Cutting the Cord
How I Watch Everything I Want and Pay $0 For TV
“Cutting the cord” means cancelling expensive cable/satellite TV. Many achieve $0 TV by using a digital HD antenna for free over-the-air local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS), accessing free ad-supported streaming services (like Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee), and borrowing DVDs/Blu-rays from the local library for movies and specific series.
David ditched his $130 monthly cable bill. He installed a $40 antenna, receiving dozens of local channels. For everything else, he used free streaming apps and his library card, saving over $1,500 a year while still enjoying plenty of content.
How I Pay Less Than $20/Month For My Cell Phone Bill
(MVNOs Explained)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Mint Mobile, Visible, or Google Fi offer significantly cheaper cell phone plans by leasing network capacity from major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). They often provide similar coverage but with lower overhead, passing savings to consumers. Plans can be found for under $20/month for moderate data users.
Sarah switched from her $80/month major carrier plan to an MVNO offering 4GB of data for $15/month. The coverage was identical (using the same towers), and she saved $65 monthly without sacrificing service quality for her needs.
10 Free Software Alternatives That Replace Expensive Programs
Powerful Tools Without the Price Tag
Many free, open-source software alternatives offer comparable functionality to expensive paid programs. Examples: LibreOffice (replaces Microsoft Office), GIMP (Photoshop alternative), Audacity (audio editing), DaVinci Resolve (video editing), Blender (3D creation), Inkscape (Illustrator alternative), Krita (digital painting), VLC Media Player, and 7-Zip (file archiving).
Instead of paying $70/year for Microsoft Office, Tom downloaded LibreOffice for free. It handled all his document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs perfectly, saving him money without compromising functionality for his personal use.
My Favourite FREE Budgeting Apps and Tools
Managing Money Without Cost
Effective free budgeting tools include: personal finance apps like Mint or Personal Capital (which have robust free versions for tracking spending, net worth, and budgeting), spreadsheet software (Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc) for customizable DIY budgets, and many banks/credit unions offer built-in free budgeting tools within their online platforms.
Lisa used the free version of Mint to link her bank accounts and credit cards. It automatically categorized her spending and helped her create a budget, giving her clear insights into her finances without any software cost.
Buying Refurbished Tech
How I Saved 50% on My Laptop
Reputable manufacturers (like Apple, Dell) and certified refurbishers sell returned or lightly used tech that has been inspected, repaired if needed, and restored to full working condition, often with a warranty. Buying refurbished can save 20-50% or more compared to new, offering excellent value for laptops, phones, and other electronics.
Mark needed a new MacBook Pro. Instead of paying $2000 for a new one, he bought an Apple-certified refurbished model with the same specs for $1400. It came with a one-year warranty and looked and performed like new, saving him $600.
How To Make Your Smartphone / Computer Last Longer
Extending Tech Lifespan Frugally
Extend tech life by: using protective cases/screen protectors, keeping software updated, regularly clearing storage space, avoiding extreme temperatures, managing battery health (e.g., not always charging to 100% or letting it fully deplete), cleaning dust from computer vents, and handling devices carefully to prevent physical damage.
Sarah always used a good case and screen protector on her smartphone. She also regularly deleted unused apps and photos. Her phone lasted five years, saving her from costly frequent upgrades.
Saving Money on Internet
How To Negotiate With Your ISP
Save on internet by: regularly calling your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to ask for current promotions or loyalty discounts, mentioning competitor offers, or threatening to cancel (politely). Often, they will offer a better rate to retain you. Consider if you can switch to a lower-speed plan that still meets your needs.
When Tom’s internet bill increased by $20 after a promotional period, he called his ISP. He mentioned a competitor’s lower price and asked if they could match it. They immediately offered him a new 12-month promotional rate, saving him $240.
Streaming Services: My Rotation Strategy To Save $100s
Binge and Switch for Budget Viewing
Instead of subscribing to multiple streaming services simultaneously, use a rotation strategy: subscribe to one service, binge-watch the content you want, then cancel and subscribe to a different one. This allows access to a wide variety of shows and movies while only paying for one or two services at any given time, saving significant money.
The Lee family loved shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Instead of paying for all three ($40+/month), they rotated, subscribing to one service for 1-2 months at a time, saving over $25 monthly.
