Stop losing money! Save thousands using coupon codes

If you have ever gone grocery shopping, you understand the concept of coupons, if used properly you can save hundred of dollars a year just by claiming them. The same concept applies to the internet, where coupon codes seem to be the way to get consumers to shop and reduce the price for their purchases. As a promoter of coupon codes on the internet, I am always surprised at how many people fail to go to promotional code sites to check if there are coupons. This conversation with my friend Vijay is one that seems to happen all too often:

Vijay: "Hey I just got some tickets to the Lakers game through Stubhub"
Me: "Did you check to see if they had any stubhub promotional code on the coupon code sites?"
Vijay: "No, umm. I forgot"

Sure enough we looked and he could have saved an additional $50 on the price of the ticket.  This is a common situation encountered by many people who have not realized how much they can potentially save. Most often people remember retailer names such as 1800Flowers, Zappos, or Walmart because their names are readily recognized and well advertised.  Unfortunately consumers fail to realize they offer coupons that can be be saving them hundreds of dollars.  So here are some tips to follow for your next online shopping adventure:

1. Don't be tempted to immediately go to the retailer - Remember that ANYTHING you buy, you should check to see if coupon codes are available. This goes from doing taxes online (Turbotax), going to Amazon, or booking your next Travelocity trip. On my recent trip to New York, I saved $50 using a travelocity coupon. That's an extra meal for my family!

2. Make sure coupon codes are not expired - It's frustrating enough to finally find a coupon code and realize that it is expired.  Most coupon code sites have coupon listings with expiration dates.  If the coupon is expired, it may not work anymore. 

3. Read the coupon disclaimers - Some coupons may require you to purchase over a certain dollar amount, others may be for certain products in certain departments. Other coupons may have a quantity limit so that it expires after a number of redemptions has been reached.

4. See if the retailer has a local presence in your state - IF the retailer DOES NOT have a local presence in your state it may be great since you will be able to save in taxes in addition to the coupon code you claim. Taxes are not charged if you are from say California and you are ordering from a retailer in Wahington.

5. Sign up to their mailing list - Once you make a purchase online, make sure you opt in for the retailer's mailing list. Most retailers like to send promotions and discounts directly their customers first.  One word of caution: once you get an email from a retailer, still try to see if promotional code sites have a coupon! Maybe the coupon will help you save additionally even more!

Remember, being wise in the way you shop can potentially save you money.   Like a good coupon clipper, dig for the coupons and save.  Visit my coupon code site for additional coupons, retailer reviews and more!