Setting up to maximize savings

• 1). Join a retail friendly website that offers deals to shop online. For example, Ebates.com (see Resources) offers cash rebates for online purchases. It is free to join and has links to hundreds of name brand stores that offer cash back. The more you spend, the more you get back. Earn more money by referring your friends.
  
  
• 2). Look for redemption codes and coupons. Savings.com (see Resources) is a site that aggregates redemption codes and offers numerous discounts on all types of products and services. They may offer free shipping codes as well.
  
  
• 3). Watch shipping and return costs. Many sites such as Zappos.com (see Resources) offer free shipping both ways and have a very liberal return policy. Most brick and mortar stores offer exchanges and returns in store but may not offer free shipping on returns. These costs add up so make sure to check the sites policy before purchasing.
  
  
• 4). There are several price comparison and discount retail sites to choose from that will help ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. Bizrate.com and Mysimon.com (see Resources) are two of the most popular and extensive price comparison sites. You can compare prices from many of the major retailers in one site. You can also shop at discount retail sites such as Overstock.com or Shopzilla.com (see Resources) where merchandise has been discounted considerably.
  
  
• 5). Time your purchase. In some instances such as a birthday or special occasion you can't avoid when you have to make a purchase. However, if you can wait for timely sales such as after Christmas, the savings can be much greater. You can also peruse websites for their huge discounts when they are trying to get rid of their inventory. For example, January is a great time to buy clothes as each retailer is trying to get rid of all of their excess Christmas inventory to make room for the Spring inventory. Big ticket electronics go on sale in late summer to make room for the fall and Christmas inventory. Timing your purchase can save you a lot of money.