Regularly buying new tech tools, like devices and software, can get expensive. Whether it’s a tablet or a smartphone, new models come out every year, and there seems to be an endless flow of software applications that can help you manage every task you can imagine. It’s tempting to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest tech, but not when you’re trying to save money.
However, there is a middle ground. Here are some ideas for saving money while getting the tech tools you want and need.
1. Protect your devices
Your first line of defense against spending unexpected cash is avoiding repairs like screen, camera, and hard drive replacements. Even if you have phone insurance, you’ll still need to pay a deductible for each repair. If your device gets destroyed, you’ll need to replace it, which will be expensive.
Don’t let any of your devices go without a case for long after you get them. Even better, buy a protective case before you get the device. Many people make the mistake of not protecting a new device and end up breaking the screen within days.
The need for protection applies to everything, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. For example, if you’re spending several hundred dollars on an iPad, make sure you buy a case that will protect it when dropped. Some cases are better than others, so be sure to do your research. Get a case that has been thoroughly tested to protect devices if they fall from a reasonable height. If you can find a case proven to protect devices in extreme circumstances, that’s even better.
2. Buy refurbished devices
You can save quite a bit of money buying refurbished devices, but it’s best if they come from a certified or highly reputable company. Devices refurbished by the manufacturer will always be the best option. If you don’t have that option, you can look for third parties, but use caution.
Anyone can claim to have refurbished a device, but not everyone knows how to refurbish properly. If you look at the reviews left by previous customers and find that the devices aren’t working, that’s a bad sign.
There are, however, reputable companies that refurbish devices regularly. A company’s reviews will tell you if they’re reliable or not.
Here’s what makes a refurbished device worth it:
- You should get a 90-day warranty, minimum
- Free returns if the device doesn’t meet your expectations
It’s a red flag when a company won’t stand behind its work enough to give you a warranty and free returns. You shouldn’t have to pay to return a device that doesn’t work as promised, and reputable companies won’t sell devices unless they’re in good working order.
3. Buy a device with different specs
One way to save money is to buy lower-end devices that don’t have the same specs as the most sought-after, heavily marketed models. The devices that get advertised the most are going to come with higher price tags, but you may not need all the features.
For instance, if you aren’t going to use much storage space, get a model with the smallest hard drive. If you aren’t a professional photographer, you probably don’t need all the extra camera specs, either.
You can save several hundred dollars by purchasing basic models over the high-end options.
4. Don’t buy a new smartphone every year
Saving an average of $700 per year is easy when you don’t buy a new smartphone each year when the new models roll out. No matter how amazing a device is said to be, chances are, it’s not going to be that much different from your current device. There are rare exceptions, like when Apple rolled out devices for use with the Apple Pencil and iPhone models with AI features. However, there usually aren’t enough differences to warrant a new purchase.
5. Wait a couple months to buy a new device
If you’ve got your eye on a new, must-have device, wait a couple months to make the purchase. That’s when prices tend to drop significantly. You’ll still have to spend a good chunk of change, but at least you’ll save a bit of money.
Put tech in your budget
Creating a budget is an easy way to save money while still getting the tech you need. It’s simple, but when you plan your tech purchases and stick to a budget, you’re more likely to spend less and buy only what you need.