The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Online

Whether you buy things on the internet for convenience or because you can't get out to a store to pick up the items you need, shopping online has become a multi-billion dollar business that most people take advantage of at some point in their lives. It's easy, usually offers quick deliveries, and doesn't typically cost much extra to use.

In today's world, you can shop online for almost anything. Groceries, for example, can be ordered online in the morning and delivered in as little as two hours by personal shoppers who hand select your produce and text you with updates as they shop. Clothing, personal items, car parts and more can all be ordered online with many stores offering overnight or two-day delivery options.

To help you find what you need and get the best deals online, we've developed this handy guide. In it, you'll learn how to stay safe online, where the best shopping sites are for both groceries and other items, and how various delivery services work.

We've also compiled nine different ways you can save money when shopping online so you can make your dollars stretch farther than ever.

As you settle in to make your next purchase, remember to follow smart online safety tips. Use two-factor authentication, for example, where possible to keep your banking information secure.

Carefully check incoming emails from stores to be sure they match up to what you're doing and are coming from legitimate sources. There are lots of scammers out there using techniques like phishing and formjacking in attempts to get your personal financial information; taking a few extra minutes to confirm details could save you time, hassle and heartache in the long run.

Above all, have some fun with your shopping. Retail therapy is sometimes a great way to unwind and having someone else do the grocery shopping (and deliver those bags!) can save you time which frees up your schedule so you can unwind with your family and friends.