c/deal-finder-talk

My $20 investment in a price tracking app just saved me over a hundred bucks on a new vacuum

I needed a new vacuum and had my eye on a specific Dyson model that was always around $450. A friend told me to try a price tracker, so I paid $20 for a year of Keepa. I set an alert and waited. It went on a flash sale for $299 last Tuesday, and the app sent me a text right away. Has anyone else had good luck with these apps for big buys?

I watched my neighbor pay full price for a new lawn mower at the big box store last weekend

He didn't even check the local hardware store's summer clearance, which had the same model for $150 less. People think the big stores always have the best price, but that's just not true anymore. Do you have a local spot that consistently beats the chains on big stuff?

TIL I was overpaying for my phone plan for like 3 years

I finally looked at my bill and saw a $15 'line access fee' I didn't need. Anyone know a good prepaid plan under $40 a month?

Showerthought: I was paying full price for my dog's food for years without even checking.

I was at the pet store last week buying the usual 30-pound bag that costs $68. The cashier asked if I wanted to sign up for their auto-ship program to save 35%. I almost said no because I thought it would be a hassle, but I did the math in my head right there. I've been buying this same bag every month for three years. That tip made me realize I was just on autopilot and throwing money away. Has anyone else found a simple switch like this that saved a bunch?

Tried that 'free trial' for a coupon app and got a nasty surprise

I signed up for that new 'SaveMore' app last week because the ad said 'no credit card needed' for the 7 day trial. They still asked for my card, so I used a virtual one with a $1 limit. Woke up this morning to a $24.99 charge on my real account because they somehow linked it to my app store payment. Had to call my bank to block it. Anyone know a coupon app that actually respects the trial terms?

I finally went to the new bulk grocery store in Springfield and saw they're charging a $5 'membership fee' just to walk in and look at prices.

I'm torn because their bulk spices are way cheaper per ounce, but that upfront fee feels like a trick to lock you in, so what's the better deal: paying the fee for the lower prices or sticking with the regular store where you know the total cost right away?

I was paying full price for my kid's soccer gear for years without checking one spot

My son needed new cleats last month, and I almost bought a $90 pair at the mall. Then I saw a teammate's parent had the exact same ones. I asked where she got them, and she said 'the local team's end-of-season yard sale.' I went and found last year's model, brand new in the box, for $25. I had no idea teams did that. Has anyone else scored big at a team or league sale like that?

Showerthought: Just saved some cash using a coupon app for my grocery run, but why do the expiration dates always sneak up on you?

Warning: Grocery store loyalty cards are just tracking your buys, not saving you cash.

I signed up for three different cards and my bill never went down. They just use your data to push more expensive stuff on you.

My sister's fridge magnet list turned into our family deal hub

I started noticing that my sister keeps a list of discounts on her fridge. It began with just coupons, but now it has codes from online sales too. Last month, she saved us all money on school supplies by sharing a back-to-school promo. I think more families are doing this kind of thing to cut costs. It's a simple way to help each other out without much effort. Has your family picked up any habits like this?