Use Technology, Save Money
Technology has drawbacks. There’s the texting throughout dinner, the annoying work email you can’t help but see over the weekend, the surprise Skype call when you’re still in your pajamas. But we could all rattle off a long list of the advantages that come with the territory. Among them is the chance to use technology to save money. Here are some tips, inspired by Investopedia.
Smartphone Apps
Whether iPhones actually save me time and money is still a question to be pondered. After all, the time I save on emails and having what basically amounts to a portable office is counterbalanced by a current addiction to DrawFree. And while the games can be seriously good, it’s worth spending some time looking into what apps can help you with your personal finance. Budgeting tools, of course, abound. Quick Budget is a nice, clean design and easy to use. There are also apps that track your financial goals. If you feel comfortable, you can link them to your accounts to avert the necessity to enter in extra data yourself. It’s not a link I’m comfortable with, but that’s just me. Of course, there are also now apps that help you with shopping as well, either alerting you to the latest deal or which stores are holding specials. As previously mentioned, a nice marketing ploy by Big W has resulted in an app where you scan a product and the relevant price in other stores is displayed.
Organisation
Technology can also assist in small organisational tasks that can result in significant savings over time. For instance, you and your partner can download one of several apps (2Do or Things are examples) that store your shopping list on both phones. Meaning that the shopping list is accessible to both and can be revised, averting the emergency shop visit three times a week.
Coupons
For Australians, the world of coupons was not one we particularly understood. They existed here, but not in a way that was widely accepted as in America. The internet has changed that. Now, promotional codes for online purchases comprise a significant saving strategy. Keeping track of your favourite stores, generally by an email, where promotional codes are offered. Ones I used recently were for Riedl glasses and some Witchery clothes, making a serious saving on both.
Utilities
Nowhere is the need for more efficient technology evident than in our energy usage. No matter where you stand on the debate on global warming, every household can save money by reducing their energy usage. Using technology to do so is key. Switching your normal light bulbs to energy efficient globes will shave off much-needed dollars from your budget. Also investigate whether your energy provider has in-depth mapping of your energy usage. You’ll be surprised where and how you’re using energy and, if you view it over the long-term, you’ll be able to reduce your expenditure significantly. If your provider doesn’t have that capacity, why not research what government or community groups can offer- generally there will be a team to assist in assessing your energy usage and where you can improve and save money.
