Technology impacts almost every aspect of our 21st century lives from transportation to safety, access to food, and socialization. The power of technology has allowed international communities to form and people across the globe to communicate and share ideas. Not to mention great entertainment options and streaming platforms. While there’s no denying that technology has benefitted the world as a whole, between using technology for your job, and in your personal life, it can be extremely overwhelming. So much so, that digital overload has turned into a worldwide phenomenon, and switching it off can feel like kicking an addiction.
While it’s super easy to feel overburdened by the internet and social media, there are numerous ways where you can better utilize technology to benefit yourself and better serve your interests. Here are five ways to use technology to make your life easier, more affordable, and stress-free.
1. Save Money
Americans are shopping online more than ever before. According to the United States Census Bureau, online retailers in the nation made more than $759 billion in 2020, which is more than 13% of all retail sales in the United States. As people begin to turn more to online shopping, people are also looking to find ways to save money on online deals. The easiest, most convenient way to save money online shopping? Browser extensions.
Browser extensions are plug-ins you can download on web browsers like Chrome or Safari, that will do the heavy lifting of bargain hunting for you. These browser extensions, like Capital One Shopping, scan the web for promo codes and automatically apply them to your cart at checkout. To top that off, some extensions will also award you cashback for eligible purchases, and even tell you if an item can be found on another site for less. The best part? Most browser extensions are completely free of charge. If you’re a savvy deal seeker, or like saving money (who doesn’t?), strongly consider downloading one or more of these extensions. You will never have to search for coupons or promo codes ever again!
2. Get Academic Help for Your Kids
If your child is falling behind in school or needs a helping hand with a particular subject, strongly consider finding an online tutor. The demand for online tutoring recently has skyrocketed, and for good reason. Not only are online tutors easily accessible, but online tutors are also able to revolve their schedules around their tutees. Students have a lot on their plate between balancing school work and extracurricular activities. Online tutoring offers students flexibility in their schedules and allows them to make the most use of their precious time.
One of the greatest advantages of online tutoring is the customized learning experience. Online tutors provide personalized, one-on-one instruction and can adjust their approach to suit your child’s needs. For example, if your child needs extra help with math, a tutor can spend the majority of their sessions helping with math homework or prepping your child for an upcoming test or exam. Last but not least, online tutors tend to charge less compared to in-class tuition fees, making it a more cost-effective tutoring option.
3. Talk to Therapists Online
Whether you are looking to switch your therapy sessions to an online platform or start your journey with therapy for the first time, online therapy can help you find comfort and strength. One of the perks of online therapy is it is extremely convenient for the person seeking help. Online therapy allows patients to pick and choose a time to meet with a therapist that works for them, and all you need is a fast internet connection or a good cellphone signal to make it happen. Additionally, instead of commuting to a therapist, it’s far easier to squeeze in an online session during lunch or after work while balancing and keeping up with your busy schedule.
And let’s not forget, online therapy also gives you access to a broader network of therapists and mental health professionals. If you seek a therapist specializing in certifying psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), there are online services that can match you with an expert to help get you a PSD Letter. Or, if you were struggling to find a therapist in your hometown specializing in marital counseling, you have a far greater selection to choose from online.
4. Save Time Grocery Shopping
Are you struggling to find time to fit grocery shopping into your schedule? If the answer is yes, many grocery stores are now offering online shopping and curbside pickup. Whether you are a busy parent or a working professional, online grocery shopping is a great way to get the food you need while skipping the hassle of visiting the grocery store. According to Statista, the average person goes to the grocery store 1.6 times every week and spends 43 minutes shopping at the store. That doesn’t include the time it takes to drive to and from the store. Think about how much time you will be saving by skipping those trips!
But online shopping is more than just time-efficient – there are other added benefits to doing your shopping online. When you buy groceries online, using a website or an app, you can quickly compare different brands’ prices, as well as check the current deals and discounts before adding products to your cart. Some stores even keep an inventory of your previous orders, making it easy to repeat an order of groceries that you buy every week with a single click.
5. Purchase Used Items
With the internet, it’s easier than ever to find any commodity or good with a single search term.
To make things even better, many of the items you are looking for are available gently used, second-hand, or for rent online. Often, you are looking for an item but don’t necessarily need it to be shiny and brand new. For example, if you are a college student and need books or textbooks, used resources are available online for rent on websites such as Campus Books. Why buy a pricey new textbook when you will probably get rid of it after a single semester?
By purchasing used goods, not only are you saving money for yourself, but you are also taking care of the planet and keeping waste out of landfills. You can find anything from used furniture to second-hand clothing using boards such as Craigslist and Poshmark.
