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| Credit Answers > Debt-Management-Articles-2009 > Information Overload |
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Technology is everywhere and our options are endless. It is possible to enjoy the benefits of technology without spending a lot of money. When you see an interesting electronic product
or fun gadget, you may want to take time to think about how necessary that item would be in your daily life.
Considering your choices might help you decide wisely about what technology you really need. It may also help you prevent a budget meltdown. Here are a just a few ideas that could help you save money on
technology:
Computers
If you do an Internet search for 'free software' you will see a multitude of choices available. Spreadsheet and office programs, anti-virus software and programs that could help you improve the photos you
take with your digital camera are just a few choices awaiting your discovery.
In addition, you can find free software that might help you manage your budget and track spending. PCMag.com recommends
Mint.com, a software tool that can assist you with finance management by providing regular reports on how much you are spending and ways to save money.
Billeo.com, another PCMag.com recommendation, could help you maintain your budget through spending reports and assistance with online bill payment options.
Other free expense tracking software includes Buxfer.com and Wesabe.com.
Cameras
It is likely that you can find a very good digital camera for a very reasonable price in today's market. If you are considering a digital camera, think about what features are important to you and what kind
of photos you will be taking. All digital cameras feature megapixels which have a role in dictating an image's quality. However, more megapixels may not always produce a better quality image, and megapixel
count usually has a direct effect on a camera's price.
Try to remember to stick to your budget and do your research, ask friends and read customer reviews of the products that interest you.
You may want to try Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) which features customer reviews of cameras and image samples from a variety of
models.
Free photo editing software, Gimp.org to name just one, is available on the Internet.
Cell Phones
Some current cell phone plans offer extras like texting, ringtones, games, video and camera capability.
These extras can be enjoyable, but ask yourself if you really need them. Texting, ringtones, and games can add up to $10 per month or more to your phone bill according to
Womansday.com.
Consider choosing a plan that fits your basic needs. Woman's Day also suggests looking for free games and ringtones on the Internet. Websites such as Phonezoo.com and Myxer.com might be a good place to
start.
If you already have an iPhone, you may have access to free software that will help you manage your budget and save money. According to The Wall Street Journal, Yowza!! combines a Global Positioning
System (GPS) with coupons for nearby retailers.
If you need a cell phone but don't want to sign a lengthy contract with one service provider, prepaid cell phones might be an option.
Free Software Ideas
Here are a just a few other software suggestions from PCMag.com. The site releases a yearly review of over 100 free software options which may be worth your time to check out.
Open Office (www.OpenOffice.org) includes a word processing and spreadsheet software, HTML document generation and PDF document generation.
Google Docs (docs.google.com) offers free browser-based document and spreadsheet software.
Gimp (www.gimp.org) is an Image Manipulation Program featuring photo retouching, image composition and image authoring capabilities.
Know Your Stuff (www.knowyourstuff.org) is an online site where you can inventory everything you own. You can even include digital photos of your possessions
or scanned purchase receipts.
Geni (www.Geni.com) allows genealogists to plug in their family tree. This web application makes it easy for everyone in the family to view information and share
stories, photos and facts of their own.
Office Web, a free version of Microsoft Office suite, will include the Office word processing application, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation software and OneNote message pad when it becomes
available soon.
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