While technology can do a lot to improve your life, it may not always save you money, at least not directly. Furthermore, if you’re like a lot of people, you might be more tech-savvy than you are finance-savvy. The good news is that there are a lot of ways technology can save you money that wasn’t available fifteen, ten, or even five years ago.
The need for constant innovation in the industry means that there are always exciting apps, software, and products being released, each improving on the previous generation.
These innovations might not be as exciting as the latest iteration of your favorite smartphone model, a new game release, or a leap ahead in home theater technology, but saving money can be pretty exciting too—especially when it leaves you with more disposable income for everything else.
1. Easier Student Loan Refinancing
It’s no secret that student loan debts are growing every year, and for many people, monthly payments are a not-insignificant part of their income.
It can be particularly frustrating if a big part of what you’re paying interests. Even if you’ve considered refinancing in the past, it may have all felt just too overwhelming. The good news is that using online platforms to see what kind of interest rates might be available to you has made it much more comfortable.
There are several tools and lenders online that may be able to provide better rates and shorten your repayment period. Pay attention to whether companies will give you an estimate of what your price might be without requiring a hard credit check since too many of these can affect your credit score.
2. Lower Your Energy Bills
For gadget lovers, smart homes are irresistible, and let’s face it; there’s nothing that gives you that living-in-the-future feeling quite like telling your television what to show you or having your refrigerator make you a grocery list. That’s not all they can do, though.
Smart homes are also great for the financially frugal. You can significantly reduce your energy with thermostats that raise or lower temperatures based on whether or not you are in the room. Your appliances and even your lawn watering system can operate to precision, costing not a cent more of your money than necessary by calculating just how much water, energy, or other resources might be needed to keep things running smoothly.
3. Manage Your Budget
Perhaps less exciting than your smart home but infinitely practical are the many budgeting apps available. Plenty of people manage hard-earned money by throwing some at a retirement plan and spending the rest until they run out, and the next paycheck comes around.
This can work fine as long as you never have any emergencies, and you don’t have to save up for anything, but at some point, you’re going to want to get more control of your finances.
The significant number of apps and other tools available means there is something for almost everyone, with products that offer more or less automation and help as desired and some that can even gamify smart budgeting for you. Think about your goals and what motivates you to choose the best product for your needs.
