The Best Free Budgeting and Money Apps That Actually Help You Save
Some money apps just nag you. These ones actually move cash into savings, flag the subscriptions you forgot about, and round up your spare change while you go about your day.
Technology
Smart picks, budget gadgets, and money-saving tech tips for everyday life.
Smart Home on a Budget: 9 Cheap Gadgets That Quietly Lower Your Energy Bill
You don't need a $3,000 home automation system to spend less on power. A handful of budget smart home gadgets, most under $30, can trim your energy bill while you barely notice they're working.
Refurbished vs. New: How to Buy a Like-New Phone or Laptop for Half the Price
A two-year-old flagship phone often does everything you actually need, and it can cost half of what the new model rings up. Here is how to buy refurbished electronics without getting burned.
Lower Your Phone Bill to $15 a Month: The Best Cheap Cell Plans Most People Miss
Most people pay $80 or more a month for service they could get for $15. The catch is that the best cheap cell phone plans don't advertise on TV, so you have to know where to look.
Cut the Cord for Good: How to Replace Your Cable Bill With Free and Cheap Streaming
The average cable bill now runs well past $100 a month. Here's how to cut the cord and save money with a streaming setup that costs under $30 and still gets you the shows, sports, and news you actually watch.
Find Every Hidden Tech Deal: How to Score Coupons, Price Drops, and Cashback Automatically
Most people overpay for gadgets because they buy at the wrong moment and skip the coupon box. A handful of free tools can do that hunting for you in the background.
Stop Paying for Software: Free Alternatives to the Expensive Apps You Use Daily
Most of us pay monthly for tools we use a few times a week. Here's a swap list of free alternatives to paid software that cover office work, photo editing, antivirus, and the rest, with no trial clock ticking.
Free and Cheap VoIP: Make Unlimited Calls Without a Landline or Phone Plan
That $40 home phone line on your bill is doing one job: ringing once a month from a robocaller. Here's how to swap it for calling that costs little or nothing.
Slash Your Internet Bill: How to Negotiate, Switch, or Qualify for a Cheaper Plan
Most people pay more for home internet than they have to, often by $20 or $40 a month. Here's how to lower your internet bill with one phone call, a smarter plan, or a program that picks up part of the tab.
Speed Up Your Old Phone or Laptop: Free Fixes That Save You From Buying New
A slow machine usually isn't dying. It's clogged. Here's how to clear it out and get another year or two out of hardware you already own.