Living in the age of the Smartphone has its conveniences. The same technology that gives you access to instant communication also helps you save Money. “How does that work?” you might ask. With the following 5 apps, we’ll provide some insight into how you can save money with your smartphone.
1. Gas Buddy
The cost of gas today is enough to make anyone cringe. If you own a vehicle, you’re probably on the lookout for ways to save on gas bills, and Gas Buddy can help you do just that. Money Saving Smartphone app shows you where you can buy the cheapest gas, both where you live and when traveling, since knowing where to go for the lowest gas prices will save you money on both local driving and lengthy trips.
Gas prices are sorted out for you by location, county, zip code and city, making it easy for you to find the best gas deals. Gas Buddy is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Windows phones and can be downloaded for free. If you travel a lot, using Gas Buddy is a great way to cut back on an overly expensive gas budget.
2. Hotel Tonight
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, chances are you will need hotel services along the way. With Hotel Tonight, you can find instant inexpensive lodging when you need it most. This free app takes daily inventories of empty luxury hotel rooms in large cities across the country and offers them at substantial discount prices. In some cases, you may be able to save as much as 70% off the normal room cost. To take advantage of discounted hotel prices, you need to book your room the same day, after 12:00 in the afternoon, local time. Rooms tend to sell quickly, so once you know what is available, you have to move fast to get the deal of your choice.
3. ShopKick
If you’re into browsing stores to do your shopping, then ShopKick is an app that may appeal to you. With this program, you receive rewards or “kicks” for personal visits to participating stores. The idea is to accumulate as many “kicks” as you can and then exchange them for gift cards that you can use for the products you desire. ShopKick also gives you special discounts and store coupons that can be redeemed instantly while shopping. The app lets you benefit from special deals at reputable stores like Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, Macy’s, Starbucks, and more. If you’re an avid shopper, you may want to join the over 4 million users who have found the program a practical means of saving money.
4. Manilla
Some people have a natural ability to organize financial records and accounts; the rest of us need all the help we can get. If you’re like me and you fall into the latter category, then Manilla.com is a handy app to have. Manilla links up your various home accounts such as Internet service, electric and water bill, and cable TV into one place so you can keep better track of your payments. The app organizes and stores Account statements and bills as they arrive and gives you advance notice of when bills are due so you can pay them on time and avoid late fees.
As busy as most people are, a program such as Manilla can be a tremendous asset in keeping financial accounts in line so you can uphold a good credit rating. One drawback is that Manilla requires that you log into your personal finance accounts, something which may not be to some people’s liking. Hearst Corporation, owner of the Manilla program, assures ample security for your personal information so that you can receive the full benefit of the app.
5. RedLaser
Smart shoppers are always looking for ways to get reduced prices on what they buy. RedLaser is a tool designed to make it easier to find those savings without running around all over town. With this app, you can compare product prices between different locations instantly from one spot. All you need do is scan the product’s bar code and you will receive price listings for the same item from different local stores and online shops.
Comparing prices in this fashion gives you a better idea of what the product is worth. It also enables you to get the best deal for your investment. Some stores will even match their competitor’s lower price in order to obtain a sale. This saves you time in driving elsewhere to get what you want at a reduced price. Either way, you end up saving money on your purchase. RedLaser is fairly simple and convenient to use and, most important of all, lets you shop smarter to save money.
These are but a few of the hundreds of money saving smartphone apps available on the market today to help you reduce your monthly budget. As a smartphone user, you should take time to look around and avail yourself of what the latest free apps have to offer so you can cash in on this technology to the fullest.