Digital Minimalism
Cancelling Subscriptions and Decluttering Apps
Digital minimalism involves intentionally curating your digital life. This includes unsubscribing from unwanted emails, deleting unused apps (which can free up phone storage and sometimes uncover forgotten paid subscriptions), organizing digital files, and limiting notifications. This reduces digital clutter, saves money on unused services, and improves focus.
David reviewed his app subscriptions and found he was paying $15/month for two services he no longer used. He cancelled them and deleted numerous unused apps from his phone, creating a cleaner, more efficient digital experience and saving money.
Are Extended Warranties on Electronics Worth It?
Weighing Cost vs. Risk
Extended warranties on electronics are often not worth the cost. Modern electronics are generally reliable, and the price of the warranty can sometimes approach the cost of a repair or even a discounted replacement. Instead, consider “self-insuring” by saving the money you would have spent on the warranty in an emergency fund.
When buying a new TV, the store offered a $100 three-year extended warranty. Mark declined, knowing that the manufacturer’s one-year warranty covered initial defects, and major issues after that were rare. He put the $100 into savings instead.
Library Digital Resources
Free Ebooks, Audiobooks, Movies, Courses
Libraries offer extensive free digital resources: e-books and audiobooks (via apps like Libby, OverDrive, Hoopla), streaming movies and TV shows (Kanopy, Hoopla), online magazines (PressReader), and access to online learning platforms (LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages). All accessible with a free library card.
Jane reads voraciously but rarely buys books. She uses her library’s Libby app to borrow hundreds of e-books and audiobooks annually for free, saving her thousands of dollars compared to purchasing them.
Protecting Yourself From Online Scams That Cost You
Vigilance in the Digital Age
Protect yourself from costly online scams by: using strong, unique passwords for all accounts (a password manager helps), enabling two-factor authentication, being wary of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal/financial information (phishing), avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and keeping your software updated. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Sarah received an email claiming to be from her bank, asking her to click a link to verify her account. Recognizing the suspicious sender address and generic greeting as phishing signs, she deleted it, avoiding a potential scam.
Using Browser Extensions To Automatically Save Money
Smart Shopping Tools
Browser extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping, or Rakuten automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout, activate cashback offers, or track price history on sites like Amazon. They work in the background to help you get the best deal with minimal effort when shopping online.
Before completing an online purchase, Tom’s Honey browser extension automatically tested several coupon codes and found one that saved him 15% and activated 2% cashback through Rakuten, saving him money effortlessly.
Frugal Data Management
How To Avoid Mobile Overage Charges
Avoid mobile data overage charges by: connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible, downloading music/videos for offline use before leaving Wi-Fi, adjusting app settings to restrict background data usage, monitoring your data consumption regularly through your carrier’s app, and choosing a phone plan that matches your actual data needs (or offers unlimited data if you’re a heavy user).
Lisa often neared her mobile data limit. She started downloading her favorite podcasts and playlists over Wi-Fi before her commute and changed app settings to update only on Wi-Fi, successfully avoiding overage fees.
Building a PC vs Buying Pre-Built
A Frugal Comparison
Building your own PC can be more frugal than buying a pre-built one, especially if you want specific components or enjoy the process. You can choose each part, often finding better deals, and avoid labor markups. However, it requires research, time, and some technical aptitude. Pre-built PCs offer convenience and often warranties on the entire system.
Mark wanted a gaming PC. By sourcing components on sale and building it himself, he saved about $300 compared to a similarly specced pre-built machine and gained valuable knowledge about computer hardware.
Free and Frugal Online Education Resources
Lifelong Learning on a Budget
Access free/frugal education online through: YouTube (tutorials on everything), Khan Academy (K-12+ subjects), Coursera/edX (audit free university courses), Duolingo (language learning), library access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and open courseware from universities like MIT. High-quality learning is widely accessible without high tuition.
David wanted to learn Python. He used free interactive lessons on Codecademy and supplemented with tutorials on Khan Academy, gaining a solid foundation in programming without spending any money on courses.
Selling Your Old Electronics For Cash
Turning Unused Tech into Money
Sell old but functional electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, game consoles) on platforms like eBay, Swappa, Gazelle, Facebook Marketplace, or even to eco-ATMs. This declutters, keeps e-waste out of landfills, and can recoup some of their original cost, providing cash for new purchases or savings.
When upgrading his phone, Tom sold his two-year-old iPhone on Swappa for $250. This cash significantly offset the cost of his new device, making the upgrade much more frugal.
