💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #76

🧾 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.

⛽ 20¢ Off Gas With Amazon Prime: From April 3rd to May 29th, Prime members can link their account to Earnify and save $0.20 per gallon every Friday at BP, Amoco, and AMPM locations every Friday through late May.

It works on up to 35 gallons and is one of the easier perks to actually use!

Amazon Adds “Lowest Price in 365 Days” Filter: This is my favorite site addition in a long time by labeling products that have dropped to their lowest price in the past year to help cut through fake discounts and inflated “was” prices.

🎯Sam’s Club Raising Membership Fees May 3rd: It’s been almost 4 years since the warehouse membership has undergone its last price bump, but luckily Sam’s has a pattern of dropping memberships to entice other shoppers and shift focus to a great deal which I’ll be sure to alert you to when it is released.

All Inclusive Deals Hitting Vegas This Summer: Multiple major operators including MGM, Caesars, and Resorts World are now offering bundled packages with rooms, dining, drinks, and perks in one price.

While this is more limiting than your typical all-inclusive in the Caribbean it’s a unique approach that could make an otherwise prohibitively expensive trip more affordable for a family.

🍦 Dairy Queen 99¢ Blizzard BOGO: Buy one Blizzard and get a second for $0.99 through April 29 when ordering through the app. This is one of the better food deals right now if you are taking advantage of warmer weather.

❌ Mattresses: Prices typically drop lower in ~30 days during Memorial Day sales, making now one of the worst times to buy.

❌ Grills: Demand is peaking right now, which keeps prices elevated, with better clearance and promo pricing showing up later in the summer with the exception of a few warehouse club reductions.

❌ Patio Furniture: Inventory is full but discounts are limited, with the first real price drops arriving around Memorial Day and deeper cuts by late summer.

❌ Large Appliances: The best appliance deals are tied to major holiday events, and current pricing is usually higher until Memorial Day promos begin.

❌ TVs & Electronics: We’re between major deal cycles, with stronger discounts expected during Prime Day and back-to-school sales.

❌ Indoor Furniture: Promotions are relatively weak right now, with better pricing historically seen in January and again in late summer.

❌ Sunglasses & Accessories: Newly released styles are rarely discounted, with better deals showing up later in the season.

❌ Summer Travel: Prices are often inflated right now, with better deals typically appearing closer to departure or during flash sales.

Interestingly enough, EVERY subscriber tip I received last week pertains to fuel savings! Thank you for sharing your insight!

Cathy writes: “Greetings Matt! There's a caveat to not buying gas close to the highway. I try to buy gas at Fuel Hub. It's a gas station just off the highway. There are pumps for both truck drivers (18 wheels ect) and cars. The one I'm near has a seedy parking lot for truckers to sleep. They've been remodeling for YEARS. I assume they might be installing showers but who knows.”

Lori P writes: “I save money using gas apps. 7-11 saves me each time I use the app and fuel up. Wawa accumulates points from fill ups that can be redeemed in the store.”

Thomas D from MT writes: “To save big on fuel we use the fuel foreword app with the company (Phillips 66, 76 or Conoco) card allowing us to pay at the pump or in the store and save 5 cents/gallon just for using their app and an additional ten cents just for using their credit card for an average savings of 15cents/gallon. The first Tuesday of every month has been 10 cent Tuesday and it adds up at a 25 cents per gallon making it cheaper than even Costco fuel. The app lets you see the price of all grades of fuel at each station if planning a trip or looking to save.”

Marc writes: “One of the gas savings deals I use all of the time I think I got from you and that is the Amazon Prime gas deal. It was great at the end of the year especially since I think it was 25 cents a gallon on Fridays. Thanks.”

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)

Unknown number calling? It’s not random!

This portion of the newsletter is sponsored by Incogni.

The BBC caught scam call center workers on hidden cameras as they laughed at the people they were tricking.

One worker bragged about making $250k from victims. The disturbing truth? Scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your data from brokers.

