There’s an app for everything these days, and while some developers seem intent on separating you from your money by selling you clues and hint to your favorite games, you can also take advantage of your tech to help you save money. If you’re working on sharpening your frugality skills and spending less cash, your smartphone can be a valuable tool to help you stay on track.
The beauty of using apps to help you save money is that you nearly always have your phone with you, so you can check for deals and stay aware of your checking account balance wherever you are. Try these great apps to mange your finances and stay frugal on the go.
- Mint
There are loads of budgeting apps out there, but Mint wins for ease of use for everyone from novice budgeters to old pros looking to streamline their financial lives. This app provides a one-stop shop for all your money needs, including creating a household budget, paying your bills online and tracking your bank and investment accounts.
Pro Tip: Tempted to make an impulse buy? Check the easy-to-read budget graphics to see if you’re staying within your limits for that category before you swipe your credit card.
- Retail Me Not
Clipping coupons may feel unforgivably old-ladyish, but the Retail Me Not app makes it a snap to find discount codes for any online retailer you can think of — and lots of brick-and-mortar coupons, too. With this handy app at your fingertips, you’ll never have to pay full price again.
Pro Tip: Get in the habit of checking the app for coupons while you wait in line at your favorite store. You could have a money-saving barcode in hand by the time you get to the register.
- Cartwheel
If you’re a loyal Target shopper, you’re in luck: Their Cartwheel app is one of the best all-around retail apps available. You’ll get special coupons, of course, but the app also save you time by telling you exactly where in the store to find every item on your list. Personalized discounts are icing on the cake.
Pro Tip: If Target’s not your thing, consider downloading the app of your own favorite store instead — especially if it’s a big-box type where you go first for most of your needs.
- ShopSavvy
If you know you should be comparison shopping before making a purchase, but you can’t stand slogging through Google search results pages to do it, ShopSavvy will change your life. This app lets you type in a product name or scan any barcode to see if there’s a lower price somewhere else. It’s also constantly updated with sale information and includes a map to help you find the best deals in your area.
Pro Tip: Save time by doing your research before you get to the store. You can browse categories to window shop with the app from the comfort of your couch.
- GasBuddy
Ever-fluctuating gas prices can drive you crazy, and you might always be haunted by a nagging feeling that the pumps down the street have what you need for less money. GasBuddy tracks gas prices and points to you the cheapest gas stations in your area, so you’ll never have to wonder if you went to the right place again.
Pro Tip: You might already have a sense of the which gas stations are bets in your hometown, but where GasBuddy really shines is on a road trip, where going a block farther from the highway can really make a difference.
- Energy Consumption Analyzer
The Energy Consumption Analyzer is all about helping you use less electricity and natural gas in your home. You can set up the app with your meter information and enter new readings at any time, so there’s no need to wait for a utility bill to get the right amount. The app will show when you spike in usage and can be set up with weekly or monthly energy usage goals — or limits, if you’re hard core.
Pro Tip: Set up a “prepaid” meter for your electricity and challenge yourself to use less by unplugging appliances or turning down the heat when you get close to the maximum. Turning frugality into a game against yourself is a really effective way to change your habits.
- wikiHow
When something breaks, you can save a whole lot of money by fixing it yourself. Ditto on home cooked meals and gifts. If you’re lacking the basic life skills you should have learned in home ec or shop class, wikiHow lets you look up illustrated tutorials on nearly any topic you can imagine.
Pro Tip: Browse the app for DIY options before you buy a present for someone. Even if you’re not super crafty, there’s so much here that you’re sure to find an idea for an easy how-to that will save you money — and be more personalized, to boot.
- Poshmark
Sure, Poshmark is a great app for finding great deals on gently used clothing and accessories, but its real power for frugal-minded folks is on the selling side. If you’ve got great clothes you don’t wear any more and are looking to earn some easy money for them, sign up to be a seller and earn some extra cash on the side.
Pro Tip: Challenge yourself to a zero-sum wardrobe by making your clothing budget only as big as what you can earn by selling stuff you don’t wear anymore. Think of it as a revolving closet that lets you refresh you look whenever you want — just as long as you sell something else first.
There are lots of ways to save and earn money to make your frugal lifestyle goals easy to stick to. Don’t forget to check out desktop versions of these apps if you shop on your laptop, and to keep your phone charged and ready to go when you leave the house.
What are your favorite apps to help put money back in you pockets? Share in the comments!
