What is Deals Actually?

Welcome to Deals Actually!  Thanks for stopping by!  I hope this blog helps everyone to become a real bargain shopper.  If you're wondering where the name 'Deals Actually' came from, there are two reasons:

First, I always see store advertisements that say "Sale of the Year ... 20% off" or specials on tv that tell you about saving "up to 50% off".  I get a very confused look on my face when I see these signs and advertisements.  I personally do not consider these "deals" anything special.  Yes, technically they are sales, but considering retail usually has 100% markup I need a bigger discount!  So I am setting out to share my ACTUAL deals, and hopefully show shoppers 'the light' on getting real steals!

Second, ever heard of Love Actually?  Yep, that's it!

I have a couple rules of thumb when I am shopping (I hold to these for clothing and shoes, a little more lenient on other items):

NEED OR WANT?
If it is something I need, I obviously have to get it, BUT I try to use some sort of coupon, or at least price compare between stores.  I am always looking for last minute coupons, usually using Google.

50% OFF? NEVER!
If I am just shopping for fun (Retail Therapy anyone?) I like to get 75% or more.  Depending on the store and brand of the item this can vary but I definitely never get something if it is only 50% off!

COMBINE
Macy's is my go to store when it comes to 'combo deals'.  They have great clearance prices and then I always combine with a coupon!  Big savings even bigger!

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT
Maybe your mom has always told you this too, and it really is TRUE!  More often then not, I see a new top I love or find a cute skirt for half off, and of course I don't buy it (see above).  But since I shop often (see below), I am usually successful in getting said item... eventually.  Patience people!

SHOP OFTEN
When you only go out and shop for things that are necessities, you tend to impulse buy.  Not good!  This leads to overspending.  Shopping more often can actually SAVE you money!  I rarely even look at the full price items, straight to the sale areas for me!

BE WILLING TO SPEND NOW, TO SAVE LATER
This goes along with shopping often.  Lets say you see some nice black pants, in your size, for 75% off.  But you don't need black pants right now.  Buy them anyways!  I guess this is kind of what extreme couponers do with a 'stockpile', but way less 'extreme'.  You'll probably need new black pants eventually so why not buy now so you DON'T have to spend later?!

FREE MONEY
Yeah you read that right, free money!  I love any and all apps, websites, etc where I can earn real money for doing things I would do anyways!  Here are my favorites (click on each to sign up!):
Swagbucks (I get Amazon gift cards!)
Bing Search (I get more Amazon gift cards!)
Shopkick (I get Target gift cards! This is a mobile app)

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