Frugal Home Networking
Getting the Most From Your Router
Optimize your home network frugally by: placing your Wi-Fi router in a central, open location for better coverage, ensuring its firmware is updated, using a strong Wi-Fi password, considering a mesh Wi-Fi system (buy refurbished or on sale) for larger homes instead of multiple expensive routers, and not overpaying for internet speeds you don’t need.
The Millers were experiencing spotty Wi-Fi. Instead of buying a new expensive router, they moved their existing one to a more central location and updated its firmware, significantly improving coverage throughout their house for free.
Smart Home Tech: Does it ACTUALLY Save Money?
Weighing Convenience, Cost, and Savings
Smart home tech (thermostats, lights, plugs) can sometimes save money by optimizing energy use (e.g., a smart thermostat learning your schedule). However, the upfront cost of devices needs to be weighed against actual savings, which depend on usage patterns and energy prices. Not all smart tech translates directly to significant financial returns.
John installed a Nest smart thermostat for $150. It adjusted temperatures automatically, saving him about $10 a month on energy. For him, it paid for itself in just over a year, making it a worthwhile frugal investment.
Free Cloud Storage Options
Backing Up Data Without Cost
Many services offer free tiers of cloud storage: Google Drive (15GB free with a Google account), Microsoft OneDrive (5GB free), Dropbox (2GB free), Apple iCloud (5GB free). These are excellent for backing up important documents, photos, and files without paying for subscription plans, especially if your storage needs are modest.
Sarah used her free Google Drive account to back up all her important documents and a selection of family photos, ensuring they were safe without paying for a cloud storage subscription.
Cybersecurity Basics To Protect Your Finances
Safeguarding Your Digital Wallet
Protect your finances online by: using strong, unique passwords for financial accounts (managed with a password manager), enabling two-factor authentication, being cautious of phishing emails/texts, regularly monitoring bank/credit card statements for unauthorized activity, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and keeping software updated to patch vulnerabilities.
After a friend’s bank account was hacked, Maria enabled two-factor authentication on all her financial accounts and started using a password manager to create strong, unique passwords, significantly boosting her online financial security.
Should You Repair Your Phone Screen or Buy a New Phone?
A Frugal Calculation
Decide whether to repair a cracked phone screen or buy new by comparing repair cost (DIY kits are cheaper but riskier; professional repair costs vary) versus the cost of a new or good-condition used/refurbished replacement. Consider the phone’s age, overall condition, and how much longer you expect to use it.
Lisa cracked the screen on her two-year-old phone. A professional repair was $150. A similar used model was $250. Since the phone was otherwise in great shape, repairing the screen was the more frugal option for her.
Frugal Video Gaming
(PC & Console)
Enjoy video games frugally by: waiting for deep sales on platforms like Steam or GOG, buying used physical console games, utilizing subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra (for access to a large game library), playing high-quality free-to-play games, or trading games with friends. Avoid pre-orders and day-one purchases.
Tom rarely buys games at full price. He maintains a wishlist on Steam and waits for titles to go 50-75% off during seasonal sales. He also subscribes to Xbox Game Pass, giving him access to hundreds of games for a low monthly fee.
Open Source Software Everyone Should Know About
Powerful, Free Alternatives
Open-source software is free to use, distribute, and often modify. Key examples include: LibreOffice (office suite), GIMP (image editor), VLC Media Player (plays any media), Audacity (audio editor), Firefox (web browser), Linux (operating system), Blender (3D graphics), and KeePass (password manager). These offer powerful functionality without licensing costs.
Instead of paying for expensive video editing software, David learned to use DaVinci Resolve, a professional-grade open-source program with a very capable free version, allowing him to edit his YouTube videos without software costs.
Using Your Phone as a Hotspot to Save on Wi-Fi
Mobile Internet on the Go
If you have a decent mobile data plan, you can use your smartphone’s hotspot feature to provide Wi-Fi for your laptop or tablet, potentially saving money on separate home internet (if your data cap is high enough) or public Wi-Fi fees when traveling. Check your carrier’s hotspot allowances and fees.
When her home internet went out for a day, Sarah used her phone’s hotspot to connect her laptop and continue working, avoiding the need to go to a coffee shop and buy something just to use their Wi-Fi.
