How To Spend Less on Essential Technology

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Welcome fellow budget-conscious individuals! We all know that figuring out how to spend less on technology products while acquiring quality items can be a challenge.

IPhones and IPads alone are big ticket items!

Don’t worry! We’ll guide you through best practices and give recommendations so you can meet your technology needs without breaking the bank. Let’s dive right in!

Identifying Your Technology Needs

The first step to spending less on essential technology is determining the necessities for your daily life.

Analyze your lifestyle, work, and other routines to determine the tech gadgets that matter most to you.

For instance, a graphic designer might require a high-performance laptop, while a history student might prioritize a smartphone for online resources. By identifying your needs, you can create a focused shopping list and avoid impulsive purchases.

Shopping Smart

Wait for deep discount sales like Black Friday before you purchase large ticket technology products — Photo by Karolina Grabowska

After determining your technology needs, the next step is shopping smart.

Set a budget, and stick to it.

Research the product specifications, and read reviews from experts and consumers to make an informed decision on your next purchase.

Don’t let sales pitches and marketing buzzwords sway you—high price tags don’t guarantee quality.

By investing time in product research, you’ll increase your chances of finding an affordable and reliable product that meets your needs. And always look at the product reviews before purchasing any big ticket technology items.

Another aspect of smart shopping involves considering refurbished or pre-owned items. Many reputable retailers offer these products at a fraction of the brand-new price so you can save hundreds of dollars in some cases.

You can purchase used tech items from sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Or, you can purchase refurbished items like these from Amazon.

In several cases, they come with warranties that provide you peace of mind. The availability of pre-owned tech is just one reason why you don’t need to buy the latest iPhone, other smartphone, or tablet.

Shop refurbished iPads and iPhones on Amazon.

Ensure you’re purchasing from a reliable source, as not all refurbished items offer the same quality.

Money Tools to Help You

Acorns – Automatically saves and invests money for you. Get a $5 bonus.
Empower (Personal Capital) – Dashboard for money management.
CIT Bank – Put your money in a high yield savings account that earns

Finding Tech Deals Online

Now that you’re armed with your budget, shopping list, and research notes, it’s time to find deals online.

Here are several ways to find the best deals on tech:

Compare Prices on Multiple Retailers

Instead of buying from the first site you visit, explore several retailers. You may find great deals in unexpected places! You might even be able to combine a coupon or promo code with a website sale to maximize how much money you save.

Sign Up for Newsletters and Set Price Alerts

Many retailers offer discounts for subscribers or send notifications when the price of your desired product drops. Keep an eye out for these messages!

Use Cashback and Discount Websites

Search for cashback offers, coupons, or discount codes for additional savings during your purchase.

Sites like Techradar and Digital Trends put lists together for you of all the best technology deals across the internet. So it is even easier for you to see the cheapest price for technology across the web but all in one place.

Take Your Time

If you have a big technology purchase you have to make, take your time and wait for a sale! Sometimes waiting even a short time can result in big savings.

Amazon Prime Day may only happen once a year, but the savings are great.

Find some current Amazon Technology Deals to shop here.

Buy When New Models are Released

Another tip for spending less on tech products is to buy whenever the latest models are released, but buy an older model.

When iPhone releases their newest model, which usually costs a tons, then the older models go on a deep discount.

You can buy last year’s technology products for hundreds less and save a ton of money! Take a look at current iPhone 13 prices which are far less than the 14 model.

Look Out for Seasonal Sales and Events

Timing your purchases during these periods (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or end-of-year sales) can lead to significant savings.

Learning how to spend less on essential technology is a valuable skill that enhances financial stability and brings happiness to every budget-conscious individual.