There’s nothing quite like shopping in a physical storefront, but it may not be the best place to find the best deals.
Online shopping, on the other hand, provides convenience, a wider range of options, and, when done right, can actually help you save money shopping .
Here are 15 things that are usually better for your wallet to buy online.
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1. Books
There are often deals advertised online for bookstore chains and local wares shops that can’t be scooped up in person.
If you want a great price but don’t want to shop through Amazon – a retailer that often features the best prices on books – bookshop.org will help you support a local bookstore while saving you cash.
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Ordering physical magazines online will get you multiple issues for almost the same price as one at the store.
Some magazines ordered online even come with online memberships, exclusive experiences, samples, or gifts like tote bags. You can often score free subscriptions online as well.
3. Pet food
Pet stores like Pet Supplies Plus and PetSmart have subscription services that will bring the cost of high-quality food to a reasonable place.
Online pickup or delivery from big box stores will get you bulk quantities at great prices, alongside coupon browser extensions and online-exclusive offers.
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4. Medicines
Stacking coupons online is the best way to get reasonable medicine prices. Pharmacies like Walmart will price match, while you can find additional discounts with browser extensions on purchases from stores like Target at Rite Aid.
Cost Plus Drugs is an online-exclusive option that provides affordable medication options.
5. Televisions
Many online retailers will offer big discounts on flat-screen purchases, or include free streaming subscriptions, sound bars, or other television accessories.
6. Coffee and tea
Make sure you have the blend you want by shopping online or keeping your favorites on a delivery schedule, which is usually cheaper than buying the same amount of bags in their shops.
Coffee roasters and tea growers are now branching into more “try it” subscription options, so enjoying different flavors is easier than ever by purchasing online.
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Buying gift cards online can actually save you money. Grab some at a discount when there’s a big sale, get coupons from across the web, or purchase in bulk for a better price.
Purchasing directly through the store’s site can also help cut down on fees.
8. Home fitness equipment
Purchasing home fitness equipment online often comes with perks. Online retailers like Amazon offer a variety of options like free weights, jump ropes, and bikes at great price points.
Brand-specific sites will also often offer exclusive bundles and discounts around the holidays.
9. Laptops
There’s almost always a deal on a laptop on discount sites like Groupon and or even on Amazon. It’s also much easier to compare specifications and consumer reports on a screen without someone trying to upsell you in person.
Plus, tech retailers usually allow you to stack discounts and coupons online.
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While some clothing items deserve an in-person look, it’s way more cost-efficient to nab clothing staples like jeans, t-shirts, and flowy skirts online.
Keeping your eyes on big seasonal sales, price drops, and clearance items can help you update your wardrobe when it’s most convenient – and budget-friendly – for you. And look for online promo codes for an even bigger discount.
11. Toilet paper
Toilet paper can be much less expensive when purchased online. It can easily be set as an automatic subscription, which saves you money.
If you discover you have different needs for your bath tissue, you can find exactly what you like instead of a picked-over selection at your pharmacy.
12. Paper towels and napkins
Paper towels and napkins are also great online purchases. Costco and Sam’s Club have paper products available in bulk so you can purchase at a great price and forget about it.
If you have children or a messy hobby in your life, you can always set them to deliver on a discounted subscription from sites like Amazon and Walmart.
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13. Hair tools
While hair wands, curlers, and dryers are in great supply at your local beauty shop, they are often a pretty big investment. Online retailers can offer the same products at way better prices, or comparable gadgets that make more sense for your needs.
Black Friday sales are also perfect for these items.
14. Printer ink and toner
Stocking up on ink and toner can put a big dent in your wallet. Luckily, online offers through retailers like OfficeMax, Office Depot, and printing centers like Walmart and CVS can make these purchases way more budget-friendly.
Order them in bulk for even more savings.
15. Contact lenses
There are various online contact lens companies offering the same lenses at a far more affordable price than ordering through an optometrist.
You can set up at-home delivery for your prescription through most pharmacies and eye health companies so you never have to worry about keeping them stocked up.
Bottom line
It's easy and rewarding to eliminate money stress by purchasing items online.
Plus, easy delivery or pickup options will remove more decision-making from the process, making shopping anxiety-free. Use this list to make the best money-saving choices and watch your wallet stay full, and your stress deplete.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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