💰The Deal Guy Newsletter - Issue #86

🧾 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.

🍋‍🟩 $1 Margaritas: Applebee's is celebrating the 4th by bringing back its famous $1 “Dollarita”, but only for the month of July.

🏰 New $59 Disneyland Ticket: Disneyland has launched a special Evening Ticket for just $59. Valid Sundays through Wednesdays from July 12 through August 5, the ticket includes admission beginning at 7 p.m. for Disneyland Park or 5 p.m. for Disney California Adventure.

**Note: This ticket is very popular so if you see this as “Unavailable” at the time of viewing, check back in a few hour

💰 New Amazon Credits: Amazon just rolled out several new savings opportunities that can be stacked with existing deals or as I like to call it “Prime Day Left-Overs.”

💳 Amazon + American Express Savings: Eligible shoppers who add an American Express card to their Amazon wallet can receive $15 off a purchase of $15.01 or more.

You can check your Amazon account here to see if you're targeted for this promotion.

🥤 7-Eleven Slurpee Day Returns July 11th: One of my favorite annual freebies is back. Participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations will offer a free small Slurpee on July 11 while supplies last.

🏠 Free Lowe's Giveaways Are Back: In addition to some 4th of July Appliance sales extended through this week, the store is hosting MyLowe's Money Days on July 11 and 12.

The first 150 MyLowe's Rewards members at participating stores can score free items and other giveaways, including FREE MyLowe's Money! You can find the details on this freebie under the “Member Events” section of MyLowe's Rewards page. 

❌ Outdoor Dining Sets: Outside of July 4th sales that just wrapped up, demand remains high through summer, which keeps prices elevated. Wait a few more weeks for stronger markdowns or Labor Day when it will be clearance central!

❌ Back-to-School Laptops: The best student-focused promotions are still ahead as retailers battle for back-to-school shoppers. August brings some better bargains.

❌ Apple Watches: If you missed out Prime Day, new models are expected this fall. Prices on current versions should continue to drop.

❌ Mattresses: Post 4th of July, mattresses return to standard pricing. Labor Day remains one of the biggest mattress sale periods of the year. Unless you need one now, wait.

❌ Televisions: Despite some warehouse club markdowns, price drop by up to 40% in October for an expected second Prime Day event, and the entire month of November is a gold mine.

❌ Fall Clothing: Most new arrivals are selling at full price. Early fall markdowns aren't far away where anything on sale now will be a full-on clearance deal shortly.

❌ Halloween Decorations: Costco actually launched a skeleton decor piece in June to my shock (and horror). Other stores are already putting them out but buying now almost guarantees you'll pay top dollar.

Here are some recent subscriber submitted money-saving tips:

Melinda writes: “On Senior Discounts: 20% off for seniors on the first Tuesday of the month at Walgreens. I am a single senior and I really appreciate your work and recommendations. They have helped me tremendously.”

Debbi writes: “We just got a Costco membership and currently keeping our Sam’s membership to see what we like better. One thing we do as we shop is look between Costco, Sam’s and Walmart apps for best prices. We have quickly learned where to shop for what. We also take into account what the taxes are in each town the store is in as that can quickly add up.”"

David from OH writes: “Before buying anything online, I check for open-box and refurbished options. I recently saved more than $200 on a vacuum and it arrived looking brand new with the same warranty as a new model.”

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)

Amazon just shared a list with me of the products Deal Guy viewers and newsletter subscribers purchased most often during Prime Day, and while I can't see who bought what, I always enjoy seeing which deals connected most with you.

Here's what topped the list (in no particular order), with MANY of these items are still on sale!!

1) 3 Pack of 10 Foot USB-C Charging Cables (Deal still available!)
2) Dawn Powerwash Starter Kit
3) Cooling Satin Pillowcases (Deal still available - use code AT6X756H!)
4) Sharpie Permanent Markers
5) Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit (Deal still available!)
6) Portable Bluetooth Label Maker
7) Portable Turbo Fan (Deal still available!)
8) Power Strip with USB Ports (Deal still available!)
9) Wall Outlet Extender with Shelf (Deal still available!)
10) Blood Pressure Monitor (Deal still available!)

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.

Trisha B. asks: “Thank you so much for doing the work you do! I am emailing you to ask if you know when summer/beach items will be getting marked down? We have a beach trip in the early fall, and I am hoping to take advantage of end of season sales.

Hi Trisha! You're in luck and your timing is perfect! Most beach gear, swimwear, coolers, and pool accessories start seeing markdowns immediately after July 4th. The strongest discounts typically arrive from late July through Labor Day, so waiting a few weeks should save you the most money.

Sue asks: “I would like any suggestions on booking flights within the USA. Do you get a better deal working directly with the airline or is there a better way (Expedia, Trip Advisor, etc.)? I am 76 years old and haven't flown in a very long time and would like to do some traveling. Also how about deals on car rentals. Can you help?

Hi Sue! A good flight deal is more about timing than website source although I use Google Flights to compare prices. For better customer service and real assistance in the event of a cancelation or delay, I would always book with the airline directly. For Car rentals, Costco Travel has the best deals and perks. If you’re not a member, I’ve used AutoSlash with great success over the years.

Kathleen from Florida asks: “I am in my 70's and take care of my 80 year old husband who has dementia. My daughter and my 2 grandchildren moved in to help me but I now desperately need a chest freezer and a mini fridge. I've heard Prime Days are a good time to get them but don't know where to look. Any ideas? Thanks.”

Kathleen, I’m sorry to hear about your husband and your family is very fortunate to have you! Prime Day is actually not a great time for a chest freezer purchase or mini fridge. I would recommend the fantastic sales that run through this week at Home Depot and Lowe’s for mini fridges and chest freezers. This week is your best bet before Labor Day.

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!

💵 “The biggest silent expense in retirement” - READ HERE.

💵 “New reports find few families use these childcare tax breaks ” - READ HERE.

💵 “Heat Wave Avoidance: Portable vs Window AC’s Tested” - READ HERE.
(Note: While this is a great article, AC prices are lower in two weeks if you can wait)

I hope you had a fantastic July 4th and I’m honored to have you here for another month jam-packed with savings. If you have any seasonal savings tips to share, I will be featuring them in next week’s newsletter.

Happy Savings!👋

The Deal Guy (Matt Granite)