A Personal Guide to Smarter Spending

Shopping online can be both incredibly convenient and a bit overwhelming—especially when you're like me, always on the lookout for ways to get the most value for your money. Over time, I’ve picked up some practical tricks that have helped me save real money without compromising on the things I actually want. Whether you're stocking up on essentials or treating yourself to something from your favorite niche—say, vaping gear like the Mr Fog Switch—these hacks can seriously stretch your dollar.

Let me walk you through the exact strategies I use. No fluff, no gimmicks—just straightforward tips that actually work.

Compare Before You Commit

I never buy anything online without comparing prices first. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip this. Sites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or even built-in comparison tools on apps can show you price differences across dozens of platforms.

• Check at least 3 websites before buying
  
  

• Look for deals on brand-specific stores vs big e-commerce sites
  
  

• Consider factoring in shipping fees and delivery times
  
  

For example, sometimes I’ve found vape products like the Mr Fog Max Pro cheaper on direct vape store websites than on major marketplaces, especially when they’re running niche promotions.

Use Coupons and Cashback Sites

I’ve made it a habit to search for discount codes before hitting “place order.” If you’re not doing this yet, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

Here’s what I do:

• Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten
  
  

• Search “[store name] + promo code” before checking out
  
  

• Check if the site is offering any in-house discounts for email signups or first-time buyers
  
  

Cashback sites are another underused goldmine. Even a 2–5% return adds up over time. I’ve had months where I made back $50 or more just from normal shopping.

Abandon Your Cart

Here’s a little psychology trick that works more often than not: abandon your cart.

When I add things to my cart and leave them without completing the purchase, I usually get a follow-up email in a day or two. Many stores will offer a discount or incentive to get you back—like 10% off or free shipping. This especially works on niche product sites where competition is high and they really want your sale.

Shop Incognito or Clear Cookies

Online stores use your browsing data to determine what price to show you. I’ve noticed price differences when browsing in private mode vs normal mode.

Here’s what I suggest:

• Use incognito mode for price checking
  
  

• Clear cookies if you’re returning to a store multiple times
  
  

• Try browsing on your phone vs desktop—sometimes prices vary by device
  
  

This is particularly true during sales events or when there’s a spike in product demand. I once noticed a price drop for the Mr Fog Max Pro Limited Edition just by switching to a different browser.

Time Your Purchases

The timing of your order can directly affect how much you pay. I usually wait for these types of sales unless I urgently need something:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  
  

• End-of-season clearances
  
  

• Mid-month and month-end flash sales
  
  

Retailers often restock or discount inventory mid-month or near the end of a sales cycle. That’s a great window to buy something you’ve had your eye on for a while.

Use Store Rewards and Points

I love loyalty programs. If you’re buying from a store more than once, sign up for their rewards system.

What I’ve learned:

• Points add up fast with regular purchases
  
  

• Many stores offer bonus points for referrals or reviews
  
  

• Birthday rewards and exclusive member deals can save you even more
  
  

Especially with recurring buys like vape pods or devices, rewards programs offer a decent return on your loyalty.

Subscribe and Save

If you buy certain products regularly, look into subscription options. Many stores offer discounts for auto-delivery.

For example:

• 10% off when you subscribe monthly
  
  

• Priority shipping for repeat orders
  
  

• Cancel anytime options for flexibility
  
  

This works great for things you know you'll need—like coils, e-liquids, or pods—without having to reorder every time.

Follow the Brand

One of my go-to tricks is to follow brands on social media and subscribe to their newsletters. That’s where they drop early bird deals, special promotions, and flash sales before anyone else hears about them.

Here’s what I look out for:

• Exclusive codes for followers
  
  

• Announcements for new product drops
  
  

• Insider sales that aren’t advertised on the main site
  
  

I found out about a limited drop of the Mr Fog Switch this way and scored it before it went out of stock. Just don’t let their emails pile up—check them regularly so you don’t miss the good stuff.

Bundle Up to Save

I’ve noticed that bundling products often comes with built-in discounts. If you’re buying more than one item, check if the store offers a package deal.

Bundles can include:

• Starter kits + refills
  
  

• Device + accessories combos
  
  

• Multi-buy discounts (buy 2, get 1 free)
  
  

Always do the math to see if it’s a better deal than buying separately. Some deals offer free shipping once you cross a certain spend limit, which is another sneaky way to save.

Use Alerts and Track Prices

If I’m not in a rush to buy something, I use price tracking tools. This lets me monitor when a product drops in price so I can grab it at the lowest rate.

Tools I’ve used:

• CamelCamelCamel for Amazon
  
  

• Honey’s Droplist
  
  

• Price alert features on certain retail apps
  
  

This helps avoid impulse buys and ensures I only buy when the price is right. Recently, I tracked the price of a Mr Fog Max Pro Limited Edition, and when it dipped by 15%, I jumped on it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Saving money while shopping online isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being smart. I’ve learned that every small step adds up. Whether it’s using a coupon, waiting for the right sale, or scoring early on a new drop like the Mr Fog Switch, these methods have helped me stretch my budget while still enjoying the stuff I love.

The key is consistency. Make these habits part of your shopping routine, and you’ll notice a difference—especially over time. I’ve been able to snag premium products like the Mr Fog Max Pro Limited Edition without paying full price, and honestly, that’s a win in my book.

Happy smart shopping—your wallet will thank you.