Shop smarter online to stretch dollar

So, here’s the thing: I spend too much money.

Yep, there’s no two ways about it. It’s in my nature to play fast and loose with my finances.

Constantly spending my money on the frivolous, often indulging the impulse buy and failing to put together anything even resembling a budget, I find myself days away from my next paycheck with mere dollars to get me through.

I’ve managed to live this way basically consequence-free for the majority of my 29 years. Mostly it has just caused me minor discomfort for a few days until the moment when, every other Friday, my employer gives me another bit of money.

So, imagine my surprise then when I was faced with the first genuine economic downturn of my financially independent life. Like many of you, I’ve felt the pinch of these harsh economic times, and the force with which the American economy can pack a punch has rocked me back a few times.

About a year ago, however, fate handed me a job at the bargain-hunting Web site DealTaker.com. I’ve learned a few tricks and tips that have helped me save money and stretch my dollars.

Shop online: I do most of my nongrocery shopping online. There are two reasons. First off, before buying at a brick-and-mortar store it’s always worth researching online. Nine times out of 10 I have managed to find the item I’ve been looking for less than in the store.

Remember that any item you find in your brick-and-mortar location of a store can often be found for less on the store’s Web site. It is always worth checking out.

Coupons: Yes, this dear old friend to bargain-hunters everywhere is still a big player. But the days of scissors and paper cuts have been replaced by coupon codes and e-mails.

These days, almost all online merchants have discovered the value of providing coupon codes for their customers.

The bargain-hunting world is a bigger community than one might expect, and every day there are armies of people scouring the Internet looking for a way to save a few dollars.

For merchants this means that there is a solid chance that the coupon they just posted can go viral, spreading to the far reaches of the Internet in the blink of an eye. More eyes means more visits. More visits mean more money.

It is an easy decision

For you this means that there is no shortage of coupon codes out there. There are very few online retailers anymore that do not provide coupons and if you are not using them then you are leaving money on the table.

Check out bargain-hunting sites, sign up for store e-mails to have coupons delivered to your inbox, or even just do a quick Google search to help keep your billfold at its beefiest.

Free shipping: It is your friend. A downside to online shopping is that the shipping charges can negate some of the money you are saving. Online stores have gotten wise to this problem, and the free-shipping coupon is the holy grail for the bargain hunter.

Have patience: See an item you are interested in but it’s still a little out of your price range? Wait a week. It’s a common occurrence for the bargain-hunter to make a purchase only to see it for less a few days later. Things change quickly out there, and waiting a few days for a new coupon or sale will almost always pay off.

Taking advantage of these suggestions can make a big difference. Over the weeks and months ahead I’ll try to bring you information about the tips and tools in my “travels” through the bargain-hunting world. And remember: Never pay full price!

Dylan Biles is a moderator and bargain-hunter for DealTaker.com, an online shopping Web site owned by Media General. E-mail him at .