(ARA) – Time is money – even if you’re not a skilled worker on the clock or a corporate mogul who makes thousands of dollars an hour. These days, no one can afford to waste either time or money, especially busy mothers trying to balance the demands of caring for a family, running a household and bringing income to the family’s coffers.

The average American mother spends nearly an hour a day purchasing products and services and more than two hours a day on household activities like housework, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clearly, streamlining tasks like shopping can help mothers save money and make their lives easier.

“Smart shopping isn’t just about saving cash, it’s also about saving time,” says Anna Teoli, online shopping expert and founder of the blog MommySavesBig.com. “Online shopping can make buying cheaper and easier, if you know how to do it and where to look for deals. If you hop online without a game plan, however, you can quickly feel overwhelmed – an experience that will cost you time and money.”

Teoli offers some tips for smart online discount shopping:

Know your coupon types

Not all coupons are created equal – and not all of them work in the same way. Some online coupons must be printed out and taken in person to a store for redemption. Others must be printed and mailed. Coupon codes work for online purchases – just enter the code in the appropriate field at check out to receive the discount.

Nearly every major company and brand that sells something online offers printable coupons or coupon codes. Some place this information on their websites, while others distribute it through third-party marketers. Sites like MommySavesBig.com have made finding coupon deals easier by consolidating information in one place.

Refine your deal-searching

Look for websites that allow you to zero in on what you want, rather than wade through offers for items you’ll never use. Manufacturer or retailer websites may help you find deals on specific products or types of products. Other sites might cater to those looking for online deals on electronics, apparel or groceries. Still others, like MommySavesBig.com, focus on products and services of particular interest to a specific demographic group, like mothers.

Cheap is good, but free is better

Many manufacturers offer free samples (sometimes in very limited quantities). You can probably stock your closet with cosmetics, personal care and baby items by simply requesting free samples. If you actually have time to read, you can find free magazine subscriptions online too. Plus, many retailers offer free catalogs, hoping to entice you into making a purchase while off-line.

Don’t go it alone

Why do all the online leg work when you can reap the rewards of other people’s experience? Many sites now allow users to post information and links to deals they’ve discovered – deals which may be of interest to other users like you. Begin your online deal-hunting with this type of site. You’ll find promotional codes, free stuff, mail-in rebate forms, sweepstakes entry forms and contest information online at websites like MommySavesBig.com.

“The advantage of a site that consolidates deal information is that much of the search work is done for you and thousands of great shopping and saving opportunities are presented in one spot,” Teoli says. “Add the time you save to the money you can save, and online shopping can be a big win for your family.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent