Nowadays, it seems as if everyone is looking for ways to save money. Even if you work and earn a decent salary, the high cost of living can hit your pocket hard. To make sure that you’re able to make ends meet, you may come up with a budget, shop less, plan cheaper vacations, and take measures to generate extra cash. And while you’re searching for ways to save money, you might even consider canceling your cable or Internet service in order to reduce utility bills.
But don’t cancel your Internet service so fast. Having an Internet connection can provide huge savings in a variety of different areas.
1. Watch movies and television programs online
With sites and services like YouTube, Netflix and Hulu.com, you can literally cancel your cable service and watch your favorite movies and programs online. If you have a family, going to the movies can break your entertainment budget. Given the fact that movie tickets cost at least $10 per person, a family night out can run anywhere from $40-$60. But if you wait a few months and stream movies using your Internet connection, you can check out all your favorite movies for less. Sign up for a free trial subscription and experience the savings for yourself. Plus, when you stream movies and television shows using your Internet connection, you can watch movies at your own schedule and pace.
2. Look for discount codes when shopping
If you have an Internet connection, there’s the opportunity to search for promo codes or discount codes which can save money on clothes, groceries, shoes and other online purchases. Promo codes vary by retailer, but with a code in hand you can take a percentage off your purchase or enjoy free shipping.
3. Work online
If you work outside the home, there are costs associated with your commute. You have to buy gas for your car on a weekly basis, pay for public transportation, plus the wear and tear on your vehicle creates an added expense. But when you use your Internet connection to work from home, you can significantly reduce your commuting costs. Additionally, working from home results in bonus savings. You’ll spend less money buying clothes for the office, and when you work from home, there’s less temptation to go out for lunch, coffee and happy hour.
4. Pay bills online
With an Internet connection, you can save money with regard to paying your bills. Stamps aren’t getting any cheaper. At $.47 per stamp, it’ll cost a little less than $5 to mail ten bills. And when you rely on snail mail, there’s always a chance that the bill will arrive late, resulting in a late fee. The Internet is a fast and easier way to manage your finances. Pay online and you avoid postage fees, plus you can pay a bill up until a certain time on your due date and avoid late fees.
5. Newspaper/Magazine subscription
With many local newspapers and publications providing a mobile or online version, there’s really no reason to subscribe to a newspaper or magazine. Hop online and check out the latest headlines at no cost. Depending on the number of magazines or newspapers you read, this can equal a savings of more than $100 a year.
The Internet is more than just a means to communicate with friends and acquire information. From entertainment to shopping, it’s an excellent and practical resource for keeping cash in your pocket.
James Smith is a web developer and blogger in his spare time. James has been writing online for a few years now and usually covers topics like mobile apps, browser add-ons, and education technology. James is passionate about new developments in the tech field and finding ways to use them with his coding skills. You can join him on Google+.