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People love getting the latest tech gadgets every year, but unfortunately, that’s costly. Tech Expenses can quickly add up, making it essential to find smart ways to save. If only there were a list of ways for gadget lovers to save money and get the pieces of tech they really want.
We found a few ingenious ways to get gadgets for less money than you think. Read on to learn how to get the best deals on the gadgets you want.
1. Use Last Generation’s Tech
Significant discounts are available if you don’t mind using last year’s tech. From smartphones to televisions and all the phenomenal little gadgets in between, using previous year’s versions won’t make a difference in your day-to-day except in the size of your bank account.
Here’s a sneaky little truth bomb: contrary to popular belief, there is no discernible difference between the Apple iPhone of 2024 and 2023. You can’t even tell the difference between the two models.
2. Shop Used
There’s a big difference in price between new and used items. While you risk buying a broken or otherwise dysfunctional product when you buy used, the savings opportunity is often too good to pass up.
Buying used tech gadgets isn’t for the faint of heart, and some people may cringe at the thought of purchasing used headphones. I, on the other hand, love how much money I save.
3. Shop Refurbished
If buying used is too “icky” for you, consider buying refurbished. Online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy specialize in selling refurbished products, and the best part is they’re professionally cleaned and set up to like-new specifications.
Over the years, I’ve bought countless refurbished products, and I’ve been impressed by the quality of each one. In every case, it’s as if I bought a new gadget.
4. Wait for Deals
Coupon codes, promo codes, and targeted offers always pop up eventually; it’s all about waiting for the right moment. There’s no shame in waiting for a hot deal, capitalizing on it, and securing the tech gadget of your dreams.
Credit cards are an especially invaluable tool for getting significant discounts on new tech. I have multiple Chase cards and am not shy about applying any available Best Buy 10% discounts on future purchases.
5. Use eBay
Make no mistake about it: eBay is the wild west of technology. On any given day, a new gadget could go up for sale that will satiate even the most cynical shopper. Take advantage of this. Deals can be found on eBay, often at bargain-basement-level prices.
In many cases, eBay sellers don’t realize what they’re selling. They’re selling in bulk without regard to their items’ actual values. You can find cheap, modern gadgets quickly and efficiently as a savvy shopper.
6. Trade With Friends and Family
Who says you have to spend money to get your hands on the coolest gadgets of 2024? Utilize arguably the most important resource you have: your friends and family. Trading gadgets with trusted people can be mutually beneficial.
I once traded my iPad for my cousin’s PlayStation VR glasses. Although it was only for a month, I got to experience cutting-edge tech without spending a dime. And for what it’s worth, my cousin got plenty of use from the iPad.
7. Avoid Big-Name Manufacturers
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Keeping pace with the latest tech trends doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend big bucks to own Apple products exclusively.
I don’t need the clout of owning a pair of Apple AirPods. Instead, I rock Jabra wireless earbuds, which have arguably better sound quality than Apple’s offerings.
Do you care about the underlying technology of your gadgets? In that case, you won’t care about the “label,” which leads to significant savings.
8. Wait for Market Adjustments
Tech product manufacturers are locked in a never-ending battle for supremacy among each other, and prices are often adjusted based on market conditions. Jump on unexpected, lower price points whenever possible.
Look at Tesla, for example. They’ve slashed prices in recent months to gain as much market share as possible. That’s bad news for existing owners of Tesla electric vehicles but excellent news for people looking to buy a new car.
9. Wait for Seasonal Sales
If you’re one of the lucky few blessed with extraordinary patience, one of the best ways to get gadgets for less is to wait for seasonal sales. Take advantage of Amazon’s Prime Day sales, big box store Black Friday deals, and Christmas-season discounts.
Some of the best deals I’ve ever scored were because I waited on Amazon Prime Day, when the tech gadgets I wanted dropped to ridiculously low prices.
10. Research, Research, Research
When shopping for the best new gadgets, you should do diligent research. Read testimonials, watch YouTube reviews, and do whatever you can to thoroughly examine the gadget you’re about to buy.
In many cases, you may realize you don’t want the gadget after all, which saves you a lot of money you’d otherwise throw away on a piece of tech that doesn’t work as advertised.
11. Say No to Extended Warranties
As adults, we should know by now how to take care of the things we spend our hard-earned money on, right? Therefore, there’s no reason to pay through the nose for extended manufacturer warranties.
In the big-box appliance world, extended warranties are the source of most of the profit during a sale, so salespeople logically push them onto customers. However, anybody who knows how to care for a tech gadget knows better than buying one.
12. Choose the Base Model
Like most popular cars and trucks, many gadgets have different trim levels. For example, Apple has two distinct “flavors” of AirPods: the base-model AirPods and the higher-end AirPods Pro. If you want the satisfaction of owning a fashionable pair of Apple earbuds and want to save money, choose the “regular” AirPods.
In many cases, spending extra for the top-end trim level for any piece of technology is the equivalent of throwing money down the drain.
13. Stop Upgrading Every Year
Newsflash: You don’t need the latest version of every tech gadget. The Apple iPhone hasn’t had a single significant tech upgrade in years, and neither have Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones. Modern high-definition televisions are the same. Can anybody tell the difference between TVs at this point?
Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses. Learn to love the tech you already have, which will inevitably lead to significant savings by not needlessly upgrading your devices annually.
14. Hit up the Classifieds
There are countless online marketplaces available, so use them to your advantage. Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp are fantastic ways to acquire tech gadgets at rock-bottom prices. You’ll be shocked at the bargains you can find.
These platforms often appeal to sellers desperate to make money, even if that means selling their item at a loss. I’ve taken advantage of these bargain basement prices on multiple occasions.
15. Become a Reviewer
If you have a way with words and love getting your hands on the latest tech gadgets, becoming a reviewer may be your best path to heavily discounted (often free) items. It involves hard work, but before you know it, tech companies will beg you to review their products.
You can’t be a fly-by-night reviewer, though. You have to dedicate yourself to continuously reviewing everything tech, or your gravy train will quickly dry up.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
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If you’re looking for ways to earn more money to put toward your goals, start by examining your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
- Read More: The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
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In today’s economy, strict budgeting has become a reality for many, sometimes involuntarily. With fast fashion and rapidly changing trends, temptations are on the rise. Mastering a budgeting mindset can empower a person to manage their finances responsibly. It’s a step towards achieving self-fulfillment while leaving room for some fun.
