We spend money on cell phones and tablets, but now tech can save us money too.
Here are my top five ways to save using tech:
1. Entertainment: Stop paying expensive cable bills.
Craving new episodes of the “The Big Bang Theory” or your favorite novella live without facing that costly cable bill? “Over the Air” OTA TV antenna technology is now cheaper and has better reception than the old TV rabbit ears of the 1990s. For a one-time purchase of $15-30, you get free access to as many as 60 HD channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, WB, PBS, UNIVISION and TELEMUNDO. Simply buy the antenna and connect it to your HD TV. Free live HD TV for life! Learn what channels have good reception in your area then buy one of the best selling OTA digital TV antennas.
Still craving ESPN for sports, AMC for “The Walking Dead” and Disney for the kids? Sling TV now offers all three channels plus 25 more cable channels for only $20 a month! All you need is an internet connection and you can watch anytime, anywhere.
2. Shopping: Automatically get discounts on items you purchase.
Take advantage of the “Best Price Guarantee” with no effort. Paribus helps you automatically receive money back from online purchases.
Here’s how it works: Many retailers promise you a one or two week “price guarantee.” If you buy a bbq grill for $75 and the next week that same grill is discounted to $50, you can claim a $25 refund. But, if you are like me, you probably don’t have time to monitor store websites for prices.
That is where Paribus comes in: It automatically scans your email purchase receipts, compares what you paid to the current price and refunds you if there is a difference! Paribus works with big online retailers like Amazon, Sephora, Target, Walmart, Gap, Macys, Bloomingdale’s and others. So if you are a frequent online shopper, the savings could really add up!
The service is free to use. Paribus pays itself a 25% commission on any savings it finds for you. (ex. On a $25 refund, the company gets $5).
3. Groceries: Always get the best price!
Need milk, eggs, pasta? Just go to MyGroceryDeals.com and type in where you live and what you need. The site automatically tells you which nearby store offers the best price and when the sale is ending!
4. Caffeine Fix: Starbucks offers sweet perks through its online rewards program.
My boyfriend knows not to greet me in the morning until I’ve had my first cup of coffee. For all you other caffeine addicts, the new Starbucks rewards program could be a great way to save on your next tall macchiato. Once you join, you’ll immediately start enjoying perks such as a free drink on your birthday.
With the rewards program, you receive two stars for every $1 you spend. If you collect 300 stars in 12 months, you’ll become a “Gold Member.” Every 125 stars you collect afterwards qualifies you for a free drink or menu item. If you love Starbucks as much as I do, it is an easy way to get free rewards.
5. Eating Out: Dig up great deals before you dine.
Eating out can be expensive, especially if you do it often. Hunt for discounts online before you dine. LivingSocial and Groupon are both excellent places to discover hot deals at local restaurants and summer food festivals. Yum!
Yelp.com, the popular restaurant recommendations guide, also can save you money. Simply download the Yelp mobile app, “check in” at participating restaurants, and you may be eligible for a free appetizer or drink. Yeah!
With today’s technology, saving money on the stuff you love has never been easier.
