BRIGHAM COLUMN: Four tips to save on technology
Parents will spend $83.8 billion on K-12 and college essentials this year, the National Retail Federation reports.
According to the federation's 2012 Back-to-School spending survey, a person with children in grades K–12 will spend on average $688.62 on their children, up from $603.63 last year.
Despite this gargantuan figure, I know lots of parents like me simply can't overspend. For back-to-school shopping, consider these four tips to cut costs on pricey technology from my favorite money-saving expert, Andrea Woroch.
Add-ons
Both Dell and Microsoft are offering a free Xbox 360 with the purchase of a computer that costs $699 or more. For Mac loyalists, Apple is giving away a $100 gift card for iTunes downloads with qualifying computer orders.
Rent it
Sites such as Snapgoods.com connect people interested in renting or borrowing each others' gear for an affordable fee. Search by city to uncover local electronic rentals such as photo scanners, video and digital cameras, laptops and projectors.
Order online
Sites such as FreeShipping.orgoffer online coupons to TigerDirect, where you can find a huge selection of laptops, tablets, printers, monitors and more. Similarly, Newegg has an open-box section offering previously owned items for a fraction of their original cost.
Use student status
While most students bemoan their status as they strive for adulthood, it does come with some advantages. For example, Amazon Student offers a free six-month trial with a valid .edu email address, which includes benefits such as free two-day shipping, exclusive discounts and access to streaming videos. After the trial is up, membership costs $39 per year.
Apple is another brand offering a student-discount advantage with special prices on computers, software and select third-party goods.
Go to www.giftcardgranny.com/blog/student-discountsfor more deals.
Check out the Charleston Savvy Shopper blog at postandcourier.com/savvyshopper. Sign up for our Daily Deals at www.charlestonsavvyshopper.com.
Email Shannon Brigham at charlestonsavvyshopper@postandcourier.com. Follow @chssavvyshopper on Twitter or find us on Facebook.
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