Tech This Out: $avings Edition

Are you looking to cut down on your household expenses? Well, this is the article for you. With the right technology, you can save money on both bills and groceries. Here are some smart tech options available that can help you start to achieve just that:

 Energy Savings 

Smart Thermostats: Install a smart thermostat like the Amazon Smart Thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences. This can help reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling bills.

LED Lighting: Switch to LED light bulbs such as the Philips Hue White A19 LED Smart Bulbs. They use less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Energy-Efficient Appliances: Invest in energy-efficient appliances like the Kenmore 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher with the Energy Star label to ensure they meet high efficiency standards.

Smart Power Strips: Use smart power strips like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip to cut off power to devices that are not in use.

 Water Savings 

Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets such as the Niagara Conservation Earth Massage Handheld Showerhead to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. I haven't had an issue since replacing my showerhead with a Niagara.

Smart Irrigation Systems: Use smart irrigation systems like the Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Timer to optimize watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

 Groceries Savings 

Grocery Apps: Use Amazon's grocery section of the app + Walmart to compare prices, find discounts, and create shopping lists.

Meal Planning Apps: Plan your meals using apps like Mealime or Paprika. Meal planning helps you buy only what you need, reducing food waste and saving money on groceries.

Online Coupons: Use Amazon coupons, Walmart savings, or an app like Rakuten to find digital coupons and cashback offers for groceries.

Subscription Services: Consider using discount grocery subscription services like Imperfect Foods or Misfits Market to get discounted groceries delivered to your door. Walmart & Amazon both allow you to do subscriptions of desired items as well, but the main options we highlight here are for discount focused options.

 General Savings 

Home Automation Systems: Implement a home automation system like the Amazon Echo Hub to control various devices in your home.

Smart Plugs: Use smart plugs like the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug to control and schedule the operation of your appliances.

Energy Monitoring Devices: Use energy monitoring devices like the Sense Energy Monitor to track your energy consumption in real-time.

Gasoline savings: Use free gas station memberships to save on gas periodically or use the Prime Earnify deal to save 10 cent per gallon if you're a Prime subscriber.

By budgeting and incorporating smart tech options into your home, you can make significant savings on both your bills and groceries. Happy saving and game on!

 + Blu 

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Buying Tech with Interest Fees? No... don't do it!

I know it's no fun to think about this stuff when it comes to your wants, but hear me out. At SDGT Entertainment, we believe in making smart financial decisions, especially when it comes to purchasing tech. While the allure of the latest gadgets can be strong, buying unnecessary tech on interest can lead to financial pitfalls that are best avoided. We talk with fellow gamers on a daily basis, and came across the same consideration to get tech on a payment plan that comes with interest. This topic is perfect for October, because debt is a scary thing! Here’s why we strongly disagree with this practice and what we recommend instead.

The Hidden Costs of Interest Rates

Many companies offer enticing payment plans for tech products, such as graphics cards, with seemingly low monthly payments. For instance, you might find a plan that allows you to pay as little as $20 per month. However, these plans often come with high interest rates, sometimes as steep as 36% APR. On a $285 graphics card, this means you could end up paying over $88 more than the retail price. The additional cost can quickly add up, putting a strain on your finances if they're already tight.

The Trap of Instant Gratification

We understand the desire to have the latest tech as soon as possible. However, this desire can lead to impulsive decisions that prioritize wants over needs. Many people find themselves in financial trouble because they give in to the temptation of instant gratification. It’s important to think twice before making such purchases and consider the long-term impact on your financial health.

The Power of Saving

Instead of falling into the trap of high-interest payment plans, we advocate for a more disciplined approach: Saving. By setting aside a specific amount each month, you can accumulate the funds needed to purchase tech outright. For example, if you save $50 per month, you could afford a new graphics card within a few months, without the burden of interest. This approach not only saves you money but also instills a sense of financial responsibility.

Interest-Free Options

There are interest-free options available, and these can be a good alternative if you need to make a purchase immediately. However, even with these options, it’s crucial to ensure that you can comfortably afford the payments without compromising your financial stability.

