Just because you want to live frugally doesn’t mean that you have to live like the Amish. before considering turning off your electricity and acquiring a buggy, check out the following tips for enjoying the technology that your family wants without going over your budget.
One of the ways to enjoy technology at a lower price is to combine services within one technology company. So if you want a cell phone and Internet service, see if you can get a deal when you purchase them together. You can often get bundles with computer equipment, too, such as the computer plus extra peripherals.
Sometimes the newest technology is also the cheapest. Magic Jack, for example is extremely inexpensive, but it is relatively new. There are several voice over IP (VOIP) services that can be less expensive than the regular phone service. So, by upgrading to this new technology, you can save hundreds in the year. But don’t forget to get rid of old redundant technology. The traditional land line can often be eliminated if you already have a cell phone. It is pretty common. If you really don’t want to give up the phone at home, at least upgrade to a digital landline service (This would allow you to have unlimited calling that can also be bundled).
There are times when old technology can save. When the new video game systems came out and were so popular, people started giving away their old systems. My kids were happy to play with the previous generation system, especially when it came with a ton of games and was completely free. Pick up some old technology at yard sales, freecycle.org or Craigslist.
There is a lot of technology that can be taken out of the library for free or for a very small fee. There are video games, MP3 players and more. Some libraries will even rent out Blu-ray and DVD players for use. And of course, you can use the library to access the Internet, whether you bring your own computer or use one of theirs.