The financial website LoveMoney.com suggests that shopping online is typically less expensive than shopping in a store, according to an experiment conducted by a writer for the site. Laura Starkey, the consumer who conducted the experiment, said that using the internet to compare prices helped her save on items such as DVDs, books and entertainment devices.

It can be very time consuming to compare deals when shopping at a mall or retail store. However, when shopping online, a simple click of the mouse can let you compare an item's price at many different retailers.

"It's easy , it's convenient - and furthermore, I think it's a brilliant way to get better prices on a lot of things," Starkey said. The web-savvy shopper was able to save on 10 purchases she made in one month by using the internet.

Shopping online is also a good way to protect personal information. When browsing in a store, thieves can steal personal information and make fradulent charges, often leaving the victim in debt. There are many services that help users keep their personal information secure while making purchases online.