In these tough times, we're all looking for ways to stretch our dollars.

Gas prices are high, and the cost of food is increasing.

Reducing luxuries may not be enough to help you meet your budget.

The Web can help us make the most of our dollars.

Some sites can find the lowest prices on items, others provide good old coupons.

PRICE COMPARISONS DONE FOR YOU

Some Web stores offer better prices than others.

Price comparison sites list prices from various online stores so you don't need to slog through loads of e-tailers' sites to find the best deals.

Three such comparison sites: www.Pricegrabber.com, www.NexTag.com and www.Shopping.com.

They are most helpful if you already know what you want to buy.

Enter the item and you'll see a list of online retailers offering the product.

You can sort them by price or the stores' ratings. Shoppers' reviews determine the ratings. I'd rather pay a little more and buy from a well-rated store. Doing business with a disreputable store is no way to save money.

Don't rely only on positive reviews. Read the negative reviews to understand the problems other shoppers have encountered.

When you've made your decision, click through to buy the product.

Or use the information to your advantage offline.

Many brick-and-mortar stores will match or even beat prices found online.

Take your best price to a store and ask to speak to a manager.

COUPON CODES FOR SHOPPING ONLINE

Many online stores, such as www.Amazon.com, accept coupon codes.

These are the electronic equivalent of coupons.

When you check out, you simply enter the code. The price is automatically adjusted to reflect your savings.

Coupon codes may give you free shipping or price discounts.

Retailers usually offer coupon codes to loyal customers.

But that doesn't mean that others can't take advantage of them.

Retailers know that coupon codes may be shared with others.

They see this as a way to draw in new customers.

A number of sites list coupon codes. Try www.CouponCabin.com, www.RetailMeNot.com and www.CurrentCodes.com.

Enter the name of a retailer to find applicable coupons. Or browse by retailer category. You may even find printable coupons that can be used at local stores.

LOCAL COUPONS TO PRINT OUT

These days, you'll find a wide range of products online. Even food and other household products are available.

But you will want to buy perishables locally. Some Web sites offer coupons you can use locally.

Your first stop should be your local newspaper's online site.

You can find advertising circulars, just as you would in the newspaper.

Some sites even offer coupons you can print out and redeem at local businesses.

Google also has incorporated local coupons into Google Maps. But they can be difficult to find.

So try this special link that will list coupons in your area: www.maps.google.com/coupons.

These aren't the only places you'll find coupons that can be used locally. A number of sites feature printable coupons.

Valpak is an instantly recognizable name in coupons. At www.Valpak.com, you'll find coupons in various categories.

Begin by entering your zip code.

A list of coupons will appear, sorted into categories such as auto, beauty, food and restaurant coupons. Click a coupon to view it.

If you want use it, print it. Redeem it at the local business.

www.CoolSavings.com and www.WOW-Coupons.com are other sites to try.