💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #57

🧾 INSIDE THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

**These deals could end or sell out at ANY time. If you buy something through any of the links featured in this newsletter I may get a small share of the sale.

👖 50% OFF Levi’s Jeans: Levi’s is now offering 50% off of clearance items at checkout but only until October 1st. This is a solid opportunity to update fall wardrobes without paying regular retail prices (with some jeans as low as $17.49!!)

🪥 $5 P&G Amazon Credit: If you often buy oral care items from P&G like toothpaste, mouthwash or floss, Amazon is currently offering a $5 credit if you buy 2 or more select items in one transaction.

BONUS CREDIT: There is an additional promotion running right now where you can get $10 off of any $35 purchase of select Softsoap, Irish Spring and Colgate products.

📚 New Scholastic Free Streaming App: Scholastic just launched a completely free streaming app with educational content for kids. As a parent, I like this because it is a safe option that blends fun with learning without costing anything.

💵 Amazon FTC Refunds: The FTC is issuing refunds of up to $51 dollars for some Prime members who signed up between 2019 and 2025.

Regulators said it was too easy to join Prime but harder to cancel. Not everyone will qualify, but it is worth checking if you might be eligible.

📸 $24 Family Photoshoots: For anyone looking to get one of those classic family photo shoots completed before the holiday card printing rush, JCPENNY is offering a in-store photography session for just $24 on groupon!

NOTE: This voucher must be used within 120 days and there is a $9.99 fee on any shipments of prints from the shoot. The sale ends at midnight today (09/29) but knowing Groupon, this sale may reactivate again within 24 hours.

Here are some recent subscriber submitted money-saving tips:

Julie from AR writes: “Instacart has a phone number to help Seniors place each and every order. English speaking, no holds and no extra charge. I live over 35 miles from Aldi and Instacart brings my order on time for a flat $7 Distance Charge due to being over 30 miles away. I save way more than the flat $7 charge and couldn’t be happier.”

Caroline from MO writes (in response to the “Chirbooks” share your savings tip from last week): Bookbub.com is a great way to get cheap ebooks. They range from free to $2.99, usually. You create an account, choose the genres you're interested in, and they send you a daily email with five or so book deals. You also tell them what ebook retailer you use: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple Books, Google Play, or Kobo. You can follow your favorite authors or wishlist a specific book, and they'll send you an email when it goes on sale. I've been using it for year!”

Jerry from TX writes: “Every time I shop at Kohl’s, I buy a discounted Kohl’s gift card online first. I save about ten percent right off the bat, then still earn Kohl’s Cash on top. It feels like free money.”

Reply to this email and share it with me! If I feature your tip, I’ll give you a shoutout in next week’s newsletter!

(Include your first name + the state you live in so I can add it to the shoutout)

With so many of us tackling school and work projects, or diving into holiday decorating lists, Michael’s is popular spot right now. Many of those shoppers don’t know there are insider tricks and manager secrets to save you big. Here are my five favorite!

✅ Bulk Discounts if You Ask: If you are buying a large quantity of one item for a fundraiser or community project, do not be shy to let a store associate know. Managers have the ability to adjust prices and often will if you ask.

✅ Stack Coupons and Vouchers! You can use both at the same time, even multiple vouchers in one order. The discounts apply to sale and regular price items without splitting your purchase - which is rare compared many other retailers I cover.

✅ Know The Clearance Codes: Seasonal clearance is marked with big 70% off signs. Everyday products that receive colorful sticker tags have already hit their lowest price and will only go cheaper if they are added to the ten dollar mystery boxes that you’ll see at very end of a store clearance cycle.

✅ Extra Discounts if You Ask: Not a Rewards member? It’s still worthwhile to ask about discounts. Seniors, teachers, and military members often score extra savings that are not advertised at checkout (unless you ask!)

✅ Be Cautious With Online Orders! Prices are sometimes higher on the Michaels website than in store, and you could miss in-store promos like buy one get one free. Always check the shelf price before paying online.

Want to see more shopping secrets in future newsletters? Reply to this email and let me know!

For years my wife Daria has been buying the children’s size equivalent of adult sizes for herself (and sometimes me) where the price is almost half and the garment is nearly identical. She’s found this works at mainstream retailers like Gap, Abercrombie, Old Navy, and Banana Republic (primarily for women’s clothing).

Her secret is simple: buy the largest kids sizes, which often run up to 16 or even 18–20 years old, and match them to adult fits. Here is how it breaks down:

The best part is the styles are almost identical to the adult versions, so you are not sacrificing quality or appearance.

To get your question answered, simply respond to this email with any money-saving related question and feel free to include your first name so I can address you properly.

💡 R Ray: Asks: “Hi I’ve been watching the prices for Cricut Maker and different bundles - wondering if it makes sense to wait until Black Friday?”

Hi! I expect a slight Cricut discount on Amazon Prime Days in October which I’ll be covering but the best of the deals are typically Black Friday / Cyber Monday and in the two weeks that precede Christmas. In the past, Walmart and Target have offered the lowest prices, not the warehouse clubs.

💡 Kinjal S. Asks “I am going on a road trip to TN in November for a week with my family, and I am looking to rent an SUV. When would be the best time to get a good deal on rental cars? and which car would be suitable for 7+ passengers?”

Hi Kinjal! I’d book your car rental as soon as you can as the prices are likely to increase rather than drop. If you’re a Costco member, the Costco Travel Car Rental deals are generally the best anywhere and they include many extra discounts/perks. An alternative site I use frequently is AutoSlash.com but please make sure you book a reputable rental company through them (I’d avoid Fox Rental Cars). Finally, for a 7 seater, your only options are typically a MiniVan, Standard Elite SUV or Premium SUV. Safe Travels!

💡Lynne H asks: “I will be needing new tires soon. When/where is the best time/place to buy?

Lynne, your timing is impeccable. The single best time of the year to buy tires is the first two weeks of October. Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club all have comparable deals and local incentives from dealerships are also highly competitive at that point (and I’d shop local if I can).


‼️ BONUS TIP.. for the MANY wonderful people who asked questions about major appliances: the two weeks before Black Friday through the first week of December are the best appliance deals of the year. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy offer the lowest prices.

Every week in this section of the newsletter, I share some of the most interesting and helpful money-related articles I’ve read over the past week. I hope you find these as valuable as I did!

💵 “Starbucks closing over 100 North American stores” - READ HERE.

💵 “Spirit Airline is halting 40 routes” - READ HERE.

💵 “5 budget TV’s that look like a million bucks” - READ HERE.
(Note: While this is a great article but I would NOT buy any TV until Black Friday)

It’s been an awesome September saving money together. Thank you for being with me every step of the way on YouTube and right here. If there is anything you’d like to see in next week’s newsletter, reply to this email and let me know!

Happy Savings!👋

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)