💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #66

🧾 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 $500 AT COSTCO! Some Costco members are receiving a $50 off $500 Costco.com coupon by email. I received one, although my parents who are also members did not.

This is especially helpful for a last-minute big purchase or higher-priced gift so I would be on the look-out for this type of message or try searching “costco gift to you” in your email app.

📦 NEW HOLIDAY RETURN WINDOWS: Amazon has extended its return window to January 31, giving you extra time for post-holiday returns.

Kohl’s and Macy’s are also extending their return deadlines, which helps if gifts arrive late or need exchanging.

🥪 BOGO AT ARBY’S: Arby’s is offering buy one, get one free sandwiches all month when you order through delivery. You can take advantage of this promo through their app or on the Arby’s website.

💰 NEW AMAZON CREDITS: Here are two brand new opportunities to get some cash back while shopping on Amazon this holiday season:

Here are some recent subscriber submitted money-saving tips:

Marisol from GA writes: “I signed up for texts from a few retailers during Black Friday, then muted them. Now I just search my texts for codes when I’m checking out online”

Lena from TX writes: “I’ve started keeping a basket by the front door labeled ‘returns’ and drop things in as I decide they’re going back. When I run errands, I grab whatever’s in there and save a bunch of time and missed windows.”

Fran from NC writes: “Thanks to a neighbor, we discovered the joy of Fresca. (don't judge.) The thing is, it's on the expensive side, and Sam's is the only warehouse that had it, and they don't seem to carry it anymore. However, I've found that if I keep an eye on the Harris Teeter sales, I can buy 2/get 3. So for us, that's a pretty good deal.

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)

Many major retailers are adding return fees or tightening return policies after the holidays, which means we could all see money deducted from refunds even during extended return windows! Here are some of the new fees you will start to see:

👕 Abercrombie & Fitch deducts a $7 fee from refunds on mailed online returns, while in-store returns remain free.

🦅 American Eagle charges a $5 fee for mailed online returns, but the fee is waived if you return items in store or qualify through certain loyalty perks.

📺 Best Buy applies restocking fees up to 15% on select electronics and may charge return shipping on activatable devices, even during the holiday return window.

👗 H&M deducts a $3.99 return fee for mailed online returns, making in-store returns the only free option.

🧥 J.Crew charges about $7.50 for mail-in returns, reducing refunds unless the item is returned in store.

🏬 JCPenney deducts an $8 return shipping fee for mailed online returns, while in-store returns are still free.

👜 Macy’s charges a $9.99 return shipping fee for mailed returns if you are not a Star Rewards member, though in-store returns remain free through the extended holiday window.

👚 Marshalls deducts an $11.99 fee for mailed returns, making in-store returns the only way to avoid the charge.

🧢 TJ Maxx also charges an $11.99 mailed return fee, with free returns only available in store.

🎒 Urban Outfitters deducts a $5 fee from refunds on most mailed returns unless you return the item in person.

This portion of the newsletter is sponsored by Lowe’s.

Lowe’s has some big discounts happening right now on popular items like appliances and storage. Here are some of the deals worth checking out!

🔵 Midea Dishwasher with 3rd rack down to $449 ($200 OFF!)

🔵 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater for $119 (Cheaper than Black Friday!)

🔵 CRAFTSMAN Rolling Tool Cabinet $399 ($140 OFF!)

🔵 Slow Close Heated Bidet for $279 ($70 OFF!)

🔵 4.5 CU FT Maytag Washer with Agitator now just $598 ($201 OFF!)

🔵 Kobalt Portable Tool Boxes UNDER $18 (Great gift idea!!)

🔵 6 FT Werner Ladder for $49 ($50 OFF!)

🔵 20V DeWalt Cordless Drill + Battery Bundle back down to $99 ($80 OFF!)

You can check out the entire sale here!

*These are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links I may get a small share of the sale.

If you watched my recent “What To Buy in December at Costco” video this past week, you may remember I mentioned the brand new $100 Subway eGift Card for $79.99 deal that has finally returned to the warehouse and their website!

A tip that didn’t make into the video for timing was that you can save EVEN MORE $$$ by stacking those gift cards with subway discounts codes. Here is a list of all the active promo codes right now: (Most of these expire 1/9/26)

**IMPORTANT NOTE: These promo codes may not work at all locations and are only redeemable through the Subway app or website.

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.

💡 Jeff M. Asks: “I'm looking to change cell phone provider services. Any good deals for one or two line option””

Hi Jeff: If you want simple and affordable for one or two lines, I’d start with prepaid. Mint Mobile is still one of the cheapest if you’re okay prepaying and it runs on T-Mobile’s network. Consumer Cellular is excellent for two lines, especially for 50+ users, with solid support and no contracts. If you want Verizon coverage without Verizon pricing, Visible is the easiest option. Otherwise, for a more full-service smartphone plan, T-Mobile is still my top pick once you take add-ons into account.

💡 Carmen from IN Asks “Love your channel! I have been following and recommending you for a few years now. We’re in the market for a new truck. It’s between a Honda Ridgeline or Ford Ranger. When would be the best time to buy?”

Thank you so much for being with me for the long-haul! You picked two truck models that follow the same timing: Best pricing is always late December (and sometimes the very first few days of January). Your local dealers should be clearing out current model years and stacking manufacturer incentives. If you see a prior model year still on the lot after Thanksgiving (aka now), that’s when negotiation power really shifts to you.

💡Michael H. asks: “Can you recommend a good black and white laser printer, we don’t need a color printer. I have access to Sam’s, Amazon, or Walmart. Thank you!”

Hey Michael: For reliability and low ink costs, Brother still wins. The Brother HL-L2460DW or HL-L2405W are fast, compact, and very inexpensive to run. If you want something a bit more heavy duty, I’ve tested some decent models from Canon but that would be a second pick.

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!

💵 “How much you should have saved by each of these ages” - READ HERE.

💵 “The most common debt people have in retirement” - READ HERE.

💵 “Important finance lessons from this famous Christmas movie” - READ HERE.

Thank you SO much for reading my final Deal Guy Newsletter of 2025. It’s been a complete blast to have you by my side supplying me with fantastic tips and questions. I feel incredibly fortunate to have you as a newsletter subscriber and can’t wait to return in the news year for a whole new era of frugality.

Happy Savings!👋

p.s I want to hear from YOU! How can I make this email newsletter even better in 2026? What should I include, what should I remove? Reply to this email and let me know!!

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)