Use technology to put cash back in your wallet

Hello all,

I just thought that I would share a few ways I have been able to
save a few dollars using today’s existing technology.

1) A PDA phone (I have a Samsung i730) with WIFI and Bluetooth
capabilities can help to cut your cellular bill in half.
I downloaded pocket pc "Skype" on my phone and use it for toll free #s which are free on this VOIP program. It works out to be .06 the initial minute and .02 cents thereafter.
Verizon is charging me .11 cents a minute or $40.00 for 450 minutes.
I have disconnected my land line service ($29.00 a month x 12 =$348.00 a year). I also communicate with my clients via email (which saves time and lets you present your thoughts in a more concise manor). Most internet cafe's offer free
WIFI internet so you have access to the internet when you are away from your office. Note: most VOIP programs do not support emergency #s such as 911.

2) Use/ recycle paper that has been printed on one side. I reuse the paper for hard copies of contracts etc that I keep as a backup.
I use a red marker and put a line thru the unwanted side.

3) Turn off your power surge protectors when not in use.

4) Share your WIFI connection with another office/company/neighbor(s). You can split the bill and still have
a secure network (encrypt your data and always firewall and remove the shared files/printer option). Remember, good fences
make great neighbors.

5) Research, research, research. It pays to use free search engines such as Yahoo or Google to obtain unbiased information in regards to future purchases. Sure a salesman will tell you the positive aspects of a product, but someone who has purchased and is using the product (good or bad) is more likely to be honest
in his opinion.

6) Free software. There is an abundance of free software available on the internet. Why pay when you don’t have to?


7) Energy efficient light bulbs. Contact your electrical company and ask if they offer "free" sample products.

8) Solar water heaters. I live in Hawaii and could never figure out why someone would pay the electric company twice the amount of money a year when solar energy is available for free.

9) Google your commute route for distance.
With the constant increase of gas prices it pays to check
to see if there is a shorter distance from point A to point B.

I hope that others will share their ideas, I am always looking
for a way to economize, especially during these financially troubling times.

In my humble opinion, the difference between being frugal and frivolous is the ability to retire and order the mai tai on the beach or serve the mai tai on the beach.

Yeah, you are so right. I agree. Prices going up all the time for everything one should economize Thank you for these great tips. I am not sure if the phone-tips are profitable for everybody (I myself don't use the phone much at all so could easily stay under a certain amount I tell myself to stay under) and with our communications system phone companies are really offering ground prices - but at least it is something one have an option in nowadays.

Thanks for a great post