COUPON QUEEN: Amazon's Prime Day can save big

Amazon's Prime Day is back, and it's not just a day, it's four! From today through Friday, you can expect thousands of deals to drop around the clock. Savvy shoppers know the best savings come from knowing what to buy and what to skip. First, if you've been eyeing any Amazon-branded gadgets, now is the time to make a purchase. Echo speakers, Ring doorbells, Blink cameras, Kindles and Fire tablets all hit rock-bottom prices during Prime Day. Some come bundled together, allowing you to connect your home with several devices at a lower cost than purchasing them individually. Second, tech lovers should keep an eye on personal electronics and smart home gear. Brands like Apple, Fitbit, Samsung and Sony tend to offer significant discounts on headphones, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, laptops, portable chargers, security cameras, smart plugs and even garage door openers. If you've been putting off upgrading your gear, now's a good time. While you might want to skip the large appliances, focus on small home and kitchen appliances instead. Air fryers, toaster ovens, blenders, vacuums and air purifiers are usually deeply discounted from top brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, Vitamix, and Keurig. Prime Day isn't all about gadgets, either. Don't overlook everyday household essentials. Stock up on batteries, pantry staples, dog food, toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent. These are often hot prices and they can sell out quickly. Clothing deals often fly under the radar but can be surprisingly good. Amazon Essentials slashes prices, and you'll usually find big-name brands like Under Armour, Carhartt and Nautica on sale as well. It's a great time to update your wardrobe. Remember, back-to-school clothing deals aren't just for the little ones; grab a few things for yourself. If you've got students in the house, Prime Day is perfect for back-to-school shopping. Get backpacks, lunch boxes and supplies for the little ones, but don't forget about dorm essentials, too. Moving bags, bunk shelves, laundry bags and other dorm essentials will also be on drop. Don't stop at Amazon! Big retailers roll out their own deals to compete for your dollars. Target's Circle Week runs now through Saturday with sales on home goods, fashion and personal care. Plus, you can get same-day pickup at most stores. Walmart's Deals Event runs through Sunday , and Best Buy's "Black Friday in July" sale is ongoing through Sunday. Best Buy can often match or beat Prime Day with bonus bundles and gift cards included. Bottom line: Plan ahead, compare prices and stick to what you need. With a few tips under your belt, you'll keep more money in your pocket and have fun doing it. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at Walgreens.Buy 2 DiGiorno pizzas at $7.99 eachBuy 1, get 1 free sale= $7.99 total – just $4.00 each! Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.