Smart (phone) Ways To Save This Season

With the release of the newest smartphones from iPhone and Google (remembered by long lines of diehards camped out and outrageous prices), technology has been anything but economical. Rightfully so, technology's endless capabilities come with a big price tag but the abysmal digital world also offers various opportunities to SAVE $$$.

With the season of gift giving, festive parties and all out holiday madness upon us, saving money may be the last thing we expect to be doing. The seasonal splurge can leave us strapped – even making some of our everyday habits a bit more difficult than usual. For that reason, we’ve rounded up 4 areas where technology can help you cut costs to survive this cash-fueled winter whirlwind.

Shopping

Why not start with the activity November is notoriously known for? Black Friday and Cyber Monday are rapidly approaching. Whether you’re buying gifts, stocking your shelves or searching for the perfect dress to impress at your holiday party, there are a number of ways to avoid single digits in your bank account.

Coupon Sites/Promo Codes

• Fortunately, there are easier ways to save without sorting through thousands of circulars cutting coupons each week. Nowadays, you can find digital coupons for products you actually need. Scope out the digital coupon sites offering discounts, free shipping, and cash back deals. They're easy to use and can quickly save you money without much effort on your part.

Social Media Marketplaces

• Similar to an online garage sale, you can visit social media marketplaces as an alternative to purchasing from retailers. These communities provide you an opportunity to find a wide selection of products for significantly less.

Surveys For Rewards

• There are a growing number of research companies and paid survey sites that offer rewards for your opinions. By answering a few questions online, you could earn cash and rewards like gift cards that will help lessen the blow to your bank account this holiday season.

Fashion For Rent

• Did you know you could borrow designer looks for affordable prices? No need to splurge on your holiday outfits anymore. These days you can rent looks for less and it certainly beats buying pieces for just one or two wears.

Food

If shopping is the first activity that marks the holiday season, eating is certainly the second. Are you stuck on the grocery store merry go round -- purchasing the same items, cooking the same boring meals and maybe not always doing your due diligence to score the best prices? Try these techie food cost fighters.

Download the App

• Join the club! Whether you download the app to your favorite restaurant or local grocery store, expect great perks to come your way. You're sure to receive exclusive offers, digital coupons, and deals. Make sure to plan your weekly menu around the grocery ads and coupons to further slash your bills.

Price Match

• Use your smartphone to quickly price match items while you're in the store. They're even apps that will help you do this, you just have to scan the product barcode. Many retailers agree to price match any store’s weekly ad. This tip can save you money with lower grocery prices AND by driving less.

Substitute Ingredients

• Substitute fancy, costly ingredients for more affordable ones or ingredients you already have. Check out The Cook’s Thesaurus for a list of substitutions.

Entertainment

When attempting to shield our savings, entertainment or our extracurricular activities are the first to go. While, that solution may work for some, others have a hard time giving up their favorite tv shows or date night activities. Check out these alluring alternatives that won’t break the bank.

Streaming Services

• If you’re not thinking about it already, consider joining the growing ranks of consumers who have “cut the cord” and are now getting their favorite TV shows, movies and even live sports through the internet and streaming services. Making the change can be in your wallet's best interest and drastically decrease your monthly bill.

Share Memberships

• Media services appear cheap but can add up when you subscribe to multiple. What's the solution? Split the cost! Consider sharing your entertainment memberships with your besties, roommates, or someone with the same media habits as you. Many companies allow you to have multiple users for one account. Just be sure to read up on the terms and conditions of the membership before doing so.

DIY

• Family fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Discover DIY projects that often incorporate supplies you already have at home. Visit specialty blogs or any site with DIY tutorials and you'll find experts jumping at the chance to show you how to craft step by step. You’ll learn something new and may even end up taking up a new hobby.

Transportation

Over the river and through the woods, on your voyage to family and friends. Traffic, tolls, and sky high airline prices can really put a damper on your holiday spirit and savings account. Try reducing the financial hit by exploring these avenues.

Plan Ahead

• It's always best to plan ahead when it comes to travel. According to experts, consumers should search for flights on a Monday or Tuesday morning after the airlines have processed demand for flights over the weekend. By exploring travel prices in advance, you have the luxury of tracking ticket prices and purchasing when they are the cheapest. Plus, there are several apps that will watch ticket prices for you and can even predict when costs will rise.

Ride Share

• Take advantage of rideshare apps to crowdsource your commute. Sharing your ride with other passengers will make your overall fare cheaper. Many times you'll receive a discounted trip just for signing up to these apps. You can even get a free ride by referring other passengers!

Avoid Toll Roads

• Set your GPS to avoid toll roads when mapping out your travel plans. If a free route is available, consider whether the time and distance you might save are really worth it. Always consider the cost of added gas to use non-toll roads, and decide which route is more economical.