What Are Deals?

First, what is a deal? 
In my mind (which is not Webster's btw) a deal is something that you would normally buy that you are saving money on.  Emphasis on normally buy.  If you wouldn't normally buy capers but they are on sale so you buy them, it's not a deal.  If they are free on the other hand, they are a deal.  ;)  If you do use capers and they are on sale, YAY!  If you have a coupon, even better!  (And if you can get a rebate on them you just got a triple play...but we'll go in baby steps.) 

So, what qualifies as a deal?
Any savings on something you would normally buy is great, but 50% or more is a super deal in my mind.  It's what I look for when I'm posting deals for you. 

One of the secrets is not to be brand loyal unless there is a reason to be.  Store brands are often made in the same factory as the name brand product and then a different label is put on it. 

Also, remember that bigger is not always better and smaller is not always a steal.  Sometimes a product is on sale and you might have a coupon for it too.  Many times, you can walk away with an almost free small container.  Other times, something might be on sale and it makes more CENTS (see what I did there? ;) ) to buy the bigger container because it is actually cheaper per ounce.  Beware of stores that post one price breakdown as price per ounce and another brand as price per pound.  Make sure you're comparing ounces to ounces or pounds to pounds.  (Use a unit converter app on your phone to make it easy, but there are 16 ounces in a pound for those of you who just remember things.)  Then you can easily see where the best deal is.

What do I sacrifice deals on?
Ok, maybe sacrifice is a strong word as I still am always on the lookout for deals on these too, but there are certain things I don't really like to skimp on.  I will pay a little more for toilet paper at Costco than the box at Cash and Carry because it really is a better quality.  I will spend more on organic produce (especially the dirty dozen) because my family's health is important to me and I know the effects of GMOs and pesticides on their little bodies.  I am slowly doing the same with cleaners and bath products as well.  The great part is that my budget allows these things because rarely do I pay full price on a cup of coffee (which is still a splurge for me) or even a tank of gas.

More on that to come.  If you would like to know more about couponing, check out www.krazykouponlady.com.  They have full tutorials and great ways to do a lot or a little.  I currently only do a little couponing but I have used them lots in the past.  You can still get great deals without them.  Stay tuned.

What is something you are not willing to sacrifice even if you can't get a deal?