Do you use technology to save on expenses?

[riverwed070707]

I'm pretty low-tech when it comes to my home. No desire for an Alexa or any other device to turn on my music for me, etc. but I have been thinking about getting a smart thermostat and I'm wondering if it's worth it and if anyone has actually seen a reduction in their utility bills because of it. What other smart devices are you using in your home that could result in savings?

[disneysteve]

I can't think of any tech device we use to save money, but the list of ways I've used the internet to save is quite long. The same goes for my iPhone. I save a ton of money with websites, electronic coupons, apps, etc.

[cypher1]

Would scheduled auto payment for monthly expenses be included? That saves on stamps and having to go out to mail items. I think the only technology I use to save money is mainly smart phone/desktop at home for ordering items online, instead of always physically going to the store.

[ua_guy]

Tech is the last thing I want to deal with in my home - I deal with applications all day at work and I've really come to value simplicity and things that don't need software updates or which will become obsolete when the manufacturer stops supporting something a year after buying it.

My parents have a Nest but have never done a cost analysis. I custom programmed my regular ol' digital thermostat once and the power company says we are exceedingly far below average on our energy usage, so I'm doing something right.

Our house came with wifi-enabled garage door openers with an app, and a washer/dryer set that is wifi-enabled, also with its own app. I've disabled the functionality on both devices - two fewer things to manage when a button, buzzer, and knob have worked very well for me. My car has an app too, and no I don't pay for it or use it.

No smart-home devices like Alexa for us, either. The only thing that is shout-enabled is the comcast remote and the only reason I use voice commands is because I don't have enough disk space to memorize their channel lineup. The cable box decries the use of foul language when I give it a voice command to f*** off.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

got a nest and at least 4 different google mini, google home, portal, alexas. We don't have cortana. We have a hub so we can close the garage and lock the front door as well and the nest cameras all over house and backyard. I don't know if it's worth it but it's fine.

[Singuy]

Yes.

Tesla Model 3 + Tesla Solar = a savings of 400 dollars a month in gas and electricity

[MonkeyMama]

My first thought reading this thread earlier was 'buying an electric car'. It wasn't what was being asked. But it is a better example of using technology to save money.

[Like2Plan]

Yes.

Tesla Model 3 + Tesla Solar = a savings of 400 dollars a month in gas and electricity

I am curious about the cost to insure a Tesla Model 3-- did you find it to be about the same for a similarly priced vehicle?

[riverwed070707]

My first thought reading this thread earlier was 'buying an electric car'. It wasn't what was being asked. But it is a better example of using technology to save money.

I love the "green" aspect of it but it wouldn't save me much. I currently only spend about $85/mo in gas... and I'm moving from a 12 mile round trip commute to a full time work from home situation beginning next week so it will be even less. I imagine the break even point over my fully paid off 13 year old car would be a LONG way down the road! Pun not originally intended but feels fitting