While the economy crumbles, more people are turning to online coupons to save money, reports The Wall Street Journal.  Online coupons currently account for 1% of all coupons offered nationwide — but redemption jumped 140% last year.

New technologies are accountable for the changeover from traditional coupon clipping; for example, several companies offer mobile coupons that can be redeemed in the store right from your phone.  In addition,  Stop & Shop and Giant Food have begun offering shoppers  handheld scanning devices that subtotal the bill and make a “ka-ching” noise when shoppers get offered a discount for an item similar to things they’ve bought in the past.

-Maria