These are tough times. The economy has yet to recover, joblessness is at an all-time high, and for many Americans, their patience is beginning to wear thin. Fortunately for everyone, now is the time when opportunitiesare plentiful for technology to help make the day a bit brighter by offering you ways to save money by using the internet. Here are five strategies to tell you how:
1. You probably feel tethered to your cable company. But you don’t have to be! Even though the company’s recent decision to split between DVDs mailed directly to customers and film and television downloaded by internet and devices such as Wii provided much grist for controversy, Netflix provides a less expensive and convenient way to enjoy TV and movies. And if you’re using your laptop, you can enjoy them in a variety of places, not just on your couch in front of your television (just don’t let your boss catch on!) You can also use Hulu.com to catch up on a few episodes of a series you might have missed.
2. Take advantage of websites that offer deals and coupons. Many businesses will place coupons online that you might not necessarily have access to in the newspaper or in the stores themselves. Many businesses are using Twitter and facebook to promote themselves, and will occasionally offer secret deals or sales to people following them. RedPlum.com and SmartSource.com offer online coupons that are printable and will save you at the grocery store. You might also sign up for email lists to receive extra discounts via email alert.
3. Places like amazon.com will offer free shipping if you spend up to a certain amount. This is a particularly handy option when it comes time to do your Christmas shopping. If you buy multiple items on websites such as these, you will cut your bills down significantly by saving on shipping costs, and you can have the items mailed directly to the people you are gifting!
4. You’ll save on those gossip rags you like to buy if you spend that time (and not the money) visiting websites like perezehilton.com, where all the celebrity gossip is immediately at your fingertips! (And you won’t embarrass yourself when you are caught perusing The Enquirer in the grocery line!) You can find most of your news – gossipy, celebrity, or otherwise – online, and usually for free.
5. Research! You can use wireless internet from the coffee shop where you hang out at to scan websites for local deals, especially when making bigger purchases like furniture or a car. Kellybluebook.com will give you an idea of prices and conditions for automobiles to prepare you for some heavy haggling before you visit the dealership. You can also read reviews of products or watch videos on sites such as youtube.com to further inform yourself before you make any major decisions.
Make use of your wireless devices to connect you to the internet so that you can start to save yourself a bundle. It’s worth it.
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