Deal-of-the-Day websites

I may be a little late to jump on the bandwagon, but I have recently learned about the amazing-ness of the websites Groupon and Living Social. In case you're a little behind the times like I was, here's how it works:

These websites offer at least one daily deal for a variety of businesses in major cities. Discounts are for 50-90% off.

If you, and enough other people, chose to buy the deal, the deal is on. I don't think I've ever seen a deal that not enough people bought it to make the deal valid, but if they don't, you are not charged a cent.

If you subscribe to the website (which is free), you receive a daily email with the deal of the day.

To give you an idea of the types of deals, today's Groupon deals for Des Moines are:






$9 for $18 worth of BBQ at Shane's Rib Shack












$25 for two tickets to the Des Moines Playhouse ($60 value)










$10 for two tickets to the Home and Garden Show ($20 value)






It's a great way to open your eyes to new places to go and things to do in your area!