Local Deals-of-the-Day Save Big Bucks

I'm all about living better for less, so when deal-of-the-day sites started popping up years ago, like Woot.com, I was an early adapter.

Now deal-of-the-day sites are offering localized goods and services that harness the buying power of the masses to save you big money close to home. It's as simple as giving them your email address to have these offers sent to you each day.

Here's how it works: sites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com offer you more huge discounts at local restaurants, spas, stores and more. You purchase the coupon and bring it in. Along the way the sites hope you'll share the buy with your friends via Facebook and Twitter since it takes a minimum number of purchasers to secure the deal.

Over the past months I've received offers from Groupon.com for everything from 60% off scuba classes to 59% off spa services. There have been offers for $80 off skydiving and 67% off eyewear. Clothes, restaurants, hairstyles, even pole dancing have all made the list.

From LivingSocial.com I've gotten offers of 5 yoga classes for $20, a sunset cruise for $15 and even eco-friendly house cleaning for $29. There have been spa services, lots of restaurants and events, too.

The beauty of both of these sites is how many great deals they have for people our age who are looking for a little life enrichment: fitness boot camp, kayaking, golf and art classes have all appeared in my Inbox from these sites. These deal-of-the-day sites are a good way to get active or try something new without paying full price.

Have you ever bought a deal of the day? Share your stories!

Read more about Groupon.com, from Tech Goes Strong technology expert Sean Gallagher.