Coupon Queen: Money-saving tips for online shopping

Shopping online has become a popular option for many. From food to clothes, electronics and more, hardly a few days go by without me clicking "add to cart." Of course, while shopping online, I'm also watching my budget. Here's how to save money when filling your cart with the click of a mouse. Budget Just as you would with your monthly grocery budget, be sure you have created and are sticking to your online ordering budget. A virtual shopping spree can put a dent in your wallet quicker than hustling from store to store, so it's imperative to plan. Shop with gift cards Whether you shop in-store or online, gift cards are a must. I use the Giant Eagle or GetGo app to buy my gift cards before shopping online. By doing this, I get perks that I can use in the store or at their gas station. You also can buy gift cards in the store, but I find the convenience of using the app works best for my busy life. After purchasing, they arrive in your email pretty quickly. Comparison shop Before checking out, do a quick Google search of the desired item you are looking at. This is especially true for regular Amazon shoppers. Despite the convenience and fast shipping options, it doesn't always have the lowest prices. Be a follower Many retailers will use their social media channels to promote upcoming sales or new product launches. You could be missing out on savings if you aren't following your favorite retailers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They also can use these sites to offer special coupon codes to their shoppers as well. Be patient If you aren't in a rush, wait to check out. If you wait a couple hours, you may get an extra discount offer in your email. Retailers often will send offers hoping you will finish that online order if they sweeten the deal. Hey, it's definitely helped me make my mind up from time to time. Be loyal Signing up for a store's loyalty rewards program can be a money-saver if you frequently use that website. Your points can mean free products and high-value coupons. Avoid shipping costs Free shipping used to be rare, but more and more online retailers are making it standard. At the very least, stores offer free shipping with a minimum order, and it's usually well under the $50 threshold. Children's clothing shop Children's Place offers free shipping on every order, and Target offers it exclusively to its REDcard holders, to name a few. Looking for little discounts online definitely can save you a bundle in the end. Those small savings can add up and make a big difference in your budget. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at Dollar General during its four-day sale Wednesday, June 30, through Saturday, July 3. Sunkist or RC Cola, 2 liter — 85 cents each when you buy three. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.