Looking at Saving Money? These apps will help
Just as there are different categories that make up the typical household budget there are also many different categories for saving money. There are apps for saving money on gas, groceries, retail shopping, travel and repairs. Then there are apps that help users manage their money thereby saving it. Since users’ habits will dictate which apps are the most useful, the following ten apps for saving money are not in any particular order. This list is meant to give as wide a representation as possible so that rather than saving money in just one area users can find multiple ways to do it. Happy Saving!
1. ZipList
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ziplist/id335575008?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ziplist.app
ZipList is an app that can be accessed online as well as on mobile devices that will make grocery shopping so much simpler as well as save money on groceries. There are a number of ways it will do this. First of all, it is a known fact that shopping with a list reduces impulse purchases. Secondly, since the shopping list is compiled to coordinate with the meal planner in the app all items purchased have a better chance of being used rather than ending up in the trash because they spoiled or went out of date. A great feature of the app is a web recipe clipper so you can keep a record of those recipes you want to try out later.
saving
2. Saved Plus
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id589416237?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.savedplusinc.savedplus
This app is a tool to get users to get money flowing into their savings account on a regular basis. Some banks offer a “keep the change” program that works this way but since not all banks offer it this is the way to enjoy the same method as it works with any bank or financial institution. Users decide what percentage they want the system to use (between 5% and 20% which can be changed at any time) and whenever a purchase is made that percentage of the purchase is automatically transferred to the user’s savings account from the user’s checking account. There is a video on the website that fully explains the program. They even run specials now in then in which they will match some of your savings! A great way to save up for something specific – set a goal and the app will make it a reality.
3. Mint.com
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mint-com-personal-finance/id300238550
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mint
The best way to save money is to understand exactly where the money is going, set a budget and stick to it. Mint compiles all the financial accounts in one place and categorizes all the information so that it can even suggest ways to help users save. They have more than 10 million users whose information is completely safe and secure thanks to 128-bit SSL encryption which is the same security that financial institutions use. Features of this app include easy budgeting, timely alerts, tracking investments, bill reminders and helpful graphs all designed to help users achieve their goals. Because the key to saving money is managing it properly, this app can help get the job done.
4. GasBuddy.Com
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-prices/id406719683?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gbis.gbandroid
Blackberry: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/38289/?lang=en&countrycode=US
Windows Phone: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/gasbuddy/c40743d9-8fd5-df11-a844-00237de2db9e
GasBuddy is a great tool for saving money on one of the biggest variable expenses of most family’s budget. With this app users will always know where to find the lowest gas prices around their U.S. or Canada location. There are some additional tools that can also prove helpful such as a trip cost calculator, gas price maps, price charts and average gas prices by state, city or province. Users that are considering moving can use this site as research in determining what this aspect of their cost of living will be in the new location. The Fuel My Trip feature is excellent – enter starting point, destination, how much fuel is in the tank and year/make/model of car. The site will give the distance, fuel used, the carbon footprint of the trip, total trip cost, anticipated savings by using GasBuddy and give a location for each time it will be necessary to refuel giving the best priced place to do so.
5. Shop Savvy
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shopsavvy-barcode-scanner/id338828953?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.biggu.shopsavvy&hl=en
Windows Phone: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/shopsavvy/b3e6f4f6-240d-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
When it comes to retail shopping there are two ways to save money – one is to get the best price for the product you want, the other is to avoid impulse purchases or making the wrong purchase. With Shop Savvy users can often do both. By scanning the barcode of the item desired into the app users can see if the item is cheaper somewhere else and obtain a review of the product. When the price ends up being less somewhere else then they have the opportunity to go home and think about it, go to the other store or buy online, or even perhaps negotiate with the retailer if possible. Other features of the app include the ability to browse popular products, related products and featured lists so users can find out just what’s out there that they might not have known about. Users can also receive price alerts for items they’ve placed on a list to buy when on sale. In a nutshell this app is perfect for making a shopper quite a bit savvier about their spending.
