Keep the Change: App-Tastic Savings

A copy of my latest column for the Shawnee Outlook (with a few extras added in, like links!):

If you have a smart-phone in your pocket and you haven’t been using it to help you save money, it’s time to put that data plan to work! Here’s how:

Keep Track of your Grocery List: As I’ve mentioned before, using a list keeps your shopping (and your budget) on track. Using your phone to maintain your list ensures you won’t be caught in the store trying to remember what you wrote on that paper you forgot at home. There are various apps for this purpose, but my personal favorite is Cozi because it can be shared with multiple users, so my husband and I can both access/update the list at any time!  You can also use Cozi straight from your computer (which is how I build my list!), where you have access to great meal-planning tools, too!

Compare Prices: Next time you’re in the store debating on whether that great deal is such a great deal, pull out your phone and scan the barcode of the item in question with RedLaser (click here for Google Play) to check instantly on the lowest prices near you and on-line! And if you’re looking for the lowest price on fuel (and who isn’t?) check out GasBuddy (click here for Google Play) for up-to-date prices based on your location.

Grab Coupons: Various stores, such as Staples, offer free apps that include great in-store coupons. Old Navy’s Snap Appy frequently includes coupons for $5 or $10 off ANY purchase just for snapping photos of their logo (find them in-store or pull one up on-line) - I have earned a fair amount of FREE clothing for my whole family thanks to this app (and great clearance sales)! Also, download SavingStar to access “coupons” that give you cash back for your purchases at Homeland, CVS and others.  Ibotta is new to me, but it's similar to SavingStar, allowing you to earn cash-back for items you purchase in-store (currently CVS and Wal-Mart are on the list!).  

Get Rewarded: A variety of apps offer ways to be rewarded  for things you regularly do. Try Shopkick and Checkpoints (you can use bonus code arow97 to give me credit for referring you, but it's no big deal!) to earn points for shopping in-store or Viggle if you’re an avid television fan.

               

These are just a few of the ways you can put your smart-phone to use for more than just staying in touch!