Video:Saving Cash With Technology

Transcript:Saving Cash With Technology

From smartphones to tablet devices, HDTVs and the latest gaming systems, there are certainly a lot of ways to spend your money when it comes to emerging technology. But along with it all, there are some amazing ways to save, too.

Saving Cash with Technology Is Easy

While keeping up with purchasing the latest hardware can be a major drain to your piggy bank, current innovation is stretching in remarkable new ways in terms of the way the world does business. And, best of all, many of these developing services are priced just right: free. And you don't have to have the latest gadgetry to access them, either. If you've got a decent computer and a connection to the internet, you're good to go.

Tap Into Social Networks

"Planned obsolescence" is a term that conservationists use to describe the majority of consumer goods out there, which are designed to be used briefly, then trashed. However, the internet is full of sites where you can buy used goods in great condition either locally, or from around the world, saving you and the planet a boatload. Social networking has allowed for communities of people to even borrow what they need.

Speaking of social networks, hooking up with old friends online may not just be a big time-waster––accessing your own personal communities for things you might need to buy or sell or otherwise advertise is as simple as posting an update.

Explore Shareware

Open source software and shareware can be great tools for getting things done on your computer as well. From word processing to picture modifying and organizing to keeping your computer virus-free, there are thousands of quality products out there for your use that are completely legal and free of charge.

This doesn't mean you should go out there and download media or other copyrighted material from shady sources––there are plenty of legit sites on the internet that provide free shows, movies, and music. Heck, with a little research, you might even consider ditching your cable package all together.

Switch to Online Bill Pay

Switching your bills to be paperless will save a few trees a year and you the postage, and can also help to remind you to pay your bill on time. You might also think about switching your phone service to voiceover IP, or VOIP, which allows you to make calls to anywhere from anywhere for a fraction of the expense charged by traditional carriers. Coupon sites that leverage large groups of people have become increasingly popular, and can help you save money out there in the real world.

Keeping Up with Changing Technology Will Help You Save

These kinds of services are really just the tip of the iceberg, and more are being announced every day. Feel free to check in at about.com/compute to stay on top of the latest trends and cool applications, and you'll not only have interesting things to talk about at the water cooler, you'll be saving your hard-earned dough to boot.

I'm Jonathon Stewart with About.com