While companies like Comcast, Cox, Verizon, AT&T, and CenturyLink try to lease you a modem and router combo for your internet service, you are not required to take it. Instead, you can buy your own modem and router to own your own device and avoid that monthly fee. This post … [Read more...] about Buy your own smart router and save on internet costs
Tech Talk
How to save on internet costs by buying your own modem
When you sign up for broadband Internet service, you need a modem that converts the digital signal into something your computers, phones, TVs and other connected devices can talk to. The big cable and phone companies make it very easy for you by offering to rent you a modem to use, but you don’t … [Read more...] about How to save on internet costs by buying your own modem
5 surprising ways your smartphone can save you money
You’ve probably accepted the fact that you can't live without your smartphone, even if it is an extra expense on top of your other bills. Of course, if you use your phone wisely, it could turn out to be a great investment. Check out these five ways your smart phone can actually help you save … [Read more...] about 5 surprising ways your smartphone can save you money
Which free cloud storage solution is best?
While few people knew the term “cloud computing” just a decade ago, the cloud has become an important part of our digital lives. Cloud services now cover important needs like email, music, photos, and other files. One of the most important uses of the cloud is personal file storage. Fortunately, you … [Read more...] about Which free cloud storage solution is best?
Getting TV shows you love without cable
Cutting the cord is all the rage these days, with people of all ages ditching their expensive cable TV service for online options. If you have favorite shows that you are worried about missing if you get rid of cable, look to these alternatives to fill in the gap, and save a few bucks along the … [Read more...] about Getting TV shows you love without cable
Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
According to a 2021 survey from tech care company Asurion, the cellphone has taken the top spot as most essential item for Americans, overtaking their vehicle or their refrigerator — which makes sense when you consider that you can't do a group text with Uber or Lyft. So whenever a new phone model … [Read more...] about Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
Free or cheap music streaming services
We live in an on-demand generation when it comes to music entertainment. With so many streaming or downloadable options, those CD collections, stereo systems and portable radios are collecting dust and becoming outdated.Here are some ways to get your groove on, rock out or sing along with your … [Read more...] about Free or cheap music streaming services
How to prep for hurricanes and other disasters on a budget
With a regular torrent of severe weather events, ranging from hurricanes to fires, regularly hitting all parts of the United States, you may be interested in the best ways to prepare to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.You shouldn't sit around worried all day about an unpredictable … [Read more...] about How to prep for hurricanes and other disasters on a budget
3 questions to ask before buying a new smartphone
Most people these days can’t imagine living without a smartphone. Your smartphone is your connection to the digital world, and frequently the physical world. Whether you want to share pictures with family, browse the web and social media, or run your business remotely, a smartphone is likely an … [Read more...] about 3 questions to ask before buying a new smartphone
Where is the best place to sell your iPhone?
Every fall, companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google release their new flagship smartphones. If you’re carrying a prior-version iPhone and want to upgrade to the latest version, don’t rush to click the buy button just yet. Before you do, take a few minutes to research the best ways to sell your old … [Read more...] about Where is the best place to sell your iPhone?
Free alternatives to MS Office software
If you need to do anything with a computer involving word processing, spreadsheets, or presentations, the longtime default software package was Microsoft Office. While many businesses and schools still rely heavily on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office programs, … [Read more...] about Free alternatives to MS Office software
Great places to find free e-books and audiobooks
E-books cost on average $7 each. That’s less than the cost of print books, but a two-book-per-week-habit can add up to around $60 per month. Ouch!We have a solution— FREE e-books. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many downloadable books are available for free, and we're not talking about … [Read more...] about Great places to find free e-books and audiobooks
Recycle electronics for free at Best Buy
Need to get rid of unwanted laptops and cellphones, but don't want to pay for someone to haul them away? Best Buy offers FREE electronics recycling at Best Buy stores nationwide, so you're never far from a fee-free recycling service. Here's everything you need to know about disposing of your used … [Read more...] about Recycle electronics for free at Best Buy
Great iPad apps for kids of all ages
Have you ever wondered how to find the best apps for kids when using iPads or iPhones? We've put together a list of apps that might be just what the kids want — and also what they need. For Toddlers Every parent has an opinion on letting toddlers use tablets. Whatever side you choose, … [Read more...] about Great iPad apps for kids of all ages
Great sites for free photo downloads
I routinely use photos to illustrate stories on Living on the Cheap, but I rarely use my own. Instead, I use some subscription-based sites, or I search for royalty-free websites that offer free downloads of a photo that corresponds to my article topic. The Internet is full of stock photo sites that … [Read more...] about Great sites for free photo downloads