INDIANAPOLIS — Before clicking confirm or checking out at a store, there are a few things you want to do to get the best price.
If you are shopping in person, the app Shop Savvy lets you scan an item and see if there's a better price at a different store nearby. If you find a cheaper price, show it to an employee, and ask for a price match.
To compare Amazon prices, plug an item's link into the website Camel Camel Camel. Nerdwallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer said the site pulls up the price history for shoppers.
"It just lets you know is this a good time to buy or a bad time, maybe you should wait a few weeks," Palmer said.
You can also earn cash back on purchases. Think of websites like Rakuten and RetailMeNot as supplements to a rewards credit card.
The sites offer anywhere from 1% up to 20% cash back. Just go to their websites first, click the offer and it will redirect you to the store, where you'll shop as normal.
Before you check out, try a browser extension like Capital One Shopping or Honey. They search the internet for coupons and codes, and plug them in automatically.
But before you sign up for any of these services, make sure you're OK with the tradeoff.
"They do collect your information. So, you have to enter your email address, sometimes your phone number and you will get follow up email advertisements," Palmer said.
For the cash back sites, double check that all your purchases were picked up, so you don't miss out on any money.