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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Living A Tech-Friendly Life: 10 Ways To Make Your Home... Smarter!

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are surrounded by different forms of technology that make our lives easier and more convenient. A tech-friendly life is not just about having fun gadgets, but also about utilizing technology in various areas to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve communication.

One of the most significant benefits of using technology is that it can help us save time. With the help of various apps and software, we can automate a lot of our daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, bill payments, and even cleaning schedules for bots or services. This means that we can spend more time doing things that we enjoy or that are more important to us, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or focusing on our work.

Another way that technology can help us is by keeping us on task and organized. Voice reminders and to-do list apps are great tools that can help us stay on top of our daily tasks and ensure that we don't forget anything important. These tools are especially useful for people who have busy schedules or who struggle with memory issues. The Echo Show 15 acts as a household hub for family use.

In addition to saving time and keeping us organized, technology can also help us maintain our health. There are various apps and devices that can track our fitness levels, monitor our sleep patterns, and even help us manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. By keeping track of our health data, we can make more informed decisions about our lifestyle choices and work towards achieving our health goals.

Technology can also help us create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Smart home devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can be programmed to work together and create a personalized environment that meets our specific needs. For example, we can set our lights to turn on automatically when we enter a room or program our thermostat to adjust the temperature based on our daily routine.

Overall, technology has become an essential part of our lives, and I feel a tech-friendly lifestyle can offer numerous benefits. By using technology to automate tasks, stay organized, maintain our health to the extent that we comply, and create a more comfortable living space, we can improve our overall quality of life and achieve our goals more efficiently.

Here are 10 ways to make your home smarter

1. Install a voice-controlled virtual assistant, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, to control various devices in your home.

2. Install smart lights that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or with voice commands.

3. Set up a smart thermostat that can learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. It can also be controlled remotely.

4. Use smart plugs to turn ordinary appliances into smart devices that can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn on/off automatically.

5. Install smart locks on doors that can be controlled remotely and provide keyless entry options. Stay tuned for our review of the Brinks Commercial Keypad Entry Lever!

6. Invest in a smart security system that includes cameras, sensors, and alarms that can be monitored and controlled through your smartphone.

7. Set up a smart irrigation system to control the watering of your garden or lawn remotely, based on weather conditions or time of day. Lawn mower bots help keep your lawn nice and neat.

8. Use smart blinds or curtains that can be automatically opened or closed based on a set schedule or controlled remotely.

9. Integrate smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, that can be controlled or monitored remotely for energy efficiency and convenience.

We can't forget about the cool convenient tech. I had to throw this in there because... come on, who would be against a freaking coffee table that also doubles as a fridge, wireless charger, and speaker system? What?! It also has a built-in touchscreen controller. Soundstream has a cheaper version. -  Blu 

10. Use smart speakers or sound systems to play music or audio throughout your home, providing a seamless entertainment experience.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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Amazon Prime Day: Fun Buys, Functional Buys... or Both?!

Amazon Prime Day is like Black Friday in the Summer! Amazon has made its own version of the popular shopping event and it's basically going on right now! Before you start spending though, consider what you need and then what you want, not just what's on sale (if it's truly a deal... look around).

Buying impulsively seems like fun, but it sometimes leads to items that just sit around unused... and space is valuable.

One particular product that I've mentioned several times is the Echo Show 15 HD, and this year they gave it a nice drop from Prime Day. The Echo Show 15 HD is a solid option if you want a combination of fun and function. This device can be mounted and be used as a hub for the family to manage tasks and reminders. Right now, you can get it for $182, which is nearly $100 cheaper than the regular price. It can connect to smart TVs and speakers, and even be used as an intercom system. 

You can display your baby on a part of the screen to keep watch with an Alexa-compatible cam. While this would likely appeal more so to smart home fans, I also think about those who tend to be forgetful and can't remember tasks and chores. This type of option is a solid assistant to bypass such an issue.

A cool want for a useful product... is the 5th generation Echo Dot Limited Edition Star Wars Stand. It has 3 amazing options to choose from, Darth Vader, the Mandalorian, and a Stormtrooper. You sit the Echo Dot inside and the level of cool takes flight. 

What would make this even better (and some of you already know where I'm going with this) is... if they gave owners the option of changing Alexa's voice to fit these options. Now that would truly be out of this world. I think Star Wars fans would have a robotic cow if someone created a... hmmm, I think I'll actually hold on to this one.

For those who are into hi-fi music, Amazon has the Echo Link 60-watt 2-channel Amp. This offers high-quality sound, as well as access to headphones, Optical In/Out, standard L & R Speaker Out, 7.1 surround sound, and even wireless Echo speakers and vinyl record players. 

The connection can be made via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the Echo Link Amp is available for $210 rather than $300 during Prime Day. This caught my eye for sure and gives you access to nearly all of the music platforms that I know of. 

Would it make an Audiophile cheer? No clue, but I've got my eye on it now.

Lastly, Amazon finally got the hint with Luna and included a month of Luna+ with the purchase of a controller. You can grab this bundle for $39.99 and play on your phone, tablet, tv via fire stick, or a fire tv. Whether you stick to gaming monthly via Luna+ or go down to the basic, as long as you have Prime... you can play... something at no additional charge. This month (in addition to Fortnite), you can also play HotWheels Unleashed, Endzone: A World Apart, Mail Mole, and Metal Slug... at no additional fee.

There are plenty of other prime day deals out there, so get your browse on while the getting is good and check the official coupons to see where you can save even more.

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