Thanks to the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot it has become much easier to save money in everyday life. These cool tech gadgets from Amazon have become much more than handy devices that’ll tell you how many fluid ounces are in a cup. If you know how to use them correctly, they’ll actually help you save money on utility costs, gas, water, and even expensive car repairs. Let’s break it down…

1. Save Money on Gas

Did you know your Amazon Alexa enabled device can tell you the best way to get to work every morning, saving you time and gas?

Just say “Alexa, how’s my commute?” and you’ll be notified of any accidents or traffic on your normal route and be redirected if necessary.

The days of sitting in stop-and-go traffic burning precious gasoline are a thing of the past.

Note: If you haven’t setup your home and work locations yet, you’ll get a notification on how to do so within the Alexa app on your phone. This will automatically happen the first time you ask Alexa about your commute.

2. Save on Travel

Are you jonesing to take a trip but are stuck on a shoe-string budget?

Have you ever tried saying “Alexa, where can I go for $500?” Or $400? Or $1000? Or $200? You get the point.

Try it and you’ll be notified of some stellar travel deals from KAYAK that will get your research pointed in the right direction.

Alexa will first ask you the airport you want to depart from, then suggest cities within your budget. Pretty cool.

Unfortunately, as of this writing you cannot book via Alexa but I’m sure that’s in the works.

See Also: 140+ Hilarious & Helpful Alexa Commands

3. Save on Electricity Costs

One of the coolest new features of Alexa is how she can connect to smart plugs throughout your home.

For just a few bucks you can buy these smart plugs and make anything you plug into them “smart”.

For example, my sister-in-law recently plugged her Christmas tree into a Amazon smart plug and could tell her Echo, “Alexa, turn on (or off) the Christmas tree lights” and viola it happened.

So, by using these plugs on everyday items and lights that you often forget to turn off, you can quickly save energy around the home.

Because let’s face it, it’s WAY easier to sit on the couch and tell Alexa to turn something off rather than get up and do it ourselves.

4. Get Really Smart with It

The aforementioned “smart plugs” are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to home automation that can help you save.

A few of the more popular smart home devices that work with Alexa include the Nest thermostat, Lutron light switches, Samsung SmartThings, and Philips Hue lighting.

My personal favorite is the Nest as it allows you to set your home’s temperature using Alexa as well as with your smartphone when you’re not home.

Use the Nest wisely and it’ll easily help you reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs by 15%.

5. Save Money on Music

If you’re a Prime member you can access Prime Music for free with Alexa as well as other free streaming options from Pandora and Spotify.

But what I love most is that I can connect Alexa to the I Heart Radio app is listen to all my favorite podcasts for free.

Oh, and while not a big money saver, you can also stream all your local radio stations too.

6. Save Cash on Water

If you’re water bill seems too high, Amazon Alexa to the rescue.

Sync Alexa to the ridiculously cool Rachio Smart Sprinkler and you’ll quickly know exactly how much water your yard needs and be able to adjust your water consumption accordingly.

Rachio lets you set your own watering schedules and input details like plant type and sun exposure.

Then you can let “Rachio automatically water your lawn with exactly what it needs to thrive, and not a drop more.”

You’ll also save money on water costs by using Rachio’s “Wireless Flow Meter” which will detect leaks and maximize watering precision.

The voice automation is also super cool as you can just say “Alexa, water zone three for 5 minutes” when something in the yard is looking a little dry.

7. Save on Costly Car Repairs

Sync your Alexa device with Automatic Pro and “Decode your check engine light like a pro”.

This is a great way to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle before taking it to the costly mechanic.

The device plugs right into your car and makes it a “smart” car of sorts.

It’s a great device for teenage drivers as well because it gives you location tracking, engine light diagnostics, and even crash detection.

The best part? It comes with a free 3G subscription for 5 years.

8. Save on Household Items

Have you ever tried saying “Alexa, order more toilet paper?”

If you have, you already know that you can order pretty much anything from Amazon via your Alexa enabled device.

Just the other day I did this while sitting on the throne as I was within shouting distance of our Echo and I gotta say I felt like a complete genius.

Once you’ve ordered a particular item from Amazon you can just say, “Alexa, reorder X” or “Alexa, order more X” and they’ll ship it to you again.

Buyer beware as not all household items are a deal on Amazon but most will definitely be cheaper than an emergency run to the overpriced drugstore.

Ask the Reader: How have you been able to use your Alexa enabled device to save money?

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

Disclosure: If you go through any of the Amazon links on this page, and make a purchase, I get a small commission on the purchase. Money I use to keep this blog rolling down the road.

Photo Credit to Stock Catalog.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)