Best Budget Smartphones That Are Actually Good
Quality Tech Without the Premium Price
Many budget smartphones (often 400) offer excellent performance, good cameras, and decent battery life, rivaling features of much more expensive flagship phones. Brands like Motorola (G series), Google (Pixel A series), Samsung (A series), and OnePlus (Nord series) often provide great value for frugal consumers. Read reviews before buying.
Mark needed a new phone but didn’t want to spend $800+. He researched and bought a Google Pixel 6a for $350, which had an excellent camera and smooth performance, proving a great phone doesn’t require a premium price.
How Technology Can HELP Your Frugal Budget
Tools for Smart Spending and Saving
Technology aids frugality through: budgeting apps (tracking spending, setting goals), online banking (easy monitoring, transfers), browser extensions (finding coupons, cashback), price comparison websites, digital library resources (free e-books, movies), and online learning platforms (free skill development). It empowers informed, efficient financial management.
Lisa used a budgeting app to track her spending, online bill pay to avoid late fees, and browser extensions to find discounts, all leveraging technology to support her frugal lifestyle and save money.
How Technology Can HURT Your Frugal Budget
(Impulse Buys, Subscriptions)
Technology can hinder frugality through: easy one-click online shopping (encouraging impulse buys), targeted advertising creating artificial needs, multiple streaming/app subscriptions adding up, the “upgrade cycle” pressure for new gadgets, and social media fostering comparison and lifestyle inflation. Mindful use is key.
David realized he was mindlessly scrolling Amazon and making impulse purchases late at night. He deleted the app from his phone and unsubscribed from marketing emails, significantly reducing his tech-facilitated overspending.
Frugal Photo Management and Backup
Protecting Memories Inexpensively
Manage and back up photos frugally by: using free cloud storage tiers (Google Photos free unlimited “storage saver” quality, or free tiers of OneDrive/iCloud for limited amounts), storing originals on an external hard drive (one-time cost), and regularly decluttering duplicates or unwanted shots to save space.
Sarah used Google Photos’ free “storage saver” option to back up all her smartphone pictures. For her high-resolution DSLR photos, she bought a 1TB external hard drive for a one-time cost of $60, ensuring her memories were safe.
Password Managers: A Frugal (and Secure) Investment?
Protecting Your Digital Life and Finances
Password managers (like Bitwarden – free/low-cost, or 1Password/LastPass – paid) securely store unique, complex passwords for all your online accounts. This massively boosts cybersecurity, preventing costly breaches or identity theft. While some have small fees, the security they provide makes them a very frugal investment against potential financial losses from hacking.
After a password breach scare, Tom started using Bitwarden’s free password manager. It generated and stored strong, unique passwords for all his accounts, significantly improving his online security and peace of mind for no cost.
Best Cashback and Rebate Apps / Sites
Getting Money Back on Purchases
Cashback/rebate sites and apps (Rakuten, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Capital One Shopping) give you a percentage of your purchase price back when you shop through their portal or link your loyalty cards. For online shopping, activate them before checkout. For groceries, scan receipts. It’s essentially “free money” on planned purchases.
Maria always checked Rakuten before making an online purchase. She consistently earned 1-10% cashback, totaling over $200 last year on things she was already buying, which she then transferred to her savings account.
Buying Used Tech on eBay / Marketplace Safely
Second-Hand Savings, Smart Precautions
Buy used tech safely by: checking seller ratings and reviews, asking detailed questions about condition/functionality, requesting actual photos of the item, using secure payment methods (PayPal Goods & Services offers buyer protection), and meeting in safe public places for local pickups. Understand return policies or if sales are “as-is.”
Mark wanted a used graphics card. He found one on eBay from a seller with excellent feedback, paid via PayPal, and received a perfectly working card for 40% less than new, thanks to careful vetting.
Frugal Printing: How To Save on Ink and Paper
Reducing Document Costs
Save on printing by: printing double-sided, using “draft” mode for non-critical documents (uses less ink), buying compatible or refilled ink cartridges (much cheaper than OEM), purchasing paper in bulk during sales, and proofreading carefully to avoid reprinting. Consider if you truly need to print it at all.
Lisa, a student, saved on printing by always using draft mode for her notes and buying compatible ink cartridges for her printer online, cutting her ink costs by over 60%.
VPNs: When Do You Need One, and How To Get One Cheaply?
