What do I actually need?

Understand the problem before spending money on a solution.

Start with what matters to you

Before looking at products, think about what you want technology to help you do. Perhaps you want to call family, take photographs, read the news, use email or manage appointments. Write down the things that matter most. You don't need to pay for features you'll never use.

Could what you have already do the job?

Sometimes a setting, a software update or a little help learning a feature is all you need. If reading on a phone is difficult, try increasing the text size before buying a bigger device. If something has stopped working, find out why before replacing it.

What if someone tells me I need a new device?

If you take a slow computer or troublesome phone to a shop, someone may suggest replacing it. That could be sensible advice, but ask what is causing the problem. Could an update, a setting or a repair help? Is the device still receiving security updates? How much would each option cost? You can ask for a second opinion.

Think about the full cost

Set a budget you feel comfortable with. Include accessories, internet or mobile plans, subscriptions and possible repairs. A cheaper device with expensive ongoing costs may not be the best value.

A few questions to ask

What do I actually want to do? What isn't working now? Could I fix or adjust what I have? What would a replacement improve? How much would it cost over time?

One last thing

Understand the problem before paying for a solution. The best choice is the one that meets your needs, not necessarily the newest one.