Risha S.

Websites now offer daily deals for things such as $15 for $30 worth of food at your local burger joint.  This has been the latest craze in offering discounts on anything from burgers, to massages, to trips to Mexico. There are many different sites out there but are these deals worth everything that they are cracked up to be? More...

Here are a few simple rules to make sure you are getting the best deal.

1. Check the conditions. Many of these deals are very specific about when and how you can use them. Failing to understand these terms will likely result in you not getting to take full advantage of the savings.  
2. Is it a coupon you would normally use? These sites can be a great way to save money on things you normally use, however if you are only going to go to this place because of the coupon, you may be spending more than you would if you didn’t have the savings at all. 
3. Expiration dates! Unlike gift cards, all of the deals on these websites have expiration dates so make sure you check that date and are going to be able to use your deal before it expires. Not using the coupon is a waste of your money.

I myself have bought into the idea that I’d always be saving money, but have had coupons expire on me. I’ve had friends who forgot all together they had bought the “coupons” and wasted their money. So be sure to know what you are getting yourself into. If you buy one of these deals make sure to mark it on your calendar and to print of the appropriate information!

Risha is a Senior in the Lundquist College of Business. She is originally from the Seattle area and will start a career as a Financial Advisor when she graduates. She is a high school Volleyball coach and a huge Ducks fan.