Dare to Compare

It's a big gamble to wait until the last minute to purchase that big ticket item in hopes of a sale. Comparing prices online before you head out to the store can save you time and money. With so many retailers competing for your holiday dollars, shipping specials and online exclusives can really make buying your gifts online worth the effort.

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Technology is Your Friend

Our love for and dependence on technology has transformed everything, including the holiday shopping experience. There are countless resources available for the busy holiday shopper, all at the touch of a button (or slide of the finger across an iPhone).

Many retailers have taken steps to reach out to holiday shoppers with user-friendly tech features that make the shopping experience quicker, easier and more cost-effective. One store that has done a fantastic job of tapping into consumer's techie needs is Target. Between the store's mobile website and free iPhone App, a shopper can research a product, keep track of shopping lists, see if the store they are visiting has the product and even see where in the store that product is located.

Target certainly isn't alone in this effort. Before you head out to your favorite store, check to see if they have a mobile application for your smartphone that will help you decide if you really need to trek all the way to the store.