There’s no doubt about it, the internet has changed the world. Ever since Sir Tim Berners-Lee (and not Al Gore, as he once claimed) created the World Wide Web, it has spread to every corner of our lives.
Some aspects of internet use have been extremely helpful. These include the ability to communicate freely and easily. Others, like the growth of spam and fake news, have blighted modern life.
One area where the internet has helped is that it has allowed older people access to the same benefits as younger folks. This is especially true when it comes to saving money. A few clicks of a mouse, or swipes on a phone, and you can save hundreds, if not more. Here’s how:
1. Take advantage of comparison sites
Comparison sites can be a shopper’s best friend. These websites can save you time and money by letting you enter details once only. Then the site does its magic by going out to the market on your behalf. Once finished, comparison sites seek to present you with the best deal from suppliers. Using these sites, you can find the right over 50s life insurance online, shop for holidays, and even compare energy services.
2. Use phone apps and extensions
Our smartphones are wonderful things. They are minicomputers in our pockets. But most of us don’t use them to their full potential, especially mature adults who may be reluctant to download apps for fear of being scammed. But this understandable reluctance means missing out on potential savings. Some of us will remember clipping coupons from newspapers to redeem at supermarkets later. It might surprise you to know that this idea is around. Thankfully, the process is much easier now thanks to apps that apply coupon codes such as Express coupons $75 off $200 on checkout. Trusted apps can be found in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Another way to do clip coupons is by using extensions found on popular browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Edge even has a built-in shopping tool to save you the effort of downloading one.
3. Embrace freecycling and upcycling
Not everyone wants to shop for new things all the time, especially people who embrace environmental issues, want to reduce landfill usage, or simply prefer getting things which have stood the test of time.
Again, the process of getting hold of gently used things is easier and cheaper thanks to the internet. No more trips to car boot sales! And, thanks to freecycling, you might even find what you need for free. Simply search for “freecycling” to find items for collection.
Another way to get value from otherwise discarded items is upcycling. YouTube.com is useful for tips and tricks on how to upcycle everything for your home, from furniture to clothing. Some people even make extra money on the side by upcycling and selling these items on marketplace sites like eBay and Etsy.
This brief overview shows that anyone can save money online with the right tools, especially mature adults. What’s stopping you?