6. Repair Pal
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/app/repairpal-auto-repair-expert/id300996215?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.repairpal.android
Besides insurance and gas the next biggest expense involved with car ownership is maintenance and repairs. Users can save money by using the Repair Pal app in a couple different ways. First of all they can get accurate repair and service estimates for various garages to determine which has the best deal. They can also use the app to locate the closest shop which saves gas. Another feature that saves money is the roadside assistance feature in which users pay only when they need help instead of for an annual membership fee they may never need. Besides saving money the app also helps users track repairs enabling a repair history that can be shared when it comes time to sell or trade the vehicle. There is also peace of mind when using Repair Pal because they have already evaluated the shops through a rigorous screening process before they certify them. These certified shops guarantee the work with a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty which can also represent a savings.
7. Living Social
Web: https://www.livingsocial.com/
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livingsocial/id340295413?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livingsocial.www
Windows Phone: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/livingsocial/71463521-f351-4f1d-b74c-b6967a24655c
Living Social is the app to use to find deals on just about anything in one’s area or search destinations one plans to visit in the near future. Each day is filled with new daily deals on things such as restaurants, events, services and fitness. The app also includes thousands of promo codes and sales for online shopping and deals on travel escapes around the world. Users make an advance. There is also the option to get the deal for free – simply purchase it then share a specialized link, if three friends buy from the link then yours is free! This app can be a great way to save some money on things you do all the time or use the app to find something to do. Users that are familiar with Groupon will enjoy this app as another option.
8. ATM Hunter
Web: http://www.mastercard.us/mobile/atm-hunter.html
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/atm-hunter/id309754128?mt=8
Windows Phone: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/atm-hunter/310554d3-a0de-494c-a58e-a6452ecec0de
One of the smallest single expenses that can add up to quite a bit over the course of a year is the ATM fee. So can driving all over when traveling looking for your specific bank’s ATM so you can save on the fee. The ATM Hunter operated by Mastercard uses GPS to pinpoint your position and then shows all the nearby ATMs and you can program it to find only those where you don’t need to pay a fee. Furthermore it can be programmed for other preferences such as 24-hour service, drive-through access or wheelchair accessibility. Driving directions will get you there quickly and easily. Travelers can even plan ahead and locate ATMs based on any address or airport location in the world. It also locates merchants that accept PayPass.
9. Hotel Tonight
Web: http://www.hoteltonight.com/
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hotel-tonight/id407690035?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hoteltonight.android.prod
This is the premier app for booking last-minute hotel rooms in 12 countries and 150 destinations and it is expanding to more locations rapidly. Hotels win because they get unsold rooms filled and users win because they get rates at a fraction of the regular room rate. For example, imagine getting a room that is typically $500 per night for just $120! As long as travel plans can be flexible this is a great way to save a ton of money. Some people even plan last minute quick weekend getaways around a hotel deal. Saving money on travel has never been easier than it is with this great app.
10. AppsFire
Web: http://appsfire.com/
This app can save users both time and money. As the list of apps out there continues to skyrocket it can take far too long to search the Apple or Google store to find an app. Having an app to find apps may seem redundant but AppsFire streamlines the process by only including the best apps and deals powered by user recommendations. See an app you want but don’t want to pay the current price for it? Simply set up an alert so you are notified when it goes on sale. Find one you like but aren’t quite sure yet? Put it on your wish list for later. The basic app is free to download but there are a few in-app purchases that can be selected including removing ads for 3 months, 1 year or forever.
The people that are successful at saving money over time generally manage it by keeping their mind trained to look for the best deals on everything they spend money on. These ten apps are a step in the right direction and there are plenty more apps out there that can help with other specific purchases as well. Regardless of the size of the purchase there are deals out there if you look. Get caught up in the excitement of that savings account growing and soon the fun will be in the challenge to save more and more!
