We all know that the internet has changed everything forever, but now it’s up to us all individually to get the most out of it.  Many love social media, the chance of self-promotion or business online.  Others may like to use the internet to sell used clothes, buy face cream or do their Christmas shopping without the hassle.  The most important thing is from Champagne to Shipping Companies, Makeup to motors you can definitely find yourself a bargain if you search online for your services.

When you utilise your search engine you’ll often find the better options are offered at the top of the results list.  Alliance Shipping Companies is one such.  This usually implies the listed firm runs a reputable, reliable business that is trustworthy and cost effective. These days we can “search” for comparison sites.   These will offer you a whole host of different companies that will provide what you’re looking for at varying costs.  It’s a wonderful way to genuinely compare services, right down to postage and packing costs!

Services such as holiday or flight bookings can help you save hundreds annually or you might like to find cheaper groceries with free delivery.  It’s worth looking into receiving a weekly email from the online “promotion” or “discount code” companies who will keep you abreast of what’s cheapest in the coming weeks.

Remember to use the internet search tools as your way of negotiating cheaper prices, shop around frequently and don’t be afraid of changing service providers for gas and electricity.

For many years I enjoyed a great relationship with an Insurance “Broker”.  Imagine their horror when the internet replaced them!  It’s now completely possible to be your own online “Insurance Broker”.  Comparison sites, expert advice abounds and you can even pit one firm against another by telling them you’ve found a cheaper deal elsewhere.  Chances are your existing firm will match it in order to keep your business.

Whilst it’s possible to insure almost anything these days, most of us are faced with the same few items – Home, contents and car insurance.  Don’t be tempted to pay for your car insurance with monthly installments as you will always be charged interest that will bump up the premium. Opt to keep your excess amount high and shop around online using the money comparison sites.  It’s best to protect your no claims bonus and be honest about how much you’re prepared to pay if you have a small accident.

The competition is fierce out there.  Everyone wants your business which inevitably puts you in a strong position.  Never automatically accept the renewal amount, always compare renewal prices online.  Be aware though that not all of the sites cover all of the Insurance firms.  If you can search them in the right order, then look out for the best cash back deals as well, you’ll be in a very strong position.  All these things can affect your premium. Slightly adjust your renewal date and put down your profession in a sensible way, try to avoid looking high risk by putting “Film actor and stuntman!”  - unless of course, you really are!

I have only recently got into selling my unwanted things online via auction sites. I am finding that, after a bit of a learning curve, I am quite good at it and rarely fail to sell an item. Online auction sites have brought the “Bring and Buy” from the Church Hall to your computer and there is a wonderful array of brand new items available too.

A number of new Auction sites online have sprung up recently – each has a certain twist or difference from another. Some offer “no fees to be paid for sellers”; others are for “items to be collected only, after the sale”. Let’s suppose you want to sell a designer shirt. Lay the shirt on a good plain background, take 3-4 excellent photos and be sure to take a photo of any defect. Think of a good headline and be sure to spell everything correctly as misspelt words will put off buyers. Be very honest about any marks on the shirt and explain why you are selling, how you want to be paid and how soon you will ship the item after payment.

Should any item not arrive at the Buyer’s home, remember it is your responsibility to deliver. You should always obtain proof of posting, and then pursue a claim with the Post office. However, you will have to offer a full refund to your buyer in order to avoid negative feedback.

I have enjoyed purchasing many items over the years from online auction sites and have discovered that I can now link my purchases to sites that offer me loyalty points. It’s a win win situation!

Looking for discounts or shopping comparison sites online? To save money and stretch those pounds even further you have to do a little, painless research on the internet to come up with the best bargain price for your goods.

There are a fair number of voucher and comparison sites nowadays, but I have found that one of the most reliable and simple to use sites is Outrate – www.outrate.co.uk. Let’s suppose you want to buy a particular brand of face cream. Put the product name into the site’s search bar and up will come a list of possible money saving options. These options may include vouchers, promotion codes or just plain bargain sites. Click on one that appeals and you will be sent straight to that bargain site. Items covered include anything from washing machines to holidays abroad, DIY to DVDs. You name it and you will almost definitely be able to find the cheapest on offer.

To test the site I chose a selection of very particular designer goods and some basics and each time I was rewarded by a choice of great sites that would offer very competitive rates – or downright bargain prices. In these days of economical hardship, it’s the way to go online.

These comparison sites have become very useful consumer tools with a loyal following of fans who believe they can and do make significant savings on their purchases.

Have a comparison site or online voucher site on your toolbar for the next time you want to buy something large – or small!

Traditionally High street stores in the UK hold sales in the summer and just after Christmas. If you shop online, you can have access to fantastic sales and bargain prices all year round, because of the sheer quantity of sites.

The first thing to be sure of when you look for a bargain online is that you definitely need the item. Don’t be persuaded to “buy one get one free” because at the end of the day, the extra item is just your money sitting on the shelf. The second action should be a search for your online bargain, whatever the item, be sure to obtain a discount or special promotion code from one of the many special sites. You will almost certainly find a 5-10% off, free delivery or special offer code if you look.

You should also search for the “best deal sites” online which can help you achieve bargain prices from anything from crockery to computers, laptops to lipsticks. These sites are filled with “Deals of the Day”. You may find a special offer listed for Yoghurt, for a country cottage in Devon or for special headphones or games. You then click on the link to the store that’s offering this special and buy.

If you are looking for a particular item – say a washing machine or TV – it’s also possible to find the cheapest on sale. You will be asked how much you’d like to spend and the make and size of your TV and will be forwarded to the online store offering this bargain. It’s the only way to purchase and it’s surprising that these websites are not more heavily promoted.