Your kids are (once again) clamoring for the latest iSomething. Meanwhile, you and your spouse are locking horns over whether to buy a bigger TV or a faster PC. Oh, and the AV receiver is on the fritz; that’s going to need replacing soon too.
Living in a digital world sure gets expensive.
The average American home has more than twice as many Internet-connected devices as people, the NPD Group reports. And annual household spending on electronics last year was up 36% over 2011, to $1,312, the Consumer Electronics Association says.
Here’s how to keep your clan tech-happy without going broke:
Swap home upgrades
You know waiting until a wireless contract is up significantly cuts the cost of a new mobile device. But you might not know that most carriers let you exchange upgrades within a family plan, which is ideal for when your teen cracks his screen or one of you needs a specific new feature (like point-by-point audio navigation). Applying another family member’s upgrade — assuming the person is happy to keep his or her phone — helps you avoid paying full price.
How it works: You renew the contract and get the phone, but don’t activate it, says Dan Ackerman of tech site CNET. Then simply ask the carrier to have the cell connected to another line.
Opt for the next best
While early adopters pay a premium, those who buy older versions are rewarded. The newest iPad sets you back $499, for example, but the earlier one costs $399. Going back two generations on a device saves more, and can make sense if you don’t need the latest bells and whistles.
Prefer the current model? Buy it refurbished.
“Refurbished tech products often provide big savings with little compromise,” says Rick Broida, who writes for PC World. (A fixed-up version of the newest iPad sells at a 10% discount.)
Devices are quality tested; phones usually get new batteries. Most companies even offer some kind of warranty.
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