A recent search for discounts on heartburn medication illustrates how helpful the Internet can be when shopping for just about anything.

I tried to get a coupon for the prescription drug Nexium by using a Web site called OPTIMIZERx, which I've written about previously, but no offers were available. Never one to be stopped in the search for bargains, I tried one of my old search engine tricks. Using Google, I typed in "Nexium coupons" and found a Web site named Internet Drug Coupons that also offers prescription drug coupons. Sure enough, it had a coupon for Nexium, offering a discount of up to $50 per month!

Whenever shopping for anything, type in the name of what you're looking for and then the word "coupon" in Google or another Internet search engine.  For example, thinking about sending flowers? Type in "Proflowers coupon" and Google will generate a list of coupons to choose from. So the lesson is this:  Before making a purchase, always use the Internet to hunt for coupons. The savings could be just a click away!

Charlie Stroller, president, CEO and CFO of Financial Advisor magazine's parent company CFPN, has 25 years' experience running companies and has specialized in expense reduction and cost containment. Those who know him can attest that he is an expert on finding the best deals when it comes to both business and personal expenditures.