💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #77

🧾 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.

This is something I check every year when I start prepping my taxes because it only takes about two minutes and last year alone, states returned over $4.49 billion to people who took the time to look.

I use MissingMoney.com (NOT sponsored), which is tied directly to state unclaimed property databases. I just search my name and any state in which I’ve lived (there are a lot), and it can retrieve things like old bank accounts left with a small balance, uncashed checks, insurance payment refunds, or even a random utility deposit from when I got my first job in Fargo, ND and eventually forgot about.

It's completely free to check, and if something shows up, you just verify your identity and file a claim. Reply to this email with your first name and let me know what you find! I'm posting a leaderboard of the biggest finds in next week's newsletter.

🌱 Home Depot Spring Black Friday is Live: This is one of the best early-season sales I’ve seen for gardening with $2 mulch, and 33¢ pavers.

Plus, if you missed the appliance deals on President’s Day, they’re back as well!

💄 Free Foundation at MAC (April 18-19): MAC is bringing back its popular “Match Day” where you can get a free full-size foundation in-store when matched by a makeup artist.

This is one of the rare legit beauty freebies and worth doing early as stores can run out.

🥪 Arby’s BOGO Sandwiches: Arby’s is running a buy one get one free sandwich deal every Friday through Sunday for Rewards members (it’s free to join) until April 26th.

I like this because it is recurring and easy to plan around if you are feeding more than one person.

🍰 Free Cheesecake Factory Slice (Through May 7): You can get a free slice of cheesecake or layer cake by joining Cheesecake Rewards and downloading their free app by April 30.

The reward is added to your account and must be redeemed with any food or drink purchase by May 7, so this only works if you were already planning a visit.

📦 Grubhub “Fee Return” Giveaway (Tax Day Promo): Grubhub is giving away $100,000 by reimbursing delivery fees if you upload a 2025 food delivery receipt.

This is more of a lottery-style promo, but it takes about a minute to enter so I still did it.

✈️ Airline Bag Fees Are Going Up Again: Every major U.S. airline raised checked bag fees within the same week in early April, and for most domestic economy passengers a first checked bag now costs at least $39 and up to $50 depending on the airline and when you pay. Here's what you're looking at now (per bag):

Here are some recent subscriber submitted money-saving tips:

Katie from CA writes: “Another savings hack for AARP is you only have to be 18 to join. Their target audience is 50+, but the criteria is 18+ and pay the fee annually!

Karen from FL writes: “If you are a T-Mobile customer you can access discounts at Shell gas stations. And if you sign up for Fuel Rewards at Shell you get an another 5 to 10¢ off, with additional discounts offered at certain times. Between the T-Mobile and the Fuel Rewards I have saved anywhere from 10¢ to 45¢ a gallon.”

Jake writes: “Hi Matt, Important note regarding your point to not buy TVs around this time of year - if you're fine getting an older model, watch for when the newer models start to show up. LG is currently phasing out the C5 OLEDs in favor of the new C6s, and I'm expecting to see the C5s priced extremely competitively to clear room for the new models.”

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)

✅ Running Shoes (Older Models): Brands are clearing out last year’s styles ahead of summer releases, which is where I usually find the real savings. Keep an eye on warehouse clubs particularly the last week of the month.

✅ Spring Cleaning Supplies: Retailers discount cleaning essentials right now as part of seasonal resets, and I take advantage of these deals which are everywhere.

✅ Light Jackets and Outerwear: Winter inventory is being cleared out aggressively, and you can still find great deals if you buy off-season.

✅ Bedding and Linens: Post-winter sales are still lingering, and I am seeing solid discounts before summer inventory fully takes over.

✅ Small Kitchen Appliances: Retailers tend to run promotions right now before Memorial Day, which creates some underrated deals.

✅ Books and Educational Materials: Spring promotions and clearance cycles make this a good time to stock up before summer.

✅ Storage and Organization Items: Spring cleaning season drives discounts on bins, shelving, and home organization products.

✅ Post-Easter Clearance: This is one of the easiest wins all month with candy, decor, and seasonal items marked down immediately after the holiday.

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.

💡 David in NJ asks: “My wife wants new luggage for a trip in June to Italy. Many seem ok but prices vary. I don't like the bags with a huge center zipper as I have seen these easily cut open. Any bargains for good quality luggage? Thanks”

Hi David! Your instinct is correct to avoid standard zipper-only luggage. Look for polycarbonate hard-shell cases with latch closures or at minimum “anti-puncture” double coil zippers. I’ve had great experiences with Samsonite Freeform and Travelpro Maxlite lines which will be on sale around Memorial Day. I’d also keep an eye on Costco if you’re a member.

💡 Amy asks: “Matt, I finally bought a printer last year that was on sale but I guess I don't use it enough because the ink dries out before I need to use it again… Is there a product that I'm not aware of that can help with this?”

Amy, you’ve just summed up the biggest downside of inkjet printers and you’re not alone! If you print infrequently, the best move is switching to a laser printer. Toner doesn’t dry out, lasts much longer, and the cost per page is far lower over time.

💡 Scott asks: “I am in need of new prescription glasses… Any recommendations on the best place to get new lenses and also what materials and coatings I should be looking for?”

Hi Scott, if you hold a membership, Costco Optical is a great way to go, Warby Parker is well regarded online for aggressive discounts and if you’re keeping your frames, Lensabl is one of the easiest ways to just replace lenses. As for materials, go with polycarbonate or high-index if your prescription is strong, and always add anti-reflective coating, scratch resistance to ensure they last alongside UV protection.

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!

💵 “Is ‘warflation’ real and when could it impact me?” - READ HERE.

💵 “7 step frugal guide for seniors” - READ HERE.

💵 “How to help kids form healthy relationships with money” - READ HERE.

I’m so appreciative of the big increase in subscriber submitted savings tip over the past two weeks. I will continue to share your insight and if there are any articles you’d like me to research as a future topic, I’m all ears!

Happy Savings!👋

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)