Is it REALLY a Good Deal?

Here at Simply Frugal, I post a lot of deals.  (Shocking, I know!  ;))  But all these deals can be dangerous in a way.  They can entice you to spend money, just because it's a good deal.   Many of the deals I share, I share because they could be a good deal for someone, just maybe not for you or myself!

Just because something is on sale, or I posted a coupon for a product that you like, does not necessarily make it a good deal.  My number one goal through Simply Frugal, is to show you how to live a life with less excess. Less debt, less stuff, how to enjoy what you have and teach you how to get the stuff you need at a great price. This makes me really quite picky about what I do end up posting.

Here are four questions I ask myself to help me decide whether or not something is a good deal:

Deals here. Deals there. Deals everywhere! Here are four questions to ask yourself to help you decide whether or not something really "is" a good deal.

Do I have the Money to Buy it?

Probably the most important thing to take into consideration.  If buying something will push you into the red or push you further from your goal of becoming debt free, then it's probably not worth buying.  No matter how happy it will make you, the happy feeling will most likely be temporary anyways.  Especially once you get the bill!  I've been there, done that!

Do I Actually Need it or Will I Use it?

Something that you use goes on sale, a pretty decent sale ta-boot.  Perfect!  You'll grab as many as you can afford since the price is so great.  But you failed to remind yourself that you already have about 7 bottles of unopened body wash, for example.  Don't forget your drawer full of toothpaste too!   It would probably be smarter to put that money towards something you really need a the moment.

Or maybe not, if it's a rock bottom price on the item, you may want to go ahead and stockpile more knowing that the price might not be that low for a while and your budget can allow it.

It's completely up to you to decide if you need it or have the money to make it worthwhile!

Will it Make My Life Easier?

In my pursuit to simplify my life, this is an important question.  If something needs to be dusted 8 times a day, then it's not making my life easier.  If it will take up more room then we have in our closets, then it's not worth it.  But if buying it means I don't have to wipe the snow off the car with my arm, then the snow brush is a great investment! 🙂

Is it Really a Good Price?

There are just some things you come across and you instantly know they are a good price.  But sometimes you're really not sure if it's a good price, especially if you're comparing bulk prices with a smaller package price.  This is where a price list can come in handy.  A price list allows you to track prices on items you need at the stores you shop at each week.  Over time, you'll start noticing when particular items will go on sale and if they're really a good price when they do go on sale.

I'm encouraging you to learn how to be a savvy deal shopper.  Learn when to pass something by and when to grab it up!   I try to post a wide range of deals (and many!) so that each day, some of them will work for you!

How do you decide to buy or not buy something? Let us know your tactics in the comments!

Isabella Oliver Final Sale: Save up to 70% off + Extra 10% Off

isabella oliver

Isabella Oliver is in the midst of their final sale with quality maternity pieces on sale for up to 70%! Plus, I’ve got a coupon code that will save you an extra 10% off!

Use coupon code: MAMA10
Expires: August 7, 2016

Since the launch of Isabella Oliver in 2003, they have been obsessed with giving pregnant women the very best in terms of style, fit, quality and comfort.

Shop online at Isabella Oliver now.

Handprint Octopus Craft

This Handprint Octopus Craft is a great activity for documenting hand size. It's always fun to look back to see how big we've grown!

I’m finally back after a seemingly long hiatus from the Summer Bucket of FUN! It’s been a bit chaotic around these parts since we’ve been having fun with visiting family and daily swimming lessons now that they’ve gone back home!

Today’s Handprint Octopus Craft is a great activity for documenting hand size. It’s always fun to look back to see how big we’ve grown!

Here’s how to make the Handprint Octopus Craft:

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

  • Construction paper
  • Paint
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Googly Eyes

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Take a sheet of blue construction paper, set aside
  2. Grab a sheet of white (or light colored) construction paper
  3. Put paint all over kids’ hands
  4. Press down on the paper with painted hands making hand prints. (You may want to make quite a few and pick the best looking ones)
  5. Cut out the hand prints
  6. Glue hand prints on the blue construction paper with fingers pointing down to resemble octopuses
  7. Decorate with googly eyes
  8. Optional: cut out squiggly pieces of paper to create seaweed, glue to bottom of blue paper

Handprint Octopus Craft 2

Save 35% off at Gap and Old Navy

gap old navy

Today only, Old Navy and Gap have a coupon code for you to save 35% off your purchase!

Use coupon code: COOL35
Expires: July 26, 2016

Shop online at Old Navy.
Shop online at Gap Canada.

Restrictions: Offer valid from 7/24/16 at 12:01 am EST through 7/26/2016 at 11:59 pm EST in Canada only at Gap online and Old Navy online. Offer cannot be applied to purchase of GiftCards, packaging, applicable taxes, or shipping and handling charges and not valid on the following merchandise: Gap: Leather and/or Suede Apparel and Accessories, Junk Food™, Maternity Bellaband®, Aden & Anais®, (RED)™, Pendleton®, Gap x GQ, and Mad Engine; Old Navy: Everyday Steals, Hot Deals, Flash Sales, Today Only Deals, Uniform Merchandise and Clearance merchandise (merchandise ending in $.97 and $.99). Offer not valid on international shipments. In-store prices may vary and may differ from online prices. Offer is good for multiple uses online during term of promotion. No minimum purchase required. Offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Must enter promo code COOL35 at checkout to receive offer. No adjustments on previous purchases. Offer cannot be combined with Gap Inc. employee discount or any other offers or discounts. Offer subject to change without notice.

TOMS Canada Surprise Sale (Extended!)

toms surprise sale

Surprise! TOMS Canada is having a sale with up to 75% off! You will find exclusive deals on everything from shoes to bags to sunglasses!

Hurry though because this sale is only here until July 24!  Shipping will be free on orders of $65 or more.

Shop online at TOMS Canada here.

Price as marked. All sales are FINAL. No promo code necessary. Cannot be combined with other promotions, offers or discounts (other than any shipping promotions that may be in effect). Offer not valid on previously purchased merchandise.