If you’re trying to cut costs, here’s a smart place to start: use smart tech to save money on monthly bills. These tools are simple to set up and can help reduce your energy use, lower water waste, and even make your grocery shopping more efficient. Let’s go over 10 easy ways to use smart tech to save money in your pocket.
1. Smart Thermostats: Master Heat Control
Do you ever leave for the day and forget to turn down the heat? That’s money lost. Smart thermostats like the Nest or Ecobee learn your habits and self-regulate. Some of them save you up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
How it works:
– Schedule heat/cooling based on your lifestyle
– Adjust it from your phone
– Powers off when you leave home
2. LED Smart Bulbs: Save on Lighting
Replacing outdated bulbs with smart LED bulbs can have a bigger impact than you might think. They use less power and have a much longer lifespan.
Bonus tip: Take advantage of a system like Philips Hue or Wyze to schedule lighting or turn them off remotely when you’re away.
3. Smart Power Strips: Zap Hidden Energy Costs
Many devices use electricity even when they’re turned off. Smart power strips detect when you’re not using a device and cut the power automatically.
Real example: Unused TVs, gaming consoles, or printers are energy vampires. A smart strip fixes that instantly.
4. Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Expensive Surprises
A leaky faucet or burst pipe can cost you thousands in repairs—or hundreds in water bills. Clever leak detectors alert you before the damage comes.
Try this: Devices like the Moen Smart Water Detector. You’ll be glad you did.
5. Smart Sprinkler Systems: Don’t Drown Your Lawn or Wallet
If you’re watering your lawn by hand or on an old timer, you’re likely wasting water. Smart sprinkler systems learn about weather, soil, and even sun.
You can save: Up to 30–50% on your outdoor water bill.
6. Grocery Budget Apps: Slash Food Waste and Save Weekly
We all tend to spend more at the shop occasionally. Intelligent grocery apps such as Too Good To Go, Flipp, or Cozi assist in monitoring your spending, locating bargains, and decreasing waste.
Tip: Utilize the app to develop a weekly meal plan—saves both money and time.
7. Smart Plugs: Turn Any Device Intelligent
Smart plugs give you control of everything you plug in—coffee machines, space heaters, or TVs. Set a schedule or use voice commands to turn them on and off.
Bonus: Track energy usage by device so you’ll see what’s gobbling up your power bill.
8. Smart Appliances: Worth Upgrading?
They are not cheap, but smart washers, dryers, and refrigerators can save you money in the long term by running at low-cost energy times and reminding you of maintenance.
Quick story: A friend’s smart fridge alerted him the door was open—he avoided spoiled food and a hefty replacement bill.
9. Energy Monitoring Systems: See the Big Picture
Think of these as fitness trackers for your electricity. Devices like Sense or Emporia track your home’s energy use and show how to save.
It opens your eyes: You’ll discover what’s sucking up energy—and how to fix it.
10. Budgeting Apps: Make the Smarts Automatic
Finally, don’t forget the power of a good budgeting app. Tools like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint, or PocketGuard connect with your bank account and help manage subscriptions, bills, and spending categories.
Simple but powerful: You’ll catch sneaky subscriptions and see exactly where your money’s going.
Wrapping It Up
Smart technology isn’t just cool—it’s a smart way to cut monthly bills without changing your life. From rethinking how you heat your home to trimming your grocery bill, these devices can save real money every single month.
Want more tips on saving money or how to upgrade your life without breaking the bank? Take a look at our Life sections for more step-by-step instructions.
