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<p>I recently registered to get Groupon coupons.  My wife has been doing it for some time now and so I wanted to see what all the talk was about.  I am finding that this is a way to explore new restaurants, upscale activities, etc., all at a discounted price.  Most of the time, it is [&hellip;]</p>

Save-ON Group-ON Craze

I recently registered to get Groupon coupons.  My wife has been doing it for some time now and so I wanted to see what all the talk was about.  I am finding that this is a way to explore new restaurants, upscale activities, etc., all at a discounted price.  Most of the time, it is 50% off the regular price, but in some instance you can get up to 90% off.   For example, you can purchase the coupon (let’s say $20) in advance at a discounted price (on the day it is released) and when you use it you receive the full value of the purchased certificate (let’s say $50 value). 

Deals are sent daily based on your city. If there is a Groupon that appeals to you, then you click and buy it. If this is done from your cell phone, then you don’t even have to print the coupon.  Store it on your phone and you don’t have to worry about losing it.  If you want to see what today’s deal is you can go to the website, http://www.groupon.com/.

 Another site that works in a similar manner is www.livingsocial.com.  Deals are sent daily via your email.  

There is also a site for mothers that give deals on items of interest related to children and child-rearing.  It is www.mamapedia.com.

Finally, for the food lovers out there, Restaurant.com is worth joining. They offer gift certificates at a reduced rate.  For instance, you can purchase a $25 certificate for $10 to your favorite restaurant.  Of course, the restaurant has to participate.  Be aware of the fine print where you will see such things as an 18% tax on the full amount and to spend a $25 certificate, you must purchase at least $35 worth of food.  However restaurant.com runs some amazing specials where you can get a $25 certificate for $2.  For the restaurants that participate it is a way to get business in the door and if you like it, you art to return and pay full price later.

Recently my wife took a colleague to lunch and would have paid $22 plus tax and tip for just 2 entrees. She used the certificate and they each enjoyed an appetizer before their two entrees and she ordered a 3rd entrée to take home.  With taxes and tip she paid a total of $19 (plus $2 for the certificate).  More food and less money is a very good thing indeed.

The views expressed in this content represent the perspective and opinions of the author and may or may not represent the position of Indiana University School of Medicine.
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Jose Espada

Jose Rivera Espada is the director of financial aid at IU School of Medicine, a nine-campus allopathic medical school in Indiana. Jose’s experience includes working as an assistant director of financial aid at Butler University and a financial aid coun...