Guest post by Boril
Back in 2013, Crystal shared 9 Apps That Will Save (and Make) You Money to highlight some of the most worthwhile mobile apps around. Things have changed a bit since then, as there are many new mobile apps that contain money-saving features.
If you’re looking for new ways to save, consider how each of these 10 apps can help!
1. Flipp
Flipp is an app that displays flyers in the user’s area. It updates on a regular basis, ensuring users always have the most up-to-date information.
With this app, you can quickly “flip” through different store flyers for deals. It’s also perfect for grocery shopping, as you can get a quick idea on which grocer has the best prices at the time.
2. Mint
Think of Mint as your account monitoring friend. It keeps track of everything from your checkings to your retirement account.
The app factors your previous spending to create a budget for you to follow. It also offers a lot of eye-opening as to the different ways you can save more.
3. Lawnmower
Lawnmower is an innovative finance app that converts change from your purchases into bitcoins. This is a great way for you to have a savings account without needing the label. You are guaranteed to put your money into savings. This app does the same as a bank’s ‘Bank The Rest’ feature, which typically rounds up and saves the difference of your purchase to the nearest $5 denomination.
4. Shopkick
While Shopkick was mentioned in the 2013 list we referenced earlier, it’s important to note that it’s still in good standing. In fact, more than six million people rely on the Shopkick app to save money at major retail outlets.
Users get paid rewards points for going to their favorite stores, shopping for deals, and referring their friends to the app. These points later get converted into gift cards, which means every dollar you spend stretches a little further.
5. Groupon
The immense savings made possible by Groupon is nothing to overlook. You can get as much as 90% off many products and services by using this app or website.
Just give it a shot for yourself and see what’s available at a steep discount through Groupon in your local area.
6. Gas Buddy
Gas Buddy is the only other app from the 2013 list that’s worth bringing up now. With the Gas Buddy app, you can find map out gas stations by proximity and fuel price.
7. Eat Street
Eat Street shows the best food deals from nearby eateries and restaurants.
You are able to order right off the app, which gives you reward points. These points can later be converted for real rewards, meaning you get more for your money.
The Eat Street app took over support for Campus Special, a food savings app for students, earlier this year.
8. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is your digital coupon book, full of grocery savings in the $1 to $5 range.
After you pay, just take a picture of the receipt to scan it into the app. You will then get credited for the total amount of the coupon savings, which is based on the deals you went after.
The app updates on Thursdays and payouts are made available after reaching a $20 balance.
9. Saving Made Simple
Saving Made Simple is a top-downloaded Android app designed to help consumers save money where it counts.
Instead of focusing on savvy electronics deals or grocery discounts, the app addresses your finances behind the scenes. You can tally your bills, earnings, savings, and more, to get a full picture of your financial position for the month.
The app is versatile and can factor in variables like saving plans for electronics, school tuition, and an upcoming vacation.
10. PC Plus
The PC Plus app works as your PC Points card and is a must-have for any Canadian shopper.
The app showcases weekly deals, which give additional PC points. You could find yourself getting back as much as $15 out of $50 in purchases, but it really depends on what you buy.
At current time, you get $1 back for every 1,000 PC points earned.
What are your favorite money-saving apps?
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Donna says
A really cool thing about Flipp is that most retailers will let you show the app as a way to price match. Some will be picky and go item-by-item.
MomJonz says
Receipt Hog. It takes a bit of time, but the coins add up.
Jen Danner says
I use reciept hog every day and love it
Michele says
I am very interested in beginning to take advantage of available savings but in the back of my mind I am always worried about privacy. Those apps that people mentioned where you snap a pic of the receipt I could never use because I already worry about the data is being collected about my shopping habits every time I use an electronic payment option or a store loyalty card. And many apps require such a wide array of permissions with little explanation for their use (at least on an Android phone) that I’m wondering just what this app will be doing in the deep recesses of my phone where I can’t see it working. Yes, I am jaded and suspicious and probably watch too much tv but I can’t help it. Would LOVE a post on smart phone security that delves into these issues!!! (Love this blog!!)
Tammy says
Exactly my thoughts as to privacy. I use the Wal•Mart app and still cringe every time I scan a receipt.
teri goodman says
I am glad to hear about all these apps but unfortunately I can use very few if any of them. I can use Checkout 51. My problem is that I have a Windows based phone and they don’t work on it. It would be great if a list could be gathered that listed apps that would work on Windows based phones!
Maryalene says
Great list!
However, for those considering Lawnmower, I think it’s really important they understand Bitcoin is not a stable currency. People should treat it as an investment (and a relatively risky one at that) rather than a savings account. Bitcoin Isn’t regulated, and your money Isn’t backed by the government or any other entity.
That doesn’t make Bitcoin (or Lawnmower) bad, but people should know what they’re getting into. Some folks have made a lot of money off Bitcoin, but there’s the potential you could lose it all.
Jen says
I completely agree about Ibotta. I use it to save on items I would buy anyway and also to be able to splurg on some new items.
I also love Receipt Hog and Receipt Pal. They do add up slowly, but they do add up eventually.
I make money using the Swagbucks apps every day. It is less than in 2013 and it seems to get harder to earn each year, but I still earn $250-$400 a year.
I will have to give Google Rewards a look.
Amy says
I like Receipt Hog. It’s just a quick picture of your receipts and you get points. They add up slowly, but because it is so quick and simple, it is worth it. You can use it in conjunction with other apps, and they pay either PayPal or Amazon gift cards. Every little bit helps!
Julie @ Logger's Wife says
Receipt Pal works even faster and accepts more stores.
Jason @Freebies 4 MeBeez says
One of my favorite saving apps is Google Rewards. It’s so awesome to just have the app running in the background giving me surveys every time I go to Walmart and Kroger and letting me get apps and games for FREE. I’m addicted!
Ellen says
Ibotta is amazing! And so many stores to choose from, with lots of deals on fresh produce!
AM says
Though it may be considered more of a budgeting app, YNAB (you need a budget) has been the only thing that has ever worked for my husband and I for budgeting. It’s essentially the envelope system on your smart phone. We have gotten on a budget, used it and saved so much using this app!
Crystal Paine says
Great suggestion!!
Meagan Severson says
I totally agree. YNAB is amazing and I’d recommend it to anyone who wanted to see where their money is going.
Connie C. says
I second Ibotta – easy to use and pays out reliably.
Shay says
Ibotta! I get back about 4x more money with Ibotta than with Checkout 51
Julie @ Logger's Wife says
Absolutely! I earn at least $1 each week with Ibotta if not more. I’m lucky to earn 20 cents with Checkout 51.