A smartphone is glorious thing—an item we depend on, a go-to source, and a tool to manage life. Whether it’s providing efficiency, education or information to do what you want, smartphones save money overall. Here are just a few ways they help you build up the piggy bank.
- Invaluable Device
In the grand scheme of things, the price of a smartphone really isn’t very much compared to the value it holds. It’s something you use every day for multiple tasks like work, socializing, taking pictures, entertainment and management. If you do however still think the gadget is a bit pricey for your budget, there are great phone and service options available to additionally cut costs. For example, T-Mobile’s deals are some of the best for the new iPhone 6s to help consumers save money during the upgrade. Because the smartphone industry has so many options, it has made the marketplace very competitive, thus keeping costs and prices low.
- International Communications
The “smart” in “smartphone” means that you are able to connect to the Internet and communicate virtually with anyone in the world. International communications can be essentially free or very low-cost thanks to applications such as Skype, WeChat and FaceTime—all you need is a connection, which is pretty easy to find these days.
- Time is Money
There are endless ways a smartphone can make life more efficient and save you time. Whether it’s looking up a route with the least traffic from Point A to Point B or being able to work from your phone (think email) in real time, wherever you go, smartphones ultimately free up a lot time spent doing something inefficiently and allow for a better use of time.
- Smart Homes
On the horizon and already here are smart homes—houses that can be controlled remotely from a smart device like your phone. You can use apps that might control your electricity for instance, to turn off the lights when no one’s home, thus saving energy and money on your utility bills.
- Price Comparison
What’s so great about mobile technology is that it provides you the information you need right away, often at a crucial point of decision. If you’re out shopping and want to know if you are in line for the best deal, apps like RedLaser give you the ability to scan a barcode on an item and see if another retailer offers it for less.
- Finance Apps
Smartphones also give you access to monitor your spending habits and budget. Budgeting applications like Mint or Level all can be housed within your phone and track purchases as soon as you make them. Because your smartphone is constantly within reach, it’s hard to not to track transactions, making you more aware and conscious of when there’s a need to curb your spending.
- Couponing in Action
Chances are you don’t cut out coupons and remember to bring them to the store. In the mobile and digital age, there’s really no need to get old school. When there’s a will there’s a way as long as there’s a smartphone. When you’re shopping or dining out, type in a quick search for discounts or coupons at the establishment you’re at and you’ll likely find a deal.
- Gas Saver
Should you drive a lot or go on a road trip, it’s helpful to know where the lowest gas prices are. Smartphones apps like GasBuddy tap into your current location to find the nearest gas station that’ll let you save the most.
There are countless ways to save money thanks to smartphones. Take full advantage of one of the greatest inventions ever made to help make your life a little easier and a lot wealthier.