Smart shopping is a mantra world over. It is about getting the best deals and saving precious dollars.

Aiding the shopper online are deal comparison websites that bring on tab the price range, product description and more for every product/brand. To become shopping savvy online consumers need to surf the web to locate the most efficient deal comparison websites.

Expert shoppers recommend:

1. Make a list of what you want to purchase. Know the brand name, product nomenclature, description, and item number; jot these down along side the product on your list.

2. Use the internet resources to find out information on the product and read reviews written by unbiased consumers not retailers/manufactures. Determine whether the product is in the top ten categories.

3. Actual price comparison means price of product plus taxes and shipping costs, less any discounts you may be eligible for. So you need to keep this formula in mind when visiting deal comparison websites.

4. Most deal comparison websites offer news letters and email alerts for products. So register on 2-3 deal comparison websites for email/SMS alerts on products you wish to buy.

5. When comparing prices you need to know if cost of product less discount eligible is actually lower that a price offered by another merchant with no discount. Most buyers fail to see the difference as shoppers love discounts and special offers.

6. Collect online coupon codes before you place an order for any product. There are many websites devoted to show casing coupon codes and promotions and other discounts; these can help you get codes applicable to the items you wish to purchase.

7. Buy products only once you have read through the return polices and other details of shipping/guarantees. If you are gifting the product then fill the forms correctly otherwise guarantees may become invalid.

8. Never get taken in by marketing use consumer reviews and media reports to determine which deal comparison websites are owned by leading manufacturers and retailers and which ones promote certain brands/products over others. Also know how to shop safely online by being up to date with federal consumer websites.

Maintaining a lifestyle and not falling into debt is a sensible thing to do. Financial planners recommend creation of a budget and constant monitoring. While retail therapy has its benefits it can be harmful when debt burdens grow large and unmanageable. So buy only what is really useful and only if you can pay the bill by credit card full when due.