The Internet, with all it’s issues, has changed how we do just about everything, and best of all it can save you money. Here are five ways that surfing can save you big bucks.

Reviews: How often have you bought something and ended up hating it? With the Internet, you can find reviews on almost everything on the planet – books, soup, coffee, toys, cars, movies, electronics, real estate agents, and more. Best of all, most reviews are totally free. However, take reviews with a grain of salt. I always hit my most truested sources, like say, CNET for tech gear, and I always double check with other review sites.

Home, fun, & cooking: Kids crafts, adult crafts, patterns, coloring pages, recipes, DIY plans for a greenhouse, DIY sink fixes, and so much more are available online. It pretty much eliminates the needs for coloring books, cookbooks, and a lot more.

Banking fees: You can save on checks with online bill pay, save time and money by never actually setting foot in your bank – most offer all services online, and even learn about stocks and bonds. Banking and money transactions have come a long way online, and using these services can save you money.

Coupons & deals: For example, right here at Thrifty Mommy, Karen posts all kinds of sales, coupons, and deals for you to enjoy, and she’s not the only one. There are plenty of online sites completely dedicated to locating you the best deal possible on every item under the sun.

Music and movies: While I hate to think of the web as the best entertainment (get outside!) it’s true that there are tons of free entertainment options online. You can download or listen to music, watch movies, and even do away with cable but still watch your favorite television programs online.

Now – tell me how the Internet saves you money?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Skip the madness on Black Friday. Shop online and save your sanity and money at the same time with these tips.

Use coupons: Even though you’re shopping online, there are still money saving coupons to be had. For example, Unplugged Living has a super fly coupon up right now for 3R Living; a cool place to get hip green gear and home items. Like Unplugged Living, plenty of blogs are being offered exclusive coupon deals for their readers, so keep your eyes open. Also you can check Coupon Chief for deals and current coupons.

Don’t shop around – much: You should still price shop online, that’s true, but when it comes to shipping, you’ll often do better if you buy a lot from one store vs. many.

Ship gifts right to your family and friends: Why pay for shipping twice? If you already need to send a gift, send it right to them. Paying for online store gift wrap is cheaper and less frantic than postal service. Look for special free gift wrap at some online stores too.

Skip specialty stores (sometimes): Often you can find cute gifts, even toys and clothes at places you might not think online. For example, Marshalls is not Toys R Us, but their prices reflect that. Just because they’re not a full on toy store doesn’t mean you can’t find cool toys there; and you’ll almost always pay less.

Shop handmade: Etsy is the coolest of cool places for unique gifts. Some items do cost more, but you’ll be amazed at some of the great gifts you’ll get for less than say, a department store. Especially good finds are green items, like organic kids clothes or natural soaps – you can always find these items for less at Etsy, then at online green retailers.

Get rebates: you can shop while you earn cash back from online rebate places like FatWallet.

Don’t pay more than you need to: Even if you buy online, a store may still honor a price protection deal. So if you buy a CD player at Sears, and you see it lower at Best Buy, email Sears and let them know. You may get a knock down rebate.

What are some of your best online shopping tips? 

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy