When we moved into our new home, one of the first things that we did was to upgrade the electrical service to provide more amps to the house. Why was this? Well, the electrical service that functioned so well for 50 years previously, just couldn’t keep up with today’s technology.
There are so many new bits of technology out there, from televisions to computers, to cell phones to eReaders, to gaming systems and more. Today, we spend more money on technology than ever before. Keeping the amount we spend on technology under control is essential for a healthy budget.
Here are some tips on how you can save.
Determine Your Needs
With technology, many of us fall into accepting whatever the manufacturers say that we need. While technology can be really fun and useful, determining exactly what you need and opting only for that will save you a lot of money.
For example, what do you really need a cell phone to do? Can you get by with one that only makes calls, or do you really need texting and Internet service? This could mean the difference in hundreds of dollars per year.
In a television, how big do you really need to go? Do you really need a washer and dryer that can be programmed to start hours later or will regular ones with knobs instead of a computer display work fine for your needs? Each family has different needs and priorities.
Get It for Less
Don’t just march into a store and plunk down your credit card for some new technology. Challenge yourself to find a way to get it cheaper. Use coupon codes online, shop sales and consider purchasing a refurbished or last year’s model. Don’t forget to negotiate, too. You may just be surprised at how much you can save.
Take the popular iPad for example. You can buy a new one for $500 or a manufacturer’s refurbished model for $350.