Once your data is out there, it’s not just calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and identity theft.

That’s why I recommend Incogni: They delete your info from the web, monitor and follow up automatically, and continue to erase data as new risks appear. Try Incogni today and get 58% off annual plans with code DEALGUY.

💳 Sam’s Club: Shoppers 50+ can enjoy a membership at 60% off with access to additional discounts and perks.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels: Guests 62+ can typically save up to 10%-15% at participating Hyatt properties when selecting the senior rate during booking. Just select “Senior Rate” from the drop-down box “special rates” box.”

👓 LensCrafters: Seniors can access in-store promotions and AARP-related pricing that often works out to about 20% off frames, making this one of the stronger everyday savings.

🥞 IHOP: Guests 55+ can order from a discounted senior menu or receive about 10% off depending on location. This is widely available but rarely advertised.

🥩 Golden Corral: Guests 60+ typically receive about 10% off or access to lower pricing on the buffet. This is one of the more consistent restaurant discounts nationwide.

🚂 Amtrak: Travelers 65+ receive 10% off most train fares nationwide. This is one of the easiest travel discounts to apply directly when booking.

🚗 Valvoline Instant Oil Change: AARP members can often save 15% on oil changes and other services. With more than 2100 locations across the U.S. there is hopefully a location near your neck of the woods.

💊 Walgreens: Shoppers 55+ can get 20% off eligible items on the first Tuesday of each month when using a Walgreens rewards account alongside additional online and in-store exclusives.

🏬 Michael’s: Shoppers 55+ score 10% off their entire purchase INCLUDING sale items (which is rare and nice to see).

🛒 Walmart: Annual Walmart+ Memberships are reduced by $40 for AARP Members. Walmart+ members get free same-day delivery on items like groceries and prescriptions plus free video streaming, gas savings and more.

If you’re not yet an AARP Member, score a ONE YEAR of membership for $15 + A Free Gift right here. (**Affiliate Link)

Are you aware of any other big senior discounts? Reply to this email and let me know!

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.

💡 Sharon V asks: “When is the best time to buy home office furniture (desks, chairs, book shelves)? Also, when is a good time to purchase a laptop (not Apple), preferably 17-inch? Any recommendations?”

Hi Sharon! Great questions. Office furniture is cheapest in August during back-to-school and again in January with post-holiday clearance. For laptops, focus on Memorial Day, Prime Day in July, and Black Friday. For a 17-inch, look at HP Envy 17, Dell Inspiron 17, or LG Gram 17 when they drop $200–$400. Mid-range i7 or Ryzen 7 models usually hit the best value. If you need to buy right now, there is a solid 17” HP I would consider at Best Buy.

💡 Jackie asks: “Do you have any insight on when or where might have the best running/walking shoe deals for brands like New Balance, Asics, or Hoka?”

Jackie, it would be my pleasure to assist. Best timing is last two weekends of May July sales tied to Prime Day, and back-to-school in August. Hoka discounts are limited, so I’d check REI, Dick’s, and Running Warehouse for older colorways or prior-year models. New Balance and ASICS tend to run stronger discounts, especially on their own sites. While selection can be limited, keep a close eye on 6pm for big monthly sales!

💡 Maryanne asks: “We would like to purchase outdoor furniture for a gazebo we are planning to put up. When is a good time to buy?”

Hi Maryanne: now through early May is fine, but not the best. Bigger promos hit around Memorial Day, then the deepest clearance shows up late July into August where you can save 30%–60% if you’re flexible on selection. All stores including warehouse clubs follow this timeline.

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!

💵 “Spring mortgage rate outlook from the experts” - READ HERE.

💵 “Dinosaur nuggets at Walmart could have high lead levels” - READ HERE.

💵 “Amazon to add 3.5% surcharge for sellers” - READ HERE.

I’m excited to be starting another month together! If there are any spring related savings topics I can handle for you, please reply to this email and let me know!

Happy Savings!👋

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)