12 Tech Tips to Save Money
  1. Use surge protectors or smart plugs and plug your electronic devices into them. When you are not using the devices turn the surge protector or smart plug off. Even if a device is turned off it is still drawing power.
  2. If you still pay for a land line, do you use it? Most of us use our mobile phones exclusively. If you don’t use the land line cancel the service.
  3. Once a year review your expenses. Call your cable company, cell phone provider and others to negotiate a lower rate. If you cannot get the payment reduced shop around for another provider. Cable and mobile phone providers are very competitive. You can often find a less expensive plan. See my article on how I switched to Mint Mobile and am saving hundreds of dollars a year. Save Money with Mint Mobile
  4. When purchasing new electronics check the model and make sure it is not going to become obsolete.
  5. Skip the extended warranties. These can be a huge waste of money and often end up costing more than a repair. The manufactures warranty will cover the item for a few months or years.
  6. When purchasing a new computer or laptop shop around. Often you can find a better price online than you would in the big box stores. Don’t finance the computer. You end up paying more in the end. Instead save until you have enough money to buy it.
  7. Don’t purchase software or apps. You can almost always find a free alternative to paid programs. For example, LibreOffice is free and can replace Microsoft Office, Windows Security antivirus comes with Windows at no additional cost. See my article Free Programs to Replace Expensive Alternatives
  8. Review your streaming services. There are a ton of free streaming choices. Also consider an OTA antenna to replace cable. See my article Cut the Cable and Paid Streaming Services & Watch TV for Free
  9. If you still buy music CD’s, DVD movies or video games buy them at the Goodwill or secondhand store.
  10. Save on printer ink by using the Times New Roman, Ryman Eco, Ecofont Sans and Courier fonts when printing. Print using black ink unless you need color. Also use Print Friendly & PDF when printing a webpage. The site optimizes webpages for printing.
  11. Buy a battery charger and charge batteries instead of buying new.
  12. Use smart home devices to save. see my article Money Saving Devices that Pay for Themselves