Clever Ways to Save Money with Everyday Technology
It’s no secret that there are many ways to spend your money these days. With every company looking to part you from your hard-earned cash, you need to find a way to actually save some money. Here are some ways to trim some of your expenditures by using technology that’s easily available.
VoIP Calls
Voice over Internet Protocol is a way to make phone calls for free or very low-cost over your internet connection. Instead of maintaining an obsolete landline or an expensive cellular connection, try making calls using a VoIP app. You can call from your computer or even your regular smartphone by simply connecting through your WIFI connection. This is a great solution for those who do not make a lot of calls and are tired of overpaying for phone service.
Free E-Books
Not everyone has time to go to the library, and even if they do, physical books can be quite cumbersome. That leaves e-books as your reading solution. There’s a catch, though, and that is all of those e-books can add up in a hurry and put quite a dent in your bank account. Instead of paying for books that you will likely only read once, why not search for an app that allows you access to thousands of e-books for free? There are many available and a quick internet search will lead you to the one that suits you best.
Refinance Your Student Loans
While getting your education was certainly a wise move, those student loans and their higher-than-necessary interest rates are probably quite the drag on your monthly finances. If you have been paying your other bills on time and have at least decent credit, take the time to shop around for a refinance loan. You may qualify for a loan that offers better interest rates, which will in turn allow you to pay it off faster. You may also want to see if you can shorten the payment plan which can really save you money on interest.
Switch Your Video Providers
Why pay for television if you don’t have to? While everyone may be in love with Netflix, Hulu, or the myriad of other paid video subscription services, they are also paying an extraordinary amount of money every year to enjoy them. If you just enjoy watching whatever happens to be on or prefer older movies and tv shows, sign up to any of the free video services that are offered. The only catch with these services is that there are commercials, but those give you the perfect excuse to get up for a snack or restroom break.
Smart Lightbulbs
While LED lightbulbs are a great way to save money on your electric bill, smart lightbulbs are an even better option. With the ability to be controlled by remote control, dimmed at will, and programmed to provide specific lighting scenarios on a set schedule, they will save you a ton of money during their lifetime. They may cost significantly more initially, but they can last as long as 15 years. This means you won’t be spending money on burned-out bulbs.
