Save money with online coupons

In these tough times, we're all looking for ways to stretch our dollars. Gas prices are high, and the cost of food is increasing. Reducing luxuries may not be enough to help you meet your budget.

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!

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.

Retailers usually offer coupon codes to loyal customers. But, that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them.

Retailers know that coupon codes may be shared with others. They see this as a way to draw in new customers.

A number of sites list coupon codes. Try RetailMeNot.com (one of my advertisers), CouponCabin.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

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.

Valpak is an instantly recognizable name in coupons. On Valpak.com, you'll find coupons in a variety of categories.