How do I save money while online shopping?
How to Save Big While Shopping Online: Master the Digital Deals!
Online shopping is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle. But with endless options, flash sales, and constant notifications, it’s easy to overspend. Don’t worry, though; saving money while shopping online is easier than you think! By mastering a few simple tricks, you can get the best deals on every click. In Money Mastery in the Digital Age: A Simple Guide to Financial Freedom by Logan Smith, you’ll discover insider secrets for savvy online shopping, personal finance, and more. Below are the hottest strategies to keep more cash in your wallet while buying what you love.
Let’s dive into the latest online shopping hacks guaranteed to make you a smarter shopper!
1. Shop at the Right Time: Timing is Everything!
Sales come and go, but some periods are always packed with amazing deals! End-of-season sales, monthly markdowns, and even big holiday events like Black Friday or Prime Day are when retailers drop prices to clear out inventory. Planning big purchases around these times means scoring serious savings.
Pro tip: Plan your purchases around sales cycles. Waiting for a seasonal clearance could save you as much as 60% on items like clothing, tech gadgets, and holiday decor! Logan’s book dives into the details of timing your purchases to make every dollar count.
2. Don’t Forget About Flash Sales and Lightning Deals!
Flash sales are fast-paced, limited-time discounts that can offer jaw-dropping prices on hot items. These sales might pop up during peak shopping periods or even at random, and they’re an amazing way to get deep discounts if you’re fast enough. Many big retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Walmart, host these types of sales.
Quick Hack: Download retailer apps or sign up for notifications to be the first to know about flash sales. Many apps even send notifications with exclusive deals!
3. Coupon Codes Are Your Best Friends
Before you click “Buy Now,” search for a coupon code. Sites like Honey and RetailMeNot can help you find the best deals with just a few clicks. Honey automatically applies the best coupon at checkout, saving you the hassle of hunting for the best price. Plus, sites like Coupons.com and Rakuten make finding discounts on everything from electronics to food delivery easy.
Money-Saving Tip: Some retailers even offer special codes for new customers or those who sign up for their email lists. Check for seasonal codes and stack them with sales to double up on discounts. Money Mastery in the Digital Age includes a quick example of the top coupon sites and apps to make sure you’re always getting the best possible deal.
4. Cash Back on Every Purchase
Want to save while spending? Cash-back apps like Rakuten and Dosh actually pay you back for shopping on popular sites. With Rakuten, you get a percentage of your purchase back, deposited into your account or paid out via check. And if you’re strategic, you can stack cash-back offers with coupons and flash sales, multiplying your savings.
Extra Tip: Always check your cash-back apps before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal available! With a little planning, cash-back savings can add up over time.
5. Use Price Comparison Tools
Shopping around is essential, but who has time to scour multiple sites? Price comparison tools like Google Shopping and CamelCamelCamel (especially for Amazon) make it easy to see where you’ll get the best price on any item. Google Shopping gathers prices from various sellers in one place, helping you make quick, informed decisions. And CamelCamelCamel lets you track Amazon price histories to know when a deal is actually worth it.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of these tools to see how prices fluctuate over time. You might find that waiting a week could save you even more! Logan emphasizes the value of tools in his book, showcasing how a little research can lead to big savings.
6. Abandon Your Cart for Extra Deals
Believe it or not, abandoning your shopping cart can lead to discounts. Retailers track cart activity and sometimes email discounts to bring you back. Just add the item to your cart, leave it, and you might find a promo code in your inbox within hours or a day.
Trick to Try: Create an account before you abandon the cart. This way, they have your email and can follow up with a discount code or special offer. It’s a favorite for online shopping pros!
7. Loyalty Programs & Exclusive Subscriptions
Many stores offer loyalty programs that reward you with discounts, points, or exclusive access to sales. Popular programs like Target Circle, Kohl’s Rewards, and Sephora’s Beauty Insider offer perks and savings that add up fast. If there’s a retailer you shop from frequently, joining their loyalty program can score you exclusive offers, birthday discounts, and more.
