Technology
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use an old phone with a cheap yearly plan for children or teens.
Most places have WiFi, so limited data is enough.
one person who lived it
Buy an RCA tablet for music streaming.
It serves as a great music player and streamer.
one person who lived it
Use an unlocked cell phone with a budget carrier like Mint Mobile.
It can reduce annual phone bills to less than what some people pay per month.
one person who lived it
Calculate the total cost of hardware and software for local backups before switching from cloud subscriptions.
The upfront cost may exceed what you would pay for the subscription over many years.
one person who lived it
Choose corded earbuds over wireless ones to save money, avoid charging, and reduce the risk of loss.
You can buy many pairs for the price of one wireless set, and they are harder to lose.
one person who lived it
Downsize your cellphone data plan if you have free WiFi at work.
A simple decision to reduce data usage can result in monthly savings.
one person who lived it
Avoid buying iPhones in August; wait for September releases to see price drops on older models.
iPhones typically drop in price when new ones are released in September.
one person who lived it
Keep your current phone model until it wears out rather than upgrading to the latest version.
3 people, independently
Upgrade an older MacBook Pro to an SSD to extend its useful life.
one person who lived it
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Buy used phones from secondary markets like eBay instead of buying new from carriers to save money.
It is more cost-effective to avoid getting phones through service companies; buying and selling used is a viable strategy.
one person who lived it
Buy business-grade electronics (e.g., Ubiquiti, Dell Latitude/Precision) instead of consumer-grade.
Business-grade kit is tougher and longer-lasting.
one person who lived it
Get a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for desktop computers.
It protects against surges and power outages, preventing data or hardware loss.
one person who lived it
Buy business-grade computers from auctions where businesses dispose of them after warranty expiration.
They are vastly better than consumer-grade machines.
one person who lived it
Buy Anker power products.
They are extremely reliable and not excessively priced.
one person who lived it