There are many options out there for those in dire financial straights who want to save cash. Cutting back on expenses, taking on a new job, applying for guaranteed personal loans online – these are all viable options. Then, of course, there's couponing.

The notion of couponing in the online age has risen from mere novelty to something akin to competitive sport. No longer is spending a couple hours on a lazy Sunday clipping coupons the ideal way to reap big savings. No, these days the best savings are found online, with legions of savvy shoppers searching day in and day out for the best bargains. In short: cyberspace is the new frontier for couponers. And when the most savvy folks are saving upwards of 50% of the purchases, it makes this type of couponing a useful ally for many folks who are struggling financially.

Here are some of the better sites around.

Coupons

For those who just want to browse straightforward bargains on a variety of items, there is coupons.com. This site offers free printable coupons on everything from paper towels and aspirin to pasta sauce and frozen vegetables. The site occasionally has deals on apparel and accessories, and there are usually loyalty cards on offer. To redeem the coupons, all visitors need to do is click the offer of their choice and then select the "print coupon" option.

RetailMeNot

This site is usually at the top of most best-of lists due to the staggering amount of coupons on offer. All printable coupons are separated by category and cover just about everything in the world of commerce. Looking for discounts on airfare? The site has it covered. Interested in a discount on that next pizza delivery? RetailMeNot delivers. There are also a number of "free shipping" coupons available from the site. Plus, those who don't have the time and/or inclination to print a coupon can opt for the RetailMeNot's mobile app. It allows the user to simply show a picture of the coupon at checkout via their smartphone.

FatWallet

Another popular site that not only offers an abundance of deals on a variety of items, but doles out generous cash-back rewards as well. But even though the front-page of the site is packed with coupons for everything from electronics to jewelry, the forums are where the real savings are found. That's because FatWallet boasts millions of members, many of whom scour the furthest reaches of cyberspace to deliver the best deals to the site.

BradsDeals

This is good for those primarily looking for savings on apparel, housewares, jewelry and common household electronics. BradsDeals operates in conjunction with a number of retailers, so visitors can find discount codes and printable coupons for some of their favorite stores, such as JC Penny.

Woot!

Woot! touts itself as being one of the first daily deal websites online. More importantly, it has grown with the times and expanded its operation. What started out as a small site offering savings on tech items has evolved into an all-encompassing empire offering deals on almost every item under the sun. It also has a robust community of members who do their part to bring even more discounts to the table.

These are just a few websites that savvy shoppers should add to their browser favorites. By scanning each of these options before making certain purchases, it's possible to save 50% or more on various items.

Author Bio
Christopher McMurphy is a bargain hunter and blogger specializing in commerce, finance and marketing.