance events when stores drop prices on outdoor power equipment. Compare at least two or three retailers to make sure you are getting the deepest markdown on the trimmer and blower combo. Buying off-season saves you real cash on the exact same hardware.

  2. 02

    Map your monthly math

    Take your total purchase price, around $300, and divide it by your target timeline. If you break it down into chunks, like $16.67 per month, you can see how easily it fits into your regular spending without pinching your grocery money.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity card

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That window gives you plenty of time to clear the balance before any interest kicks in. Just make sure you are tracking the months so you do not get surprised.

  4. 04

    Set up auto-pay

    Never trust your memory with monthly bills. Log into your account and set up automatic payments for at least your calculated monthly amount. This keeps you on track to hit zero before the intro window closes.

  5. 05

    Test the gear early

    Charge up the batteries and test both the trimmer and the blower as soon as the box arrives. Every retailer has a return window for defective tools, and you want to catch any bad batteries before the return period closes.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to buy yard tools?

End-of-summer clearance events offer the deepest discounts on cordless trimmers and leaf blowers. Stores need to clear out outdoor gear to make room for autumn leaves and winter snow removal items.

How much should I expect to spend?

A reliable cordless string trimmer and leaf blower set typically costs about $300. Bundles usually save you money compared to buying the tools and batteries separately.

What does a 0% intro period actually do?

It lets you spread out your payments over time without adding interest charges to your balance. You just need to make sure the entire amount is paid off before the window ends.

Should I buy extra batteries right away?

Most starter kits come with one or two batteries that easily handle an average yard. Try out the included batteries first before spending extra cash on backups you might not need.