Websites which can help you save money before shopping.

NBC
Published: November 11, 2008

Shoppers may be cutting back this year, but they are starting their holiday shopping early. 

The National Retail Federation reports 40.2 percent of consumers have already started their holiday shopping, in fact, they started before Halloween. 

And everyone is looking to save, so here are a few tools to help you save. 

First, there are a number of websites that’ll show you black Friday sales before the fliers make your mailbox or the local paper.

So if you’ll be braving the crowds, make your list and check it twice, because these types of websites can help you find the best deals.

And did you ever notice, sometimes the best deals, are the least advertised?

That’s ok, because you can see where other shoppers are finding good deals on websites like slickdeals.com and fatwallet.com.

Check the hot deals forum on either site and you’ll see where all the bargain hunters are sharing their finds.

Now, if you want to wait for what you think is a good price for an online product, check dealalerter.com. 

You can compare prices and ask to be alerted if the product falls to the price you’re willing to pay.

And remember, whenever you see or hear the word “sale” don’t just think it means you’re automatically saving and getting a good deal. 

Because one of the keys to saving money is to really know what a good price is.

A good site to check the price history of items is pricespider.com.

Once you know the range, then, you’ll know if you’re getting a good deal.

And always use shopping bots like shopzilla, pricegrabber, and one of my favorites, dealcatcher.

Most websites are updated daily during the holiday season with new sales and discounts.