We all know that being a tech pro can come with a hefty price tag. The good news is that it doesn’t have to! You can find amazing tech at a lower price point and learn when it’s the best time to shop for new products. Being tech savvy doesn’t have to break the bank. In this blog, we’ll go over how you can be tech savvy, even on a budget.
Buy generic over name brand
If you’re trying to be tech savvy on a budget, one of the best ways is to choose generic brands over the name brand. Just because a product has a household name doesn’t mean that it’s the right product for you. It pays to do your research on quality brands—and include generic brands in your search.
Even if you splurge on a more expensive product, you can always make up the cost by choosing generic accessories. For example, you can buy standard power cords, adapters, headphones, USB, and HDMI cables to go with your brand-new gaming laptop.
Buy last year’s model
When shopping for tech products, you don’t always need to spring for the latest model. You can save money by buying last year’s version, which probably has most of the same features as this year’s. Even though it might seem cooler to upgrade to the newest products, your budget will thank you for buying last year’s model instead. Now you can spend that extra cash on making memories with your loved ones.
Recycle or trade in your old tech
Trading in your old tech for new devices is a great way to save money. With Apple Trade In, you can get great value for your current device and apply it toward a new one. If your device isn’t eligible for credit, they’ll recycle it for you.
Another way to get rid of your older tech is to call a donation center or a nonprofit. Many of these facilities repurpose old electronics into refurbished equipment that can return to the market at a lower price or help people in underserved communities. Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate your old or unwanted electronics.
Use refurbished tech
Refurbished devices are previously owned products that are returned to the manufacturer. They undergo a refurbishing process that can involve anything from a simple paint job to a full hardware overhaul. Some refurbished devices are practically brand-new, while others have been used for years. The amount of wear and tear is often reflected in the price. And they can save your wallet along with the environment. Refurbished devices can be up to 50% cheaper than brand-new products!
Cancel unwanted or unused subscriptions
While this might seem like an obvious way to save money, it’s easy to lose track of subscriptions you signed up for in the past. It’s a good idea to monitor your subscriptions and regularly comb through them to make sure you’re not paying for something you don’t want. If you need some extra help, many budgeting apps will help you keep track.
Cut the cable cord
If you want to save money while still enjoying all your favorite television shows, it might be time for you to switch to a streaming service. Many people are choosing to “cut the cord” to cable TV and replace it with newer viewing options. There’s usually no long-term commitment, so you can switch between services to get unique content from each platform at a low cost. Some services also offer bundles, so you can get two or more services for a better price.
Shop at the right time
Certain times of the year are better for buying tech than others. For example, Black Friday and the holiday shopping season are great times to find deals on expensive pieces of tech. Some promotions will offer special deals like gift cards, free installation, or lower interest rates.
If you’re looking to save money on your internet bill, the best time to save is during moving season. Many internet service providers will offer lower contracts and discounts between April and September.
Invest in yourself
Staying up to date on technological innovations and improvements is an important part of being tech savvy on a budget. After all, there’s nothing better to invest in than yourself! The internet is full of free educational courses on all types of technology topics, such as coding, best business practices, and web design. You can also find free software to practice your new skills with or pay small fees to become certified in your expert field.
You can also up your game by reading tech blogs, such as the Quantum Fiber Discover blog. Here, you’ll learn more about any topics you can think of. And if you don’t see the content you’re looking for, leave us a comment below and we’ll do the research for you.
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