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Free (and Easy) Tech Ways to Stay in Touch With Your Parents

Parents' Day is today, and if you've left the nest and aren't really able to catch up with Mom and Dad at home, then take advantage of technology tools and get talking.

Parents' Day is today, and if you've left the nest and aren't really able to catch up with Mom and Dad at home, then take advantage of technology tools and get talking. These five websites and apps are user-friendly and easy for all ages and tech backgrounds. With a few clicks (and very little explanation) you can spend some much-needed quality time with the 'rents — unfortunately, a home-cooked meal is not included.

  • WhatsApp Messenger: WhatsApp Messenger offers free text messaging between app users. If your parents are text-savvy but you're divided from them between coasts or countries, then this free texting app is the perfect solution. You can even create group messaging and send photos or videos.
  • Skype: One of the best tech inventions to date, Skype lets you video chat and make free Internet calls with the people you may not be able to see too often. Chances are that you (and Skype's 700 million other users) already have an account, so just sign in and sign up your parents! All you need is a front-facing camera, and you and the 'rents can enjoy a little quality time.

Keep reading for three more services that make connecting with family a breeze.

Download of the Day

Download of the Day: WhatsApp

If you're an avid text messager, you've probably learned that texting internationally can add up .

If you're an avid text messager, you've probably learned that texting internationally can add up . . . fast. Most providers charge for both sending and receiving international texts, which you may not even realize until the bill shows up. For example, AT&T charges $.25 to send an international text and $.20 to receive one. And given that the typical text message conversation can easily last 10 messages to figure out something as simple as where to meet for dinner, the charges can pile up exponentially in a month.

Enter WhatsApp, a text messaging app for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and Nokia phones that allows you to message contacts on any device, completely free of charge. Well, free of charge after paying the $1 to download the app, which will pay for itself in approximately one conversation. Even Savvy approves! Learn more about WhatsApp after the jump.