Technology can be seen as a friend or a foe. But you can make it your friend by using it to save money. From shopping to energy savings, technology can help you keep more money in your wallet.
Using technology is simple and often just requires a smartphone. Here are various ways to save.
Shopping Apps and Chrome Extensions Save Money
No more clipping coupons with these apps; the technology in the palm of your hand can give you both cash back and savings. If you have a smartphone, you can download an app and enjoy deals.Some Shopping Apps Available
Rakuten, which originally offered only in-store savings, has evolved and now offers cashback and discounts on in-store purchases, hotels, and online purchases as well. It’s available on iPhone, Android, and website and browser extensions. You can receive cash back at more than 3,500 stores as well as coupons and discounts.A cashback app that gives you cash back at grocery stores, restaurants, and on gas is Upside. It offers flexibility by providing cash back for more than 30,000 businesses. The app pays you up to 25 cents cash back on a gallon of gas, up to 45 percent cash back at restaurants, and up to 30 percent cash back at grocery stores. It’s available on iPhone and Android.
If you travel by car a lot, you’re probably always looking for the best gas price. GasBuddy is an app that lets you see the lowest-priced gas station in town. It lets you search by zip code to find the best prices. You can also search by gas type, such as regular, mid-grade, premium, or diesel.
GasBuddy provides a map so you can see where the most expensive gas is before you travel. It also gives you a trip cost calculator so that you can budget for gas costs. GasBuddy is available on iPhone and Android.
Chrome Extensions for Your Computer
Chrome extensions allow you to customize your browser, automate tasks, and add functionalities not present in the standard browser. Adding a Chrome extension can enhance your online shopping experience.Some Shopping Chrome Extensions Available
One of the most popular Chrome extensions is Honey. Owned by PayPal, Honey searches for online coupons at over 30,000 sites to help you save. When you’re shopping online, Honey will find the best price. It will automatically find and apply coupon codes.It also finds the best prices on Amazon by comparing prices of every top-rated seller in the marketplace. Because Amazon prices fluctuate, Honey allows you to track the item so you know if you’re paying more than you should.
Capital One Shopping is another popular Chrome extension. It has 1,500,000 users. Similar to Honey, Capital One Shopping automatically checks prices from other sellers. This includes sales tax and shipping (if applicable). You'll receive a notification if there is a better offer.
Capital One Shopping also searches for and finds coupons that it will automatically apply to your purchase. However, what sets Capital One Shopping apart from Honey is its cash-back program. When you shop at stores like Walmart, Neiman Marcus, and Macy’s, you can earn cash back.
Online Mortgage Calculators
Use technology to help calculate your estimated monthly mortgage payments. Online mortgage calculators can also help you compare various loan options and understand the affordability of homes within your budget.Further, it will allow you to factor in annual property taxes, annual homeowners’ insurance. and monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees (if applicable).
It’s an estimate, but it gives you a good planning tool when considering a mortgage.
Smart Home Devices Save Energy and Money
Smart home devices optimize various functions within your home. They’re the latest technology when it comes to cutting utility bills. Besides reducing energy, smart home devices allow you to remotely control them through apps or voice commands. They offer convenience.Popular Smart Home Devices
Easy-to-install smart home devices include:- Smart plugs and power strips: They will monitor and control energy usage that is plugged into them.
- Smart thermostats: These will automatically adjust the home’s temperature based on your needs.
- Smart lighting: This can be used for dimming features and motion detectors to reduce energy consumption.
- Smart water heaters: These will only heat when it’s needed; this reduces standby energy losses.
Smart home devices will pay for themselves.
A smart thermostat can save up to 10–15 percent on heating and cooling bills. You can purchase one for up to $200 on Amazon. The average savings for a smart thermostat is $100 annually. Depending on the cost of the thermostat, it would take you one to two years to break even.
On Amazon, smart lighting costs up to $13 per bulb. The average annual savings are $20–$50 per year. You’ll make your money back in the first year.
Technology Saves You Time and Money
Whether it’s a smart light or shopping online, you can save money by leveraging technology. Apps are available that provide you with savings. If you’re looking to save on utility bills, consider smart home devices. All of these are low-cost or free to use.The Epoch Times copyright © 2025. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
