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Blog entry by Mitchel Burbank

As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for ways to save money on gifts, decorations, and various other expenses. One valuable resource that can make a significant difference is online shopping. With the right strategies and techniques, one can take advantage of various discounts, free shipping, and seasonal promotions to maximize their holiday savings.

To start with, it is necessary to establish a budget before embarking on any shopping spree. Knowing how much one plans to spend on gifts, decorations, and other expenses can prevent unnecessary overspending. It is also important to create a list of items and set limits for each category, as this will ensure that one does not exceed their budget.

When shopping online, it is essential to take advantage of various discount codes and promotions. There are several websites and apps that offer discounts for using specific codes or provide seasonal promotions for increased savings. There are websites such as Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Coupons.com that offer discount codes and coupon codes for thousands of merchants, including many well-known retailers.

Another strategy is to search for price comparisons between different online stores before making a purchase. Gap, for instance, often offers lower prices than department stores, so searching for similar items between Gap and department store websites can yield significant savings. Sites like PriceGrabber or PriceWith.me can be used to compare prices across multiple stores.

It is also valuable to sign up for email newsletters to receive notifications about ongoing sales and markdowns. Many retailers release exclusive discounts and promotions for their email subscribers. Additionally, leverage loyalty programs offered by retailers like Amazon Prime, Target's RedCARD, or Walmart's Savings Catcher. These programs provide exclusive discounts, freebies and other perks, encouraging members to buy from specific retailers.

Lastly, using smartphones and tablets that offer more precise price comparisons and discount opportunities is increasingly recommended. Many shopping apps use mobile technology to gather real-time information about products, prices, and ongoing promotions. This enables users to quickly compare prices and find the best deals available at that specific moment in time. ShopSavvy, an app particularly popular in the UK, is highly recommended, as it highlights the best deals for the user in their local Walgreens, Costco and other retailers.

It is also worth considering buying gift cards. Many retailers offer gift cards at a discount, making them an appealing way to save money on presents. Gift cards also help the recipient stretch their dollar, as they are redeemable only on the specific retailers' products.

In summary, there are several strategies and techniques that can be used to significantly increase holiday savings. By utilizing these methods, one can ensure they are getting the best deals and maximizing their budget before Christmas. Utilize these savings strategies, use apps and websites to compare prices, track price fluctuations, monthly holidays use gift-cards in case credit card interest or bank charges are negatively impacting your savings. Also, try alternatives such as Amazon's reselling or re-sale websites to sell unwanted purchases. Happy holiday bargain hunting!