Save money using these new apps

Apps don’t just have to be time wasting or money draining. Check out these 10 money saving apps that will not only help you save you money, but also better manage your finances.

For General Finances:

1. Mint
The “Beyoncé” of personal finance apps; this little powerhouse allows you to keep track of all your financial activity from all your accounts: checking, savings, retirement—you name it! Every transaction is automatically recorded and categorized. Mint makes note of your spending patterns and creates a budget. Additionally, on the iPad, it generates graphs to give you visual representations of your net worth and cash flow. For those worried about security, the app is password protected and there is a way to deactivate access from your phone through the Mint website. It is a fantastic way to keep tabs on your overall financial health and be able to spot potential problems. (Plus, it’s free!)
Available for: iOS and Android

2. BillTracker
Never miss a bill payment again with this great app from SnapTap. Passcode-protected BillTracker allows you to keep all due dates and amount totals in one place and even gives you notifications for impending payments. Due dates are highlighted on the calendar for quick views.
Available for: iOS

3. You Need a Budget (YNAB)
The name says it all: YNAB is an incredibly detailed but easy-to-use budget interface. The software operates by four simple rules: 1) Give every dollar a job, 2) Save for a rainy day, 3) Roll with the punches, and 4) Live on last month’s income. YNAB’s goal is to change the way you manage money and to create stress-free finances. The app is supplemental to the $60 software you purchase for your Windows or Mac and is meant to allow users to check their transactions and budgetary restrictions on-the-go. If you are looking to turn your finances around or gain a better understanding of your financial situation, purchasing the software is well worth the investment.
Available for: iOS and Android

For Shopping:

4. Shopkick
Over six million people are already using Shopkick to browse products, find inspiration, and discover great deals at stores like Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, and more. Users are able to earn points by making purchases, inviting friends to join, and even by just walking into the stores. Then, the points can be transformed into gift cards at partnering stores. The icing on the cake is the slick new design—a shopper’s dream!
Available for: iOS and Android

5. Ibotta
Ibotta allows shoppers to earn real money for shopping. Start by perusing the different offers in the product gallery and choose the ones you’re interested in. Every time you compete a “task” (like sharing on Facebook, taking a poll, or watching a video), pending cash is added to your account that can be accessed once you actually purchase the product from one of the 50 retailers partnered with Ibotta. Once the purchase is verified, cash is put into your PayPal account or turned into gift cards.
Available for: iOS and Android

6. RetailMeNot
“Thousands of coupons in your pocket.” Browse coupons and deals from J Crew, Victoria’s Secret, Starbucks, Target, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, Forever 21, Bloomingdale’s, and hundreds more! Save the coupons you want to use for easy access and get notifications for coupon expiration dates. You can also search for deals at the nearest stores. Don’t worry about printing the coupons; all you have to do is show your phone at the register. Talk about convenience!
Available for: iOS and Android
7. SnipSnap
Like RetailMeNot, SnipSnap is a mobile coupon haven. However, this one also lets you take pictures of printed coupons from many retailers and turns them into digital, mobile-ready ones. You can also browse the online directory and see the coupons that friends have “snipped.”
Available for: iOS

For Groceries:

8. Grocery iQ
Stay on task and avoid impulse purchases with this incredibly detailed grocery shopping list platform. Not only can you build grocery lists by searching through the millions of products in the app’s database, but you can use voice recognition or barcode scanning. Grocery iQ also has a store locator feature and offers coupons. This app is a must-have for busy families or for anyone trying to keep their grocery budget under control.
Available for: iOS and Android

9. SavingStar
SavingStar is a digital coupon app for thousands of grocery stores and drugstores that is linked to your individual store loyalty cards. (Yes, you have to have loyalty cards to get rewards.) You choose the digital coupons you want to use and the reward is applied to your loyalty card and when you reach $5 in savings, you earn cash! You can even opt for your cash savings to go towards donations for the charity American Forests.
Available for: iOS and Android

For Local Deals:

10. Groupon
Redeem Groupon deals (as much as 50-90% off!) on everything from restaurants to retailers to hotels. You can search by location to find deals closest to you. Groupon consistently offers great, diverse deals and they even have options tailored for the holiday season. It’s also a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try out new places.
Available for: iOS, Android, and Windows