COUPON QUEEN: Five reasons to try online shopping

I'll admit it, I was late to online grocery shopping. Although services like Instacart and Walmart Pickup have been around for years, I started using them much later than everyone else. I've always loved a good bargain, and frankly, the idea of paying extra service fees, higher grocery prices and a tip didn't sit well with my frugal ways. Grocery shopping isn't the same stressful event it once was. Now that my boys are older and I can shop alone, wandering the aisles isn't so bad, even though I must admit that there's something to this new way of shopping. My sister-in-law, a working mom of two young kids, swears by Walmart Pickup. My sister, who detests grocery shopping, is a fan of Instacart. Both love the convenience of ordering from their phones and skipping the store altogether. While I'm not trading in my shopping cart permanently, I see real value in doing this at least a few times a year, especially during busy seasons, while on vacation, or when sticking to a tight grocery budget. Here are five frugal reasons to try online grocery shopping: Fewer impulse buys How often do you walk into the store for "just a few things" and walk out $50 over budget? With online shopping, you can review your cart before checkout and remove those unnecessary extras, I'm looking at you, seasonal snacks, fancy cheeses, gourmet chocolates, bakery cupcakes, limited-edition drinks and that cute mug I didn't need. Watch your total in real time Most grocery pickup or delivery platforms update your subtotal as you add items to your virtual cart. This helps you stay within your weekly grocery budget and make adjustments before it's too late. No more awkward moments at the register or having to return items. Sales and coupons are still available Don't worry, bargain hunters, digital deals are here too. Stores like Giant Eagle, Buehler's and Meijer offer online access to their weekly ads and virtual coupons. Some apps even highlight sale items or let you filter your search by deals. Save time (and gas) Online grocery ordering allows you to shop anytime, from your couch, your kid's soccer practice, or even during a lunch break. Schedule a pickup at your convenience, and you're in and out of the lot in minutes. It's beneficial during hectic weeks or when you've got little ones in tow. I love using grocery delivery when on vacation. Time is limited, and I'd rather spend it in the pool than shopping in-store, even if it costs a little extra. Avoid 'store traps' Retailers design their layouts to encourage overspending. This is done by placing tempting items at eye level, using endcap displays, and the delicious smells coming from the bakery. Online shopping helps you avoid the psychology of in-store marketing altogether. If you want to keep your costs even lower when choosing online grocery shopping, here are a few things to keep in mind. Choose pickup over delivery as delivery fees and tips can add up fast. You can also choose budget-friendly stores, which often keep their prices lower, even online.Lastly, sign up for store loyalty accounts as they often unlock app-only deals or exclusive digital coupons. Online grocery shopping isn't for everyone, and it won't replace all your trips to the store; however, if you haven't tried it yet, it might be time to give it a try. With the right strategy, it can be a smart and frugal way to save both time and money. This week's deal Here are some deals to grab this week at Target:30 percent off select shoes and backpacks25 percent off select kids' and toddlers' clothing 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 rachelkrych@gmail.com.