DaytonDailyNews.com

Have you ever wondered whether those online offers that pop up on your computer screen will really pay you hundreds of dollars for trying their product?

One area expert shopper can confidently say: "Yes, they do."

Carrie Koors, a 34-year-old Liberty Twp. mom of three who authors a Web site called moneysavingmethods.com, said she has received around $19,000 from these offers in the past three years.

On her site, Koors has created a list of the online offers she has used or researched, and has tips for others about how to navigate the process safely.

She said the companies will ask you to try different products, most of them for free.

"They want to get their products in front of you," she said, "and they will reward you."

Koors, who graduated from Greeneview High School in Jamestown, said initially she was reticent about taking part in these offers.

"I really wanted a flat-screen TV," she said of the first time she decided to give the offers a try. "I looked into it, and ended up getting a $2,000 check.

"If I wouldn't have been so desperate for a TV, I probably wouldn't have clicked," she said. Koors cautioned that "not all of companies are legit. So, don't sign up without researching."

She said one of the best companies to deal with is called Ideal Direct Interactive, which also can be identified as Top Notch Media Inc.

The only way to get to this site and others like it is by clicking on an ad or on a link from a Web site, such as moneysavingmethods.com.

She said that the Ideal site is easy and pays out within four months.

Savvy shopping

In addition to these offers, Koors has a great deal of information on her site that can help you save and earn money.

As an example Koors shows how she saved and earned $26,153 in 2008 (and $2,123 so far in 2009), through numerous avenues, including affiliates, rebates, couponing, bank offers, sale shopping, freebies and the online offers.

"I have always been searching for deals," she said. "When I was in college in Indiana, and my folks were here, I would switch back and forth between telephone carriers to get the best rate."

Koors majored in accounting at Anderson and worked in the accounting and finance departments at NCR for seven years.

She has a special feature on her site this month called Method Madness Marathon, in which she offers daily "homework" about ways to save money.

"January is a wonderful month to shop," she said, citing the great post-holiday sales. "Everybody is trying to get the new product in and get out the old."

Her Marathon advice includes re-evaluating your insurance and cable bills, free tax preparation, how to get discounts on prescriptions and ways to cut grocery costs.

Christmas comes early

Thanks to Koors' planning, methods and sale shopping, she has nearly finished all of her shopping for children's birthday and Christmas presents for 2009 — and she did it in one day.

"I always put together a spreadsheet at the beginning of the year," Koors said, "that keeps me organized and keeps me from overspending."

She said she shopped for her three kids, six nieces and nephews, and about 15 kids' parties.

"And I throw in a couple more gifts just in case my children make a new friend. I donate any extras to Toys for Tots."

When asked whether she worried about the recipients changing their mind about what they want before the gift is opened, Koors said she saves some money for her kids' presents to be spent closer to the big day.

"My oldest nephew is 10, and I know it will get harder as the kids get older," she said. "But I figure their parents will get them what they most desire."

Since Koors only bought items that were at least 75 percent off, she was able to buy presents valued at between $25 and $70 for each of those occasions for a total of $402. By taking advantage of this method, she said she saved her family $1,206 for the year.

Little things add up

Koors said shoppers can do small things to help save money as well.

"Every time I go to a retailer, I ask about loyalty programs or newsletters to sign up for," she said. "There are many ways to save, sometimes people just forget to ask."

She also advises shoppers to check receipts for errors and keep those receipts organized by month.

"If you see something go on sale, you get your receipt and bring it back to the store for a price adjustment," she said. "Between that and rebates, I saved about $300 last year."

For more advice and information, visit Koors' Web site at moneysavingmethods.com.

Another thrifty shopper

Who: Dick Saporito, 60, is our inaugural male shopper of the week

Home/work: Saporito lives in Dayton and has worked at the Beavercreek Lowe's home improvement store for 13 years.

Shopping habits: Saporito doesn't use the Internet to shop, and said he loves to hunt for bargains at the Mall at Fairfield Commons. He frequents stores such as Kohl's, Macy's, Elder-Beerman and J.C. Penney, and watches for the lowest prices and sees where he can get the best deal.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-

7325

or

jikelley

@DaytonDailyNews.com.