If you’re only using your smart phone simply to upload selfies on Instagram and to play Candy Crush while you wait in lines at the Post Office, you’re missing out. I’m all about using money saving apps to make life easier and to manage my finances.
I have a few apps that I really love to help me save money, especially since I don’t like to get into couponing like some folks do. Flipping to a phone app is the easiest way to save money with little or no effort- especially when you’re already out shopping.
Favado – This helpful grocery app helps you determine when your favorite items are on sale. Coupons are uploaded every week for most major grocery and drugstore chains to help you save more- especially if paired with any couponing you do.
Checkout 51 – Save on groceries when you sign up with Checkout 51. You’ll save on your favorite brands and earn cash when you upload photo of receipt through mobile app or website.
Ibotta – Similar to Checkout 51, Ibotta allows you to earn cash each time you shop. It is my favorite way to save on groceries.
Walgreens – I use this app to save money and sanity quite a bit. Not only can I order Instagram prints from my phone, but I can refill by scanning a prescription when I’m on the go- all doing so, while I’m in line at the Post Office. On my way to pick up the prints and the prescription, I can scan the coupons and sales and clip a few coupons from the app. When I had daily pills for my dog (or myself) I’ve had daily pill reminders that won’t show up on my public calendars (ain’t anyone’s business!) that I use for work/family.
Cartwheel – I use Cartwheel to get deals from Target. I can easily browse and clip coupons for groceries, apparel or home decor. All the coupons are batched into one, and I simply show the phone to the cashier for a quick scan. I love that I never have to remember to bring up individual coupons, it’s easy peezy. (I also use my Target debit card to earn 5% off and get free shipping.)
RetailMeNot – You should never leave home without this app! Most of my readers are like me, we don’t go out with gobs of coupons. I would recommend though that before you ever buy anything in a store, you check this app! Chances are you can wind up with a free gift with purchase or a 10% discount and you had to do no clipping or work at all.
Mint – Okay, so when you’re out shopping, you shouldn’t leave your budget to guesswork. If you’re about to to make a purchase and you’re unsure about where you stand financially- check your budgets and check your goals with the Mint app. You obviously will need to use Mint.com on your desktop, but once that’s all set up, it’s a great way to track where your money’s going and get a swift reality check while you’re out.
Bank Apps – Nothing sucks more than overdraft fees. Chances are your bank, whether you use Chase or CapitalOne360 you can check your balances, transfer money or pay your bills. I’ve used my bank apps countless times to save my tush or simply get some bills paid while I’m out and about. Oh ya, you can now deposit checks via mobile on the Chase app. Pretty snazzy!
GasBuddy – If you drive a lot, this app will help you find the cheapest gas wherever you are.
Joann & Michaels Coupon App – 40% off coupons & access to the latest sales ain’t half bad! If you need glitter and forgot to snag your mail coupons, you can still get a deal on your sparkle!
LivingSocial & Groupon – These two websites offer amazing savings on local, national, and goods deals. Each have a super handy app that I always check before going out on the town.
I’m Canadian so a lot of these don’t apply to me, but I just wanted to say I love Mint too! Another app I love for saving money is Checkout 51 – you get cash back on grocery purchases (any store, upload a receipt). I think it’s available in the US too!
As a fellow Canadian, thank you for adding your comment!
I will definitely be downloading some of these! They sound like a fantastic way to save money and since I am in college, I am always looking for ways to do that.
Thanks for this list! Just downloaded Favado! I had no idea you could Instagram prints with the Walgreens app, so thanks for mentioning that too!
I love, love, love my bank apps. I’m also a big fan of Retail Me Not, but I use the browser version as I only shop online from my laptop. It’s just easier!
I have Favado, but I never use it. I’ll have to start!
Thanks for these! I have never been able to get into couponing — it’s just too much for me! So these might actually be super helpful!
I do not even know how I ended up here, but
I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re
going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
HONEY! It isn’t an app, but a browser plugin – but it’s LIFE Changing. Seriously. When you visit an online shop, it pops up with any coupon codes that apply to the website, and will automatically try all of them at check out, keeping the best one. It’s the best thing EVER. https://www.joinhoney.com/
Oh that’s great, thanks for sharing! Browser plugins/extensions are really handy for online shopping.
I love Cartwheel! Especially since you can stack it with mobile coupons, printable Target coupons, and manufacturer coupons! I also use the Shopkick app while I’m at Target and other stores. I scan a few barcodes and earn gift cards.
Target is so cheap to begin with, it’s great being able to get more savings from Cartwheel!
Thanks a lot for sharing! I’m italian and most of these apps are closed for me( Anyway, i would try to use them maybe later 😀 Hope these apps help me to save money and spend it on Zengram, which is the great third party app for increasing followers..