(StatePoint) These days, the average consumer needs to budget for a variety of tech-related expenses — from data plans to cable bills. These monthly expenses quickly add up.
Here are a few smart strategies for saving money on these budget line items, as well as tips for avoiding common pain points and consumer grievances.
- Know what you’re paying for. Many tech-related monthly bills contain hidden fees and fine print.
“Your mobile bills are some of the most complex. From paying for bits and bytes to hidden fees, the advertised low monthly payment never seems to materialize on your statement,” says Andrea Smith, technology expert and journalist.
In an average year, consumers pay more than $17.2 billion in taxes and fees to the wireless carriers. Often they don’t even know what these fees are for! To save on your bills, look for transparent billing practices, like those that include all taxes in fees on statements and don’t charge you a penny more than promised. T-Mobile’s unlimited monthly plan, T-Mobile ONE, now includes all taxes and fees in the pricing. It’s one of the only wireless providers who guarantee that the price you are advertised is the price you pay.
- Treat your data as a right, not a privilege. It is predicted the majority of TV will be viewed on mobile devices this year, so be prepared to use more data each month than ever before. One key tip: connect your mobile devices to Wi-Fi whenever possible.
If excess data charges constantly turn your family’s wireless bill into a monthly nightmare, find an unlimited plan or a wireless provider that doesn’t charge overages, so your leisure activities aren’t counted against you. Right now, T-Mobile is offering a family of four unlimited data for $40 per line, with taxes and fees included in that price, so there are no bill surprises. The plan also pays $10 back each month to customers who use less than 2GB.
- Help technology help you. These days, mobile apps can help you track spending and some can even help you save. For example, Mvelopes, a free budgeting app, helps users avoid over spending by offering real-time updates as purchases are made. Other apps such as Mint, give users an opportunity to check credit scores and automate bill payments.
- Look for rewards, and then take advantage of them. When choosing service providers, seek out reward programs like the ones you find for credit cards. Some tech companies offer customers exclusive deals on entertainment, dining and more when you download an app or sign up for the program. For example, the T-Mobile Tuesdays app features weekly free offers and discounts to customers from partners including Fandango, Lyft, Wendy’s, Shell Gas and more.
- Evaluate your needs, and slim down accordingly. Do a tech audit. Are you really using that cable or landline service enough to make the expense worthwhile? Could you be a cord cutter and just use streaming video services for TV? Evaluate your consumption for a month and determine if you actually use all the services that you pay for each month.
As we all come to rely more on our technology, it can be easy to pay extra fees blindly. Becoming an informed consumer can help take on any potential challenge or unexpected change.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Wonderful tips, I hear quite often that people have a staggering bill for their phones, no one wants that to happen. 🙂
Lara maynard says
Good tips. Here’s another: turn the tech off. Read, play games, go outside.
Calvin F. says
My isp doesn’t charge on download overage 🙂
kathy downey says
Thanks those are great tips !
Gord says
Good tips you have posted here. We will use some of them here.
accontests6 says
Good tips!
Dorothy H says
I need unlimited but that costs.
kathy downey says
These are all great tips thanks so much for sharing !
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Great tips to help avoid costs where possible, thanks for sharing 🙂
krla says
Very smart stuff!
Paul Gannon says
I don’t think we could completely cut the cable. Too many live sporting events that we’d miss AND if it isn’t in HD, what’s the point of watching?
Carl says
I actually did cut cable completely, I do miss watching my leafs and jays but I could easily pick up a package from MLB or NHL to allow me to watch them online. I do miss being current on all my favorite shows, and I wish Netflix was more up to date but I still am never hurting for stuff to watch.
Paul Gannon says
I watch a lot of Golf Channel and Formula 1 so I”m not sure my options would be.
Kam says
We’re not with any of the big players for our internet….cut the cord and stream everything. Unlimited internet and cheaper to boot!!!
Craig Silva says
These are some great tips. I’m pretty sure my two daughters are more tech savvy than I am. LOL
Shawn H says
We try to give ourselves #TechGoals in the household.
Scotty says
I find the biggest savings is by limiting or removing data and sticking to wifi as much as possible. There are maps online showing where are of the free wifi spots are worldwide.
John C says
Great money saving tips! thanks!
Peter H says
I want an unlimited plan so I can stream content to my TV in HD without worry of overages.
Gord says
Some very good tips in this post, thank you.
Toshiki says
Need more affordable internet plans.
adur says
Good tips! Thanks
Brian Banks says
I always check my bills!
Sarah Banks says
Good stuff to know!
Sara Zielinski says
This was a great tech guide.
Debbie White Beattie says
Thanks for all the great advice because I’m terrible with all the fine print
Cindy says
My internet and cable bill is very high.
CJ says
It’s very important to read that fine print. You have to know all the details so you don’t end up with a huge data bill every month. I don’t have a data cap on my DSL home internet package, so I try to use that for everything.
Krista M says
So true how complicated mobile bills are. Very hard to understand. I also agree with seeking out reward programs offered, this can be a be useful to save money.
Soozle says
Great tips! I know I use my smart phone for EVERYTHING these days – I try to be smart about the use as well so it works for me without being a burden
molli taylor says
as a hard of hearing person, i have really been embracing what technology can offer to me, to make my life better. but like everything else, it’s buyer beware. great tips!
Joyce S says
Good tips, we sure do use tech in a great part of our lives!
Lushka Smith says
Great tips, cut the cable cord last year. Now contemplating the landline.
Lily Kwan says
These tech tips are very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Jerry Marquardt says
I love these nice tips and pointers on making life easier and more economical in attaining all of our tech goals.
Rachel Browning says
Great info, news we can use