💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #71

🧾 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.

📦 Home Depot’s Presidents Sale Is Great But Random: If you asked me to find you an awesome deal on luggage or a Murphy Bed, Home Depot would be one of the last places that comes to mind.

Their Presidents Day sale says otherwise with incredible but bizarre discounts on luggage, murphy beds, furniture and home decor.

☕ Starbucks Free Refills Return: Rewards members now get unlimited refills on brewed coffee or iced tea when they sit in the café.

The self-serve condiment bar is also back if you like to mix and customize (and let’s hope they don’t get as messy this time around).

🧥 Eddie Bauer Store Closures: Most Eddie Bauer stores in the U.S. and Canada are shutting down. If one near you is closing, watch for deep clearance sales.

Thankfully the brand isn’t going away completely so you’ll still spot their products at Costco and other retailers.

📦 Amazon Settlement Now Claimable: If you had Prime from 2016 to 2018, you may be eligible for part of a $1.5 billion settlement. It takes less than a minute to file and could lead to a small payout.

Note: Depending on the year you joined Amazon Prime you may not qualify, but it is worth checking if you might be eligible.

Here are some recent subscriber submitted money-saving tips:

Charles writes: “Matt, regarding the free tax preparation (mentioned last week), don't forget about the Volunteers In Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The Program which operates out of our local public library does not limit eligibility by income or age (although some sites do). See the IRS VITA locator tool or search "VITA near me". Services are often available at community centers, libraries, and through United Way. It's a fantastic way to save money on tax preparation!

Mac from MD writes: “Before buying new Apple gear, check the Apple Online Store’s "Certified Refurbished" section. Same Apple warranty, eligible for AppleCare, and often hundreds cheaper. I’ve snagged a Mac Mini, AirPods Pro, and an iPhone there that looked brand new just without the new-box premium. Apple Store also has sections for Education deals and Veterans/Military discounts (I find the refurbished always the best deals). Scroll to the bottom of the online store page for all options.”

Shannon from CT writes: “I wait until late evening to place online orders at retailers like Walmart and Home Depot. I’ve noticed clearance pricing and ‘only a few left’ discounts tend to update after business hours, especially midweek.”

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)

❌ New Model Year Cars: Dealers are still pricing aggressively on newer inventory. Better incentives often appear closer to spring or holiday weekends.

❌ Brand New Smartphones: Early year launches keep prices high with few real discounts. Waiting a few months usually saves a noticeable amount.

❌ Outdoor Furniture: Prices are still early season and selection is limited. The best values usually show up later in summer or early fall (with a few early bird deals only present at Warehouse Clubs)

❌ Summer Flights: February is often too early for the lowest summer airfare. Better pricing usually appears closer to spring booking windows.

❌ Video Game Consoles: Holiday bundles and bonuses are gone and pricing has stabilized. Stronger deals tend to return later in the year.

❌ Premium Laptops: February deals are inconsistent and often underwhelming. Back to school and spring sales usually offer better value.

❌ Smartwatches: Post holiday sales fade quickly and prices rebound. Better deals often return around spring tech events.

❌ Major Home Renovation Projects: Labor and material costs tend to be higher in winter. Spring often brings better contractor availability and promos.

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.

💡 Bob P. Asks: “How about a recommendation on a stand mixer (not Kitchen Aid) for a part time baker. I want to try making bread, so it would need a break hook.”

Hi Bob, if you want a solid stand mixer for bread without going the KitchenAid route, I’d look at the Cuisinart SM-50 that’s currently on sale. It includes a metal dough hook, have enough power for bread dough, and are well suited for part time bakers. Another good option is the Hamilton Beach 63240 although I personally prefer the Cuisinart.

💡 Abdul S. Asks: “Long time follower here (since 2019). Thank you for everything you do. I saw in this week's email you said February is the best time to buy indoor furniture. I’m looking to buy a new queen bed frame and matching nightstands. Are there any places you recommend looking? I’m trying to find sets that are made with quality materials (like real wood) that will last a long time. Any suggestions on where I should look, or what other stuff I should be looking out for?”

Abdul, thanks for your long-term loyalty; I’m grateful! For better quality without going fully luxury priced, I would look at national retailers like Crate and Barrel, West Elm, or Pottery Barn (all of which have online sales leading in to Presidents Day), and even Macy’s furniture collection can be excellent with deals live right now. Focus on listings that clearly say solid wood or solid wood frame rather than wood veneer or engineered wood, and avoid flat packed designs if long term durability is important to you.

💡Allyson from AL asks: “My family pretty much plans all of our Costco trips around your videos! We love you and the incredible information you share with everyone. My question is when is the best time for purchasing outdoor furniture (pergolas, couches, fireplaces) at Costco or Lowe’s? Thank you and stay warm!”

Allyson, I’m honored to be a part of your Costco shopping ritual!! The best time to buy outdoor furniture at Costco and Lowe’s is usually late summer into early fall, with August and September offering the biggest clearance pricing. If you need something sooner, Memorial Day or preferably July 4th sales have excellent selection and prices within 15% of the stronger discounts that appear closer to Labor Day.

💺 Office Furniture: It's common knowledge that furniture is discounted but office furniture is usually overlooked. Staples, Office Depot and other stores will have sales.

🛠️ Oil Changes and Car Services: Shops like Valvoline and Jiffy Lube tend to roll out coupons or bundled service promos to fill bays before spring. It’s a good time to take care of an oil change or seasonal maintenance without paying full price.

🏨 Hotel Bundles: If you’ve got a trip coming up, Presidents Day weekend tends to bring early hotel and flight bundle deals. I’ve seen solid offers on sites like Priceline and Expedia that beat what you’d get booking closer to spring break.

🪟 Window Treatments: This is when retailers clear out winter inventory. Home Depot and Lowe’s will discount blinds, curtains with some other solid finds at Costco if you’re a member in need of blackout options.

🧰 HVAC Tune-Ups: February is one of the best months to schedule a heating or cooling tune-up. Many local HVAC companies offer discounts right now to keep techs busy before spring service calls pick up.

🛋️ Area Rugs: I’ve never seen so many rugs on sale in my life when it comes to warehouse clubs. Macy’s and Overstock also have major markdowns happening if you’re looking to refresh a room on a budget.

🧳 Storage and Organization Gear: Target, Walmart, and Amazon are still clearing out New Year’s inventory with upcoming Presidents Day promos. If you need bins, closet systems, or drawer organizers, this is a smart time to look.

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!

💵 “3 signs it could be easier to buy a home in 2026” - READ HERE.

💵 “Why automakers withheld advertising at the Super Bowl” - READ HERE.

💵 “Got a side hustle? How Americans are making more money ” - READ HERE.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I wish you a wonderful Presidents Day long week ahead and I’ll be back with new deals and insight on Feb 23rd. Please send any deal research requests my way or a frugal tip for all to hear.

Happy Savings!👋

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)