Digital Privacy and Security
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic, enhancing privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi. You might need one for secure browsing, accessing geo-restricted content (use cautiously), or protecting sensitive data. Get one cheaply by looking for long-term subscription deals from reputable providers (e.g., Mullvad, ProtonVPN often have good budget options or free tiers).
When traveling, David used a budget-friendly VPN service to secure his connection on public Wi-Fi networks in cafes and airports, protecting his personal information from potential snooping for a few dollars a month.
How To Get Microsoft Office (or Alternatives) For Free / Cheap
Productive Without the Price
Get Microsoft Office alternatives free with LibreOffice or Google Docs/Sheets/Slides (web-based). Students/educators may get Office 365 free through their institution. Sometimes employers offer discounted home use programs. Microsoft also offers a free, web-based version of Office with slightly limited features.
As a writer on a budget, Sarah used Google Docs for all her word processing needs. It was free, cloud-based, and offered all the features she required, saving her from buying a Microsoft Office subscription.
Tech Support: DIY Fixes vs. Paying for Help
Troubleshooting Smartly
For tech issues, try DIY fixes first: restart the device, search error messages online (forums and YouTube are great resources), check cables, or run built-in troubleshooters. This can resolve many common problems. Pay for professional tech support for complex hardware failures, data recovery, or issues beyond your comfort/skill level.
When her laptop slowed down, Maria first searched online for solutions. She found tips for clearing temporary files and disabling startup programs, which significantly improved performance for free, avoiding a tech support bill.
Upgrading Components vs Buying a New Computer
Extending PC Lifespan Frugally
For desktop PCs (and some laptops), upgrading individual components—like adding more RAM, swapping a hard drive for a faster SSD, or upgrading the graphics card—can significantly boost performance and extend its usable life for much less than buying a whole new computer. Assess which component is the bottleneck.
Tom’s five-year-old PC was sluggish. Instead of buying a new one for $800, he spent $100 on an SSD and an extra 8GB of RAM. The upgrades made it feel like a new machine, saving him $700.
Using Price-Tracking Tools
(CamelCamelCamel, Honey)
Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Honey’s Droplist feature monitor item prices and alert you when they drop. This helps you buy at the optimal time, avoiding paying full price or missing sales. It’s a smart way to ensure you’re getting a good deal on planned purchases.
Jane wanted a specific coffee maker. She set up a price alert on CamelCamelCamel. A month later, she got an email that its price had dropped by $30, so she bought it then, saving money through patient tracking.
Digital Organisation Tools For Your Finances
Streamlining Your Money Management
Digital tools can streamline financial organization: budgeting apps (Mint, YNAB), spreadsheet software (Google Sheets, Excel) for custom tracking, password managers (Bitwarden, LastPass) for secure account access, cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) for financial documents, and online banking portals for easy transaction monitoring and bill pay.
Mark used Google Sheets to create a detailed financial dashboard, tracking his budget, investments, and debt payoff progress all in one organized, easily accessible digital location.
Avoiding The “Upgrade Cycle” With Tech
Contentment with Current Gadgets
The “upgrade cycle” is the pressure (often from marketing or peers) to constantly buy the newest tech. Avoid it by: assessing if your current device truly meets your needs (it often does), focusing on functionality over new features, resisting FOMO, and using devices until they are genuinely obsolete or irreparable.
David’s smartphone was three years old but still worked perfectly. He resisted the marketing hype for the latest model, recognizing his current phone met all his needs, and saved himself nearly $1,000 by avoiding an unnecessary upgrade.
Privacy Considerations with “Free” Apps
Understanding the True Cost
Many “free” apps monetize by collecting and selling user data or displaying ads. Be mindful of permissions an app requests, read privacy policies (if you have the patience), and consider if the convenience of a free app is worth the potential privacy trade-off. Opt for reputable apps with clear privacy practices.
Sarah was about to download a free photo editing app but noticed it requested access to her contacts and location. Concerned about privacy, she searched for an alternative with fewer invasive permissions.
Affordable Tech for Seniors / Kids
Simple, Durable, and Budget-Friendly Options
Affordable tech for seniors might include simplified smartphones (Jitterbug), tablets with large icons, or basic laptops. For kids, consider durable, budget-friendly tablets (Amazon Fire Kids Edition), refurbished Chromebooks for schoolwork, or older-generation game consoles bought used. Focus on ease of use, durability, and necessary features.
For his elderly mother, Tom bought a Jitterbug smartphone with large buttons and a simple menu for $100. It met her communication needs perfectly without the complexity or cost of a high-end smartphone.
