Advice for 2026: Tech IT easy
Cothren
As an Information Technology (IT) professional, I have a tendency to seek out technology solutions that make my life easier and more entertaining. Now that artificial intelligence (AI) is all that anyone can talk about, I’m even more likely to seek technology to help solve problems than ever before.
The problem that most people encounter with any new technology is the initial setup and configuration, as well as the fear of something new. But with patience and a little attention to security, there are some great tech solutions that help simplify your life without adding any additional stress because we all know that the end of the year and holidays tend to add more than enough stress to our lives!
Start small but reap big benefits quickly by setting up your digital wallet on your phone. These wallets can be great, especially if you’re travelling. They give you the ease of having multiple cards without carrying them in a wallet that’s easily lost or stolen.
The digital wallets are secure because they use a process that does not actually transmit your credit card number, which could easily be stolen. This process, called Tokenization, replaces your card number with a unique device-specific token. Each transaction uses a one-time code, making it virtually impossible to steal. The digital wallet has the added benefit of needing to authenticate on your phone via biometrics or your passcode for the phone to be used. Safe, convenient, free, and secure. It checks all the boxes for this IT guy!
Oh, and fun, you can also store your tickets to your upcoming Broadway show, music concert, airline travel, and a variety of other uses. The driver’s license might be coming to a phone near you soon!
Shopping this time of the year is so time-consuming. There are some tools that can help streamline that process and help you save money. Price comparison websites, budgeting apps, and even AI can help you save money and time. Know that Uncle Bob would like a flashlight for Christmas, and he really prefers a specific brand? An internet search might turn up hundreds of websites. AI, on the other hand, with a few quick iterations can tell you the best place to find that flashlight, compare prices at multiple stores, and even tell you what kind of batteries you need for it without having to sift through countless mounds of consumer jargon in the product specifications.
Want an easy jump into using AI? This is it. Remember, do not just use your tool of choice to ask a single question like you would have in Internet searches. When it provides you an answer, ask follow-up questions to get exactly what you need in a matter of minutes.
Want to make sure that lights come on even when you’re not home? Want the lamps in the bedroom to dim when it’s getting closer to your bedtime? I admit, you’re giving up some privacy by using the smart home devices, but it might simplify your life enough that you’re willing to make that sacrifice.
The beauty of smart home devices is that you can set up automations, add smart plugs, light bulbs, window shades, honestly, the list goes on and on. Most of you probably have one of these devices from a small handful of major tech companies in your home already. Put them to good use.
I’ll admit, some of the setup of these can be tricky, but once you’ve done the initial setup, adding devices is easy. An insider tip: Review privacy settings and disable any unnecessary data sharing to keep your home secure.
Do not skip your health care visits just because you’re busy. Find a provider that’s willing to do telehealth visits or even use one of the services that offer on-demand telehealth visits. Prioritize your health and wellness all year, but this is particularly important during the dark, cold, and stressful winter months. This one is a no-brainer. Quick access to medical care can save you time and money. Want to add some healthy goals to your holidays? Grab that fitness app on your phone and start doing some quick workouts.
Technology can be a gift to you! Use it to simplify, save money, save time, and for entertainment. Add in a couple of these “gadgets” and give yourself the gift of time you can use for making memories with your loved ones. After all, it’s called the present because it’s a gift that we can never get back.
