Ten Ways Technology Can Save You Money

In a world that continues to industrialise and modernise, technology forms the vanguard, providing new and improved ways of living. In this way, technology is an investment that can pay for itself in the long run. Here are ten ways technology can save you money…

Smart Technology, Smart Money

From the smart phone in your pocket to the lightbulbs illuminating your living room, technology has taken over almost every facet of our daily lives. And while the influx of all things tech can seem overwhelming, keeping up with technology trends and technological devices can help reduce your monthly expenses.

Smart Phones Save You Money and Time

The latest iPhone, Huawei or Samsung device usually comes with an impressive camera, long-lasting battery life, storage space you’ll probably never completely use - and a hefty price tag. The costs of these handheld devices can be hair raising, but a little digging shows that much of the cost is recovered in the way cellular phones save you money. They provide all the utilities any individual, or business owner, could need: manage your calendar, access emails, manage your subscriptions, store information like eBooks, PDFs and other important documents, and even shop online while on the go. Being able to perform these tasks from the palm of your hand not only saves you money - it saves you a lot of time, too!

Cars Are Smart, Too

Phones are not the only devices getting smarter; recent years have seen a massive technological change in motor vehicles, equipping them with facilities such as call capabilities, bluetooth, and even wireless cell phone charging! Apart from these nifty tools, modern cars are also far more economic than they were before the turn of the century. Newer cars are fitted with engines that are more fuel efficient and less pollutive, saving you a fortune in fuel costs and decreasing the negative effect on the environment. Unlike cell phones, a technologically advanced car may be quite affordable as newer models are made standard with these eco features.

Smart Homes for Smarter Money Management

So, you’ve got a smart phone and a smart car - why not have a smart home, too? The smart facilities available to homeowners are seemingly endless, encompassing items like bulbs, stove tops, showerheads and refrigerators that can connect to the Wi-Fi. Although some home tech items can be quite costly, they have been proven to decrease your monthly expenses. However, replacing even the smallest of items with more technologically advanced ones can save you money. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use about 25-30% less energy and last almost ten times longer than normal bulbs. Induction cookers have replaced conventional stove plates and use less electricity. Geyser timers and blankets provide you with greater control over your hot water, allowing you to set the number of hours your geyser is actually on for, while geyser blankets help keep your water hotter for longer. None of these items are expensive, and the investment will quickly pay for itself!

Save More Money with the Internet

When the very first use of the internet took place in 1969, no one could have predicted where the invention would go - or just how advanced its capabilities would become. Almost all of humanity’s collated knowledge is available to us, almost all of the time, accessible right from the palm of our hands. So, with all of this information available to us, it’s no wonder the internet is one of the biggest forms of money-saving technology out there! With a quick search on Google, you can check out local restaurants, locate your nearest filling station, and even compare the price of one item across several different stores. The freedom of choice made possible by the internet provides us the chance to save money simply by being able to choose where we buy from!

Apps, Apps and More Apps!

With most smart devices comes the opportunity to download and install apps, or applications. At this point, there may be an app for almost anything you could need. Many companies have created their own apps to help customers manage their accounts and subscriptions, earn loyalty points and keep an eye out for new products. Apps have thus made it possible to access an online store without needing to visit a website - everything is possible from the app. In this way, apps function similarly to the internet; consumers are able to compare prices for products and browse remotely before making a purchase- a great way to save time and money!

Manage and Save Money with Internet Banking

Say goodbye to bank teller queues with internet banking! This online facility truly revolutionised the way people interacted with their banks, making it simpler and more efficient to perform all your necessary banking tasks from the comfort of your home. Some banks may have even released an app to further simplify the process, enabling you to bank on the go. This makes it easier for individuals and businesses to manage their finances. Many banks have structured their account fees in such a way so as to encourage the use of remote facilities, making banking cheaper. It also allows you to keep a close eye on your money!

Taking Your Business Digital

The digital world has changed the way many businesses conduct themselves, and has made possible the concept of ‘remote work’. This means that many businesses work entirely remotely, without offices or stores. This is ideal for companies that provide services rather than goods, although many companies that sell goods have started operating in this manner, too. Technology provides businesses with many tools to do this, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, email platforms, apps and programmes, and the internet. With these tools, businesses can effectively and efficiently service their customers - without setting a foot outside! This saves the business from having to pay rental costs, utility bills, travel costs, and much more.

Can I Have Your Netflix Password?

Entertainment can become one of the biggest monthly expenses on your budget, especially if you are a fan of the cinema. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon and TiVo have completely changed the game. These companies provide you with access to all the latest movies and series for one small monthly fee - all you need is an internet connection! Catching up on your latest favourite TV show, or watching the new Benedict Cumberbatch movie, has never been easier or cheaper, especially considering that these companies offer free apps for their platforms as well!

Coupons and Loyalty Programmes Save You Money, Too

The integration of smart devices, the internet and apps have made loyalty programmes more popular than ever. Numerous companies entice customers to their stores week after week with new deals, and while this may feel like you’re spending more, you’re actually saving a lot of money, too! Earning points or participating in weekly deals can help you save when purchasing groceries, clothing and other goods. Some companies even offer a free item when achieving certain loyalty levels, or greater discounts. These programmes usually offer customers the option to opt-in to notifications, keeping them up to date with all the latest specials and deals - particularly useful for Black Friday or Christmas time!

The Wonders of Wi-Fi

Step into any cafe, restaurant or fast food place and chances are that you will find a ‘Free Wi-Fi’ sign stuck up somewhere. Even local pubs offer their patrons free internet connection. And it’s no wonder - as of September 2019, around 4.3 million people worldwide have access to the internet. This growing global trend means more and more people are going online every year. Having Wi-Fi facilities at home or at the office is not only convenient, it also saves money: it usually means the replacement of landlines as you can use voice over IP (VOIP) systems instead; connectivity boosts productivity, meaning more money for your business; free Wi-Fi hotspots provide mobility at no extra costs; and it also saves on mobile data costs!