Komputer Klinic: Specialty sites, coupons help save money

In these tough times, we're all looking for ways to stretch our dollars. Fortunately, the Web can help us make the most of our dollars. Sites can find the lowest prices on items. Others provide good, old coupons.

PRICE COMPARISON SITES

Some Web sites offer better prices than others. So how do you find the best prices online? Price comparison sites!

Price comparison sites list prices from various stores. You don't need to visit a number of e-tailers to find the best deals.

Three such sites are Pricegrabber.com, NexTag.com and Shopping.com. They are most helpful if you already know what you want to buy. Simply enter the item, and in return you'll see a list of online retailers offering the product.

You can sort them by price or the stores' ratings. Shoppers' reviews determine the ratings. I'd rather pay a little more and buy from a well-rated store. Doing business with a disreputable store is no way to save money.

When you've made your decision, click through to purchase the product. Or use this information to your advantage off-line.

Many brick-and-mortar stores will match or even beat prices found online.

Take your best price to a store and ask to speak to a manager.

COUPON CODES

Online stores don't accept coupons, do they? Wrong! Many online stores like Amazon accept coupon codes. These are the electronic equivalent of coupons.

When you check out, you simply enter the code. The price is automatically adjusted to reflect your savings.

Coupon codes often give you free shipping. But some coupon codes will give you 10 percent or more off your order.

A number of sites list coupon codes. Try CouponCabin.com, RetailMeNot.com and CurrentCodes.com. Enter the name of a retailer to find applicable coupons. Or browse by retailer category. You may even find printable coupons that can be used at local stores.

LOCAL COUPONS

These days you'll find a wide range of products online. Even food and other household products are available. But you will want to buy perishables locally. Fortunately, Web sites offer coupons you can use locally.

Your first stop should be your local newspaper's site. You can find advertising circulars, just as you would in the newspaper. Some sites even offer coupons you can print out. Redeem them at local businesses.

Google also has incorporated local coupons into Google Maps. However, they can be difficult to find. So try a special link that will list the coupons available in your area. You can search through the coupons to find ones that will help you.

These aren't the only places you'll find coupons that can be used locally. A number of sites feature printable coupons. Valpak is an instantly recognizable name in coupons. On Valpak.com you'll find coupons in a variety of categories.

Begin by entering your ZIP code. A list of coupons will appear, separated by category. Categories include auto, beauty, food and restaurant coupons. Click a coupon to view it. If you want to use it, print it. Redeem it at the local business.

Other sites to try are CoolSavings.com and WOW-Coupons.com.