Good Morning America Deals and Steals: Are They Really Saving…

Every weekday morning, millions of Americans tune in to *Good Morning America* for their "Deals and Steals" segment. The premise is simple: name-brand products at deep discounts, available for a limited time only. Tory Johnson, the segment's longtime contributor, promises savings of 50% or more on everything from bedding to vacuums to skincare. But in a year when grocery prices are still climbing and credit card APRs are hovering near record highs, it's worth asking a harder question. Are these deals actually saving you money, or are they just convincing you to spend money you didn't plan to spend? Let's start with the math. The Federal Reserve has been fighting inflation for over two years, and while the headline CPI number has cooled from its 2022 peak, the cumulative damage is real. Grocery prices are up roughly 20% since early 2021. Rent has climbed even faster in many metros. Meanwhile, average credit card interest rates have pushed past 20%, the highest in decades. When your baseline expenses eat up more of every paycheck, a "50% off" air fryer starts to look less like a treat and more like a budgeting trap. Here's the psychology behind it. Deals and Steals works because it creates urgency. The prices are only good for a few hours. The quantities are limited. Viewers are told to "act fast" before the codes expire. That's not an accident. It's a classic scarcity play, and it's remarkably effective. Retailers partner with GMA because the exposure is enormous, and they know that a segment watched by millions can move inventory in minutes. But the discount is often calculated against the manufacturer's suggested retail price, not the street price you'd find on Amazon or Walmart any given Tuesday. In other words, that "60% off" label may be measured against a number nobody actually pays. None of this means every deal is bad. Some are genuinely excellent. If you were already in the market for a new vacuum or a set of sheets, catching a real markdown is a win. The problem is when the segment turns into appointment viewing for people who weren't shopping for anything at all. That's where the paycheck reality bites. If you're carrying a credit card balance, a $79 purchase at 21% APR takes more than a year to pay off if you're only making minimum payments, and you'll hand over real interest for the privilege of having saved $40. There's also the return problem. Many Deals and Steals items are final sale or come with restocking fees. That gorgeous comforter that looked different on TV? You may be stuck with it. Compare that to a standard retailer with a 30-day return window, and the "deal" gets a lot less appealing. So what's the smart play? Treat Deals and Steals like any other sale. Ask three questions before you buy: Was I already planning to purchase this? Is the price actually lower than what I'd pay elsewhere today? And can I pay the balance in full this month? If the answer to any of those is no, close the tab and keep your money. **The bottom line:** GMA's Deals and Steals is entertaining, and occasionally it's a genuine bargain. But a discount on something you didn't need is still money out the door. In an economy where every dollar is fighting harder for your paycheck, the best deal is often the one you don't buy.