Online recession tips and tools can help save money
Issue date: 2/8/09 Section: Business
(ARA) - Cutting costs, pinching pennies, shopping smarter - more and more people are reacting to the current economic crisis by changing how, and where they spend money. For some people, it may mean fewer restaurant dinners and more home cooking. Others are making bigger changes to save a few dollars and gain control of their finances.
Not every adjustment has to be dramatic, however. There are ways to save significant amounts of money without leaving the house - or even getting out of bed. With more than 84 million people having broadband Internet access at home, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a few mouse clicks can easily benefit your wallet.
The Internet has changed the way people communicate, discover and engage with others. It has also changed the way people manage their money. People regularly bank, trade, do business and shop online. Today, 40 percent of U.S. households bank online - one-third more than in 2003 - according to financial consulting firm TowerGroup. According to the Nielsen Global Online Survey, in 2008, more than 85 percent of the world's online population has used the Internet to make a purchase - up 40 percent from 2005.
"The price you pay for the things you need is not set in stone," said Paul Ford, CEO of NetQuote.com. "Insurance, for example, is one of the biggest non-discretionary expenses for any family. What most people don't realize is that you can - and should - shop around for insurance just like you shop around for a car or a house. With the technology available today, it's easier than you might think."
Here are just a few ways that consumers can use the Internet to take some pressure off their pocketbooks.
1. Check online for coupons and promotional codes.
In lieu of eating out frequently, many people are doing more grocery shopping and cooking at home. Many major grocery stores post coupons, offers and other promotions online that can easily lead to increased savings in a fraction of the time it takes to clip coupons in the traditional sense. Likewise, many online retailers circulate "promo codes" that can be redeemed at checkout for additional savings. Before completing an online purchase checkout, do a quick Internet search. Visit sites like www.RetailMeNot.com or www.CouponCabin.com to save.
Not every adjustment has to be dramatic, however. There are ways to save significant amounts of money without leaving the house - or even getting out of bed. With more than 84 million people having broadband Internet access at home, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a few mouse clicks can easily benefit your wallet.
The Internet has changed the way people communicate, discover and engage with others. It has also changed the way people manage their money. People regularly bank, trade, do business and shop online. Today, 40 percent of U.S. households bank online - one-third more than in 2003 - according to financial consulting firm TowerGroup. According to the Nielsen Global Online Survey, in 2008, more than 85 percent of the world's online population has used the Internet to make a purchase - up 40 percent from 2005.
"The price you pay for the things you need is not set in stone," said Paul Ford, CEO of NetQuote.com. "Insurance, for example, is one of the biggest non-discretionary expenses for any family. What most people don't realize is that you can - and should - shop around for insurance just like you shop around for a car or a house. With the technology available today, it's easier than you might think."
Here are just a few ways that consumers can use the Internet to take some pressure off their pocketbooks.
1. Check online for coupons and promotional codes.
In lieu of eating out frequently, many people are doing more grocery shopping and cooking at home. Many major grocery stores post coupons, offers and other promotions online that can easily lead to increased savings in a fraction of the time it takes to clip coupons in the traditional sense. Likewise, many online retailers circulate "promo codes" that can be redeemed at checkout for additional savings. Before completing an online purchase checkout, do a quick Internet search. Visit sites like www.RetailMeNot.com or www.CouponCabin.com to save.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Coupon Heaven Staff
posted 2/09/09 @ 1:46 PM EST
Even though there are some printable grocery coupons to be found in the web, the bulk of these coupons is still found in the Sunday paper. Users should be aware that those sites that offer grocery coupons typically require users to download a software program before printing. (Continued…)
Owen
posted 2/09/09 @ 4:30 PM EST
Please also take advantage of free price drop alerts: you save money and time.
http://www.pricepinx.com
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