Extra Tip: Some programs even have higher tiers with bigger benefits, like free shipping or early access to big sales. Check your favorite stores’ loyalty programs, and stack the rewards with other deals when possible. Logan’s book highlights the benefits of loyalty programs and shares smart strategies for using them without overspending.
8. Subscribe for Discounted Essentials
For items you buy regularly, like household supplies, pet food, or skincare, subscribe-and-save services can offer you a discount and ensure you never run out. Amazon’s Subscribe & Save and Walmart’s subscription options typically offer discounts if you set up recurring deliveries.
Tip: Make sure to monitor your subscriptions and cancel them if you’re not using them enough. Otherwise, you might end up with more than you need. Money Mastery in the Digital Age dives into how to manage subscriptions wisely, saving you money without adding clutter.
9. Check Out Discount Gift Cards
Discounted gift card websites like Raise and Gift Card Granny sell gift cards at a reduced rate. If you know you’re going to shop somewhere specific, buy a discounted gift card to that store and stack the savings with coupons and cashback offers.
Hack: You can sometimes get up to 30% off through discounted gift cards. So, when you combine this with sales and other discounts, your total savings can be huge. Logan includes tips in his book on safely using discounts without overspending.
10. Follow Your Favorite Brands on Social Media
Brands often release exclusive deals on their social media channels or send promo codes to followers. Some retailers even have “follower-only” discounts, like surprise sales or secret promo codes, shared only on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Extra Tip: Set up notifications for your favorite brands to be the first to know about discounts and limited-time offers. Logan highlights the power of social media to access relevant information, making it a quick and simple way to be in the know.
11. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Location-Based Deals
Some sites adjust prices based on where you’re browsing from, but a VPN can let you “shop” from different locations to find the lowest price. This is especially useful for things like airline tickets, hotel reservations, and even digital subscriptions.
How It Works: Using a VPN to shop from different virtual locations can sometimes show you lower prices. This isn’t a guaranteed trick, but it’s worth trying if you’re looking to maximize savings on high-ticket items.
12. Avoid Impulse Buys with the 24-Hour Rule
Online shopping often means instant purchases, but waiting just 24 hours before buying can help you make more intentional purchases. Logan Smith’s book suggests setting up a list for these items. If you still want the item after a waiting period, you’re less likely to regret it.
Tip: During your 24-hour wait, check for other deals, cashback, and coupons to apply when you finally make your purchase!
13. Digital Wallet Rewards
Using digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet doesn’t just make checkout faster; they often offer rewards. Some retailers give discounts for using digital payment options, and some wallets even offer cash back or store credit.
Insider Tip: Check the deals page in your digital wallet to see if there are any discounts on your favorite stores. You’d be surprised at the savings right at your fingertips.
14. Beware of Hidden Fees
Sometimes those “discounts” at checkout disappear with added fees! Shipping, handling, and even service fees can quietly add up, inflating your final price. Check the total carefully before paying and look for ways to get free shipping (like minimum orders or loyalty programs).
Hack: Many retailers offer free shipping for members of their loyalty programs, or when you spend over a certain amount. Combine this with other deals to save even more.
15. Think Long-Term: Buy Quality Over Quantity
It’s easy to be tempted by fast fashion or trendy gadgets, but spending more on quality items you’ll use for years can save you in the long run. Money Mastery in the Digital Age emphasizes making smart investment decisions that last longer and add real value.
Become a Digital Savings Master with Money Mastery in the Digital Age
Each tip above can add up to big savings, helping you get the most out of every online shopping experience! Want more insider advice? Money Mastery in the Digital Age: A Simple Guide to Financial Freedom by Logan Smith is packed with even more strategies for mastering your money in the digital age.
Make your online shopping count. Get your copy now and start saving smarter!
Check out: How to Make Money Online: 8 Easy Ways You Need to Try!