E-Readers vs Physical Books: A Frugal Analysis
Cost, Convenience, and Preference
E-readers (Kindle, Kobo) can be frugal long-term if you read a lot, as e-books are often cheaper than new physical books, and libraries offer vast free e-book collections. The initial device cost is a factor. Physical books can be bought used very cheaply or borrowed free from libraries. It often comes down to personal preference.
Lisa, an avid reader, bought a Kindle. While the device cost $100, she saved money by borrowing hundreds of free e-books from her library and buying discounted e-books, making it a frugal choice for her volume of reading.
Best Budget-Friendly Laptops
Power and Portability Without the Premium
Good budget-friendly laptops (often
600) include Chromebooks (great for web-based tasks and students), Windows laptops with AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i3/i5 processors from brands like Acer, Lenovo, or HP (look for sales), or refurbished models from reputable sellers. Prioritize sufficient RAM (8GB+) and an SSD for performance.
Mark needed a laptop for basic tasks. He bought an Acer Chromebook for $250. It was fast enough for web browsing, email, and document editing, and its long battery life made it a perfect budget-friendly choice.
Are Budget Tablets Worth Buying?
Functionality vs. Price Point
Budget tablets (e.g., Amazon Fire, some Lenovo models, often under $150) can be worth buying for specific uses like media consumption (videos, reading), light gaming for kids, or as a simple e-reader. Don’t expect high-end performance or premium features, but for basic tasks, they can offer good value. Check reviews for reliability.
Sarah bought an Amazon Fire tablet for $80 mainly for her kids to watch videos on road trips and play simple educational games. For these basic needs, it was a worthwhile budget purchase.
How To Evaluate Your Tech Needs
(To Avoid Over-Buying)
Avoid over-buying tech by honestly evaluating your actual needs. What tasks will you primarily use the device for? Do you need top-of-the-line processing power, or will a mid-range model suffice? Are extra features just “nice-to-haves” or essential? Research and choose based on utility, not just marketing hype or spec sheets.
David was tempted by a high-end gaming laptop. He then realistically assessed he mostly used his laptop for email, browsing, and occasional photo editing. He bought a capable mid-range model for half the price, perfectly meeting his actual needs.
Frugal Smartwatch Alternatives
Tracking Fitness and Notifications for Less
Instead of expensive smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch), consider frugal alternatives: basic fitness trackers (Xiaomi Mi Band, Fitbit Inspire) offer step counting, sleep tracking, and notifications for under $50. Some budget smartwatches from brands like Amazfit also provide good functionality at a lower price.
Jane wanted to track her steps and sleep. Instead of a $400 Apple Watch, she bought a Xiaomi Mi Band for $35. It provided all the fitness tracking features she needed at a fraction of the cost.
Reducing “Phantom” Energy Load from Electronics
Unplugging for Savings
Many electronics consume “phantom” or “vampire” power even when turned off or in standby mode (TVs, game consoles, chargers). Reduce this waste by unplugging devices not in use, or using smart power strips that cut power to multiple devices when the main one (e.g., TV) is off. This can save a surprising amount on electricity bills.
Lisa noticed her TV and cable box were warm even when off. She started unplugging them when not in use and saw a small but noticeable
10 decrease in her monthly electricity bill.
Using Public Wi-Fi Safely
Protecting Your Data on Open Networks
When using public Wi-Fi (cafes, airports), protect your data by: using a VPN to encrypt your connection, avoiding sensitive transactions (online banking, shopping with credit cards), ensuring websites are HTTPS secured (look for the padlock icon), keeping your device’s firewall enabled, and disabling file sharing.
While waiting at an airport, Mark needed to check his email. He connected to the public Wi-Fi but first activated his VPN service on his laptop, ensuring his connection was encrypted and his data secure.
The Future of Frugal Tech
Trends and Predictions
The future of frugal tech likely involves: more durable and repairable devices (right-to-repair movements gaining traction), increased availability of high-quality refurbished options, more competitive pricing on MVNO phone plans and budget internet, and AI tools potentially helping consumers find better deals or manage subscriptions more effectively. Open-source software will continue to thrive.
Tom was optimistic about the future of frugal tech, hoping for phones designed to last longer and be easily repaired, reducing the need for frequent, expensive upgrades and making sustainable tech more accessible.