Save Time and Money with Automated Online Shopping
September 16, 2014
We try our hardest but the truth is that life can be absolutely insane. Between commuting to work, carpooling and kid activities, it’s hard to remember every single little thing that we need to do or buy from the store. Technology has some real drawbacks in terms of how we interact with each other but, with some finesse, we can actually start using it to help us spend time with our family and friends. Here are some suggestions for how you can automate the mundane tasks in your life and focus on the things that are really important.
Amazon Subscribe and Save
It’s amazing how many people still haven’t heard about this little gem but Amazon’s Subscribe and Save service can be a real lifesaver, especially for parents with babies. The program allows you to set up a schedule so that items you purchase on a regular basis (such as toilet paper, soap and diapers) are delivered right to your door without having to even think about it. If you subscribe to more than a certain number of products, Amazon will apply a percentage-based discount to your total order. There are even online coupons that can help you save further.
Groceries
In addition to Amazon Subscribe and Save, which will ship non-perishable grocery items such as cereal and condiments, it’s worth doing an internet search for local delivery services that are either associated with stores in your area or organic co-ops/farmers markets. For a set monthly fee, you could receive fresh produce, for example, on a weekly basis without ever leaving home.
Pharmacy
If you take prescription medication on a regular basis, you’ve likely had, at least, one occasion where you reached for your pill bottle to discover that it was either almost or completely empty. When your dosages are time-sensitive, this can be especially problematic and inconvenient. To make things easier, you might consider using an online pharmacy to automate your refills and have them shipped to your home. Often, these services can be connected with and accessed through your health insurance plan to streamline the process.
eBooks
If you have enrolled in a class recently, you will know that one of the first stresses you will encounter pertains to ordering your books. Not only do they often cost a lot of money but they also can take a while to be delivered. Consider an ereader such as the Kindle or Nook that will allow you to have the book sent immediately to your device. Some sites, such as Amazon, even give students the option of renting their textbooks which is an even more affordable alternative.
Spend some time researching the different online and digital services that you can use to make your life a little simpler. Once you get everything set up, you can forget about it and enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation.
