Too many people confuse deal hunting with value shopping. They chase 50% off signs on things they never needed. That is not saving money. That is spending money you did not have to on items you did not want.
Real value starts with knowing what something is worth to you. A £200 coat that lasts five years is cheaper than a £50 coat that falls apart in one. The discount is irrelevant if the product does not solve your problem. The same applies to groceries. Buying cheap food that spoils fast is not a bargain. It is waste.
Deal hunting becomes a problem when it replaces thinking. Checking five apps for a £3 saving on a £30 item is not efficient. Your time has value. So does your attention. The best shoppers buy what they need at a fair price and stop looking.
The trick is to separate the thrill of the hunt from the utility of the purchase. If you enjoy finding deals, fine. But do not pretend you are saving money when you are buying things you would not otherwise buy. That is a hobby, not a financial strategy.
Paul