Many American families are looking for ways to save money thisholiday season while putting gifts under the tree. While usingcoupons can help shoppers keep more money in their pockets, thereare several other simple ways consumers can significantly reducetheir shopping bills.

* Earn cash back through online shopping. Online shopping is onthe rise. It’s convenient and eliminates the time and gas neededfor a trip to local stores. One of the best ways to save when youshop online is to sign up for a free account with a cash backshopping website. ShopAtHome.com is the largest, andit lets you earn cash back on every purchase you make at yourfavorite online retailers. For instance, the site offers 5 percentcash back when you shop at Target.com and 8percent cash back at Sephora.com. To earn cash back, you simplyvisit ShopAtHome.com and then click through to your favorite storeand shop like you normally do online. When you’ve earned $20 incash back, the site mails you a check.

* Use online coupon codes, including free shipping offers.Retailers distribute thousands of online coupon codes each year.Some offer a percentage discount on your purchase while othersoffer free shipping on your order. According to a recent survey byShop.org, four out of five online retailers will offer freeshipping at some point during this holiday season. You can find acomplete list of freeshipping coupons online at ShopAtHome.com. Best of all, you cancombine using coupon and free shipping codes with earning cash backon your purchases.

* Shop during sales to multiply your savings. Most retailershold sales during the holidays. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aretypically the best days to find items at marked down prices. Someconsumers save up to 60 to 75 percent by combining coupon codes andearning cash back during a major sales event.

* Visit a price comparison site before you buy. Sites likeNexTag.com, BizRate.com or PriceGrabber.com will identify the topthree stores offering the best deal on an item taking into accountthe price, shipping and taxes. To maximize your savings, visit oneof these sites, select two of the most competitively-priced stores,and then look for coupon codes and see which store offers the mostcash back when you buy online.

* Sign up to receive freebies, which make great stockingstuffers. Many companies give away samples of their products as away to promote those items. From cosmetics to food to pet treats,you can find many free product offers online and simply request onebe sent to you. Free samples are usually mailed to you with no feeor shipping charge, making the item entirely free to receive.