7 Tips for Navigating Group-Coupon Sites

Think of Your Budget

Keep in mind that just because something is a great deal doesn’t mean it’s great for your budget. (Sixty percent off a trip to China sounds incredible, but if you’re already wincing when you get your credit-card statements each month, then that math definitely doesn’t add up.) “To trick yourself into not overspending, remember that you don’t need to click ‘buy’ on a deal right away,” says Christine Frietchen, editor in chief at ConsumerSearch.com. “It will probably be there all day without selling out, so wait until noon and check back in to see if you really want it.”

Also be sure to pay close attention to what’s not included in the experience-type deals. They can often require travel expenses that go beyond the cost of the voucher. The flip side of all the budget warnings is that if you decide to test out committing to group deals for your monthly entertainment budget and you have $200 to spend, you could wind up with $400 worth of fun. “And then you might find that you don’t have to choose between a nice dinner or go-karting with your partner. You can do both,” says Mossler.