The thrill of scoring a killer deal can often blind us to the actual math of the situation.
Here are some ways retailers and brands leverage coupons and deals to get you to spend more.
This is especially true with clothing websites like American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Gap and Old Navy.
Theyll often release a 20%-off coupon that ends up saving you less than last weeks site-wide sale.
Also, beware of the BOGO coupons like buy one, get one for 50% off.
This comes out to be a 25% off coupon in terms of savings.
If a retailer regularly has coupons that provide more savings, its nothing more than a spending trap.
I went with the generic and threw the coupon in the garbage on the way out the door.
A manufacturers coupon is only useful if it gets you the best price compared to all equivalent options.
The best price on that version of a product may not be the best price overall.
This happened to me recently with a golf coupon and I vowed to never let it happen again.
But if Im on the fence in the slightest, I pass.
Then I make the reservation ASAP and get it on the calendar.
However, if a Groupon or LivingSocial coupondoesexpire, remember that it isnt useless.
In fact, it only loses the promotional value.
Unless you particularly enjoy clipping coupons, thats not a great wage.
Here are a couple workarounds.
When shopping online,hit up live chatand ask politely if they can remove the minimum threshold for you.
