to shop or not to shop

So it is inevitable that people like to shop. As much fun as window shopping is, I have learned that even if something is on sale, you can probably get it online for considerably less.

At this time of year, I am sure many people, like myself, receive the precious "Friends and Family" emails in their inboxes. While you can use these fabulous coupons in the brick and mortar store, based on my experiences, I have found that using these coupons online might enable you to save even more money, or get free samples with your purchase.

* Macy's Friends and Family - 25% off. Enter coupon code MACYSAFF at checkout (expires 5/3/10)





* Lord & Taylor - 20% off regular and sale merchandise. 25% off jewelry. Enter coupon code PERFECT (expires 5/3/10)



If you have not heard of ebates.com, I am about to give you a huge present. If you like to shop online, still be able to use coupon codes (see below) and get cash back, then ebates is your new best friend. Using ebates is very simple. For example, if you want to purchase a lip gloss at sephora.com, first, go to ebates.com. Find the link to Sephora in Select A Store. Click the Sephora link and it will take you to sephora.com. By clicking on the Sephora link, you will create an Ebates Tracking Ticket which will track your purchase and give you 4% cashback of whatever you spend. The percentage cash back varies based on the store, but even if it is 1% cash back, if you are going to shop, which you are, why not get money back. To shop online and not use ebates is costing you money, plain and simple. Almost every store you can imagine is on ebates, even though some of my favorites such as Amazon and Zappos are missing. If you don't have an ebates account, do yourself and your bank account a favor and click below:

Take me to Ebates --> http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=kv%2F4fPNr3%2F0O0oYHax5gIw%3D%3D


However, don't forget about my other best friend, the coupon code....

EVERY TIME, yes every time, you shop online (using ebates, of course) you should do a google search to see whether a coupon code exists for whatever website you are going to. Many websites exist that list coupon codes for different stores and often state the code's expiration date and success rate. Even if they all do not work, it is worth the extra five minutes to see if you can get free shipping or even get a percentage or dollar amount off. Sometimes you can even get a precious free gift with certain coupon codes at stores such as Sephora.

Happy Shopping :)