Online Shoppers: Get the Most for your Money

I am all for doing my Christmas shopping online, as long as it is truly is a bargain. I don't even mind paying a little for shipping if the end result is still cheaper (and less stressful) than having to fight the crowds to get it in the store.

With so many coupon codes out there and the fabulous rebate programs available, Christmas shopping was a stress-free event this year!

It's not too late to take advantage of the online deals and still get your gifts in time for Dec. 25th.
If you have family or friends in another state, why not have the gifts shipped directly to them?

How to get the best deals online:

1. Use a rebate program - I use several, depending which one offers the most cash back on the store I am shopping at: Ebates, Mr.Rebates, or CashBaq. While it may not seem worthwhile to get 4% cash back, it truly does add up. I have earned $316 (and some change) since I began rebating a year and 1/2 ago, so all those cents and dollars made a difference! PLUS, these programs give you incentives ($5) just for signing up and making your first purchase. There are also double cash back days and larger % offers with some of the stores as well. For example, you could send a magazine subscription to someone this Christmas and earn a whopping 30% cash back PLUS Free Shipping!
2. Use coupon codes - All of the rebate programs listed above have coupon codes that can be used to increase your savings online. Keep your eyes peeled for Free Shipping codes as well. Some stores will even let you apply more than one code at a time (i.e. Free Shipping + 25% off = FANTASTIC bargain!). You can find more coupon codes by using the resources I have added to the right sidebar of my homepage.
   
3. Know a great deal when you see it - Knowing the base price of the products you are buying is important when trying to spot a deal. If getting a few dollars off online and having to pay shipping means the end result is MORE expensive, then you have to decide if it's worth it to run over to the store.
   
4. Use your resources - Bargain sites like SlickDeals and DealsofAmerica do a great job of finding the best deals online. With so many online shoppers contributing, you are likely to find the latest deals and coupon codes. You can subscribe to those feeds to get up-to-date