Save Money with Technology So You Can Invest More

When the economy takes a nose dive, cutting back on investments seems like an easy way to free up cash, but doing that just makes it harder for you to reach your investment goals. Instead, looking elsewhere to save money is a more prudent move. I'm not the only one with this thought. According to a recent survey, eight in 10 adults have taken specific steps to reduce expenditures during these difficult economic times.

The Cost of Technology

In our fast-paced society, technology has become essential to how we live, work and play. And with a little planning, you can still enjoy your favorite gadgets and technology while cutting down on your family's monthly expenses.

1. Bundle your services. Tired of three monthly bills for Internet, phone and cable service? By bundling services, you could save $20 or more per month. Check with your current service provider and others to find the best deal.
2. Cut the cord. Use your cell phone for all your calls and cancel your traditional phone service. The typical local phone bill is between $30 and $50 each month. That could be $360 to $600 back in your pocket annually if you make the jump.

   Unfortunately, more than 70 percent of consumers experience indoor cell phone signal service problems. So making an investment in a signal booster such as the industry-leading zBoost (www.wi-ex.com) can help make cutting the cord a smooth transition.

3. Go fluorescent. Did you know that fluorescent lightbulbs use 75 percent less energy than standard lightbulbs and can last about 10 times as long? An ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about six months.
4. Check your appliances' energy IQ. While new energy-efficient appliances are an initial investment, when you compare the power usage of your old washer and dryer to newer models, it's easy to see the long-term savings and how they far outweigh the short-term expense.

   The average home spends about $2,000 on energy bills every year, and by changing to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR seal, you can save $75 a year in energy costs while helping to save the environment.

5. Get unplugged. TVs, computers, cable/satellite receivers and other electronics still use power even when they're turned off. Unplug them and save. U.S. households spend $100 per year to power devices while they are in this "standby" power mode.

   The worst offenders among "off" powered energy users are televisions, game consoles (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, etc.), DSL or cable modems, computers (laptop or desktop), printers, microwave ovens, sound systems, cable and satellite receivers, DVD players, VCRs and routers.