Long-Term Benefits

By adopting a saving-first mentality, you can avoid the financial strain that comes with high-interest payments. This approach allows you to make purchases without the added stress of debt, leading to better financial health in the long run. Plus, the discipline of saving can help you achieve other financial goals more efficiently in addition to scoring your tech! Stay tuned because a new book from a member of SDGT is on its way, and it can help you score tech, games, and extra cash!

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Save big on spooky fun!

New Survey - Wants VS Needs: Ease the fight for entertainment and wants!

According to a Mind & Money Connection survey, people are refusing to give up certain expenses even though they are considered non-essential.

The top expenses include:

• 'Treat Yourself' Purchases (like morning coffee) - 30.1%
• Health & Wellness (gym memberships, therapy, etc.) - 29.3%
• Media & Entertainment (streaming, music subscriptions) - 26.9%
• Experiences (movie tickets, concerts, theme parks) - 26.7%
• Social Activities (dining out, clubs, sports) - 22.5%

I can understand the desire to maintain certain health/wellness, and some extras to add normalcy during tough times, but there are options worth considering.

For those who want to hold onto non-essentials, I suggest exploring more affordable alternatives:

• Amazon Prime provides good entertainment value in addition to free shipping
  - Amazon offers monthly payment plans
  - Amazon provides TV/Film, Games, Music, and More in one service
  - Grubhub orders are free through Amazon Prime
• Free streaming services like FreeVee, Pluto TV, Tubi
• Buy good coffee to make at home
• Free-to-play gaming options, discounts/bundles and games you already own
• Thrift stores and second-hand shops for clothing
• Travel or enjoy a nice affordable staycation

The key is to budget and do your research, get creative with free/low-cost options, and prioritize covering essential expenses first. Resources like the $30 Now Home Internet service can help make entertainment and work accessible if you need to cut a cost.

Remember, there are also assistance programs in the U.S. for the less fortunate. With discipline and a good plan, you can hopefully get through this challenging time and establish a budget. For saving, Paypal actually has a saving account option that provides you with 4.30%, so if you plug a small amount of money into it on a consistent basis you can benefit.

Lastly, Rideshare drivers, you can make $1200/year without additional work by signing up for a tablet to entertain your passengers. There is no charge for you and tips may increase due to the added entertainment.

Sophima

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Affordable Wired 100 - 200 Mbps Internet

The Money Tournament featuring PAC-MAN 256! You in?

We're pleased to announce our first tournament and you're welcomed to join in. The selected game is simple enough for anyone to play, and so are the rules presented below. So what game is it? It's PAC-MAN256. The spec requirements are low, so you can play it on a PC running in beast mode or... a simple laptop. 

So whether you're a new school or old school gamer... let's see what you've got. You can get the game on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. 

We can't accept Apple or Android gameplay because you're able to continue from a loss and edit without notice.

How To Join

Record up to 1-Hour (Max) of your gameplay in PAC-MAN 256

• Must record video from the start of the gameplay (no edits)

• You don't have to be on video.

• If you don't know how to record your gameplay on Windows 10, press the Windows (logo) key + G key on your keyboard.
• When the boxes pop up, go to the one labeled "Capture" and press the "Start Recording" button.
  
  
• Just hover your mouse over the button to make sure that's the one.
  
  
• When you're done with gameplay, press the "Stop" button next to the recording timer.
  
  
• Your video should be in the Captures folder in your videos folder.

_________________________________________________________

Upload Video To YouTube During The Tournament Dates:

• June 11, 2021 - July 9, 2021 (by 11:59PM PST)
  
  
• The video can be unlisted, it will be shared for everyone to see.
  
  
• Mobile gamers are welcome, but you can't continue.

_________________________________________________________

How To Win:

• The 3 players with the Highest Scores Win!

Winners Announced:

• July 22nd or July 23rd (2021) which allows time to review the videos.

_________________________________________________________

Prizes:

• 1st Place - $20 Amazon Gift Card or Equivalent
  
  
• 2nd Place - $10 Amazon Gift Card or Equivalent
  
  
• 3rd Place - $5 Amazon Gift Card or Equivalent

_________________________________________________________

Email Your YouTube Link To:

• ForTheWin@SdgtStudio.com
  

This will give you an idea of gameplay. Your goal is simply to get the highest score among those who enter, that's it. Good luck and... game on!

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