Consider Old Technology - it still works

Consider using old technology for another year or two as a way of saving money.

Sometimes the smart shopper doesn't shop at all, but rather makes do with what they have.

There usually isn’t anything wrong with last year’s technology, or even technology from many years ago. Many businesses make a nice living off of people who haven't discovered the benefits of frugal shopping, and who must have the latest gadgets at any price.

A cell phone from 6 years ago will work just fine if you want to make and receive calls. Do you really need a color display and a camera for still pictures and video? Are those games on your phone really necessary?

I’m perfectly satisfied with the fact that it's a small portable phone that I can use to make phone calls just about anywhere. The "bells and whistles" are nice, but even if I had them, I probably wouldn't be able to make use of them on a regular basis.

Another example is the text messaging craze. It's similar to Emailing. Why would we want a telephone device that allows us to type on a tiny keyboard, when we can just call the other person and have an interactive conversation. I don't get it.

The point is to make an assessment of true value - including the latest and sexiest technology - before you jump in and make a purchase, especially when that purchase gets you in the "upgrade every few years" mindset.

Perhaps I'm an old fart that's stuck with old technology on the brain and I'm refusing to budge. I don't think that's the case because I have plenty of technology at my fingertips - literally. I just see that some people don't think much about what they're doing with their money, and that's why it disappears so fast.

Before a smart shopper buys a gadget, they think twice about it's usefulness and cost - now and over the long haul.

Done with Consider Old Technology, back to Frugal Shopping