T56 Best Money Saving Tools For Your Budget 1

Best Money-Saving Tools For Your Budget

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The age of online communities and Internet connections is here to stay. Regardless of the negative aspects the wide web entails, the range of online apps that help us save money is staggering. Hence, if we know how to use the Internet wisely, it can undoubtedly benefit our wallets.

ProMoneySavings will equip you with numerous budget-friendly apps that teach you how to become prudent with money. The more hacks you put into practice, the more savings you can make each month. Read on until the end to get acquainted with the most practical saving tools and start setting aside today!

Money Managing Apps

Most of us enjoy splashing out on lavish dinners and branded clothes. But do we know how to deal with a financial emergency? If you’re one of those carefree people who aren’t saving for a rainy day, think twice. Several exceptional apps can help you in the process, among which the following.

Mint – With Mint, you can easily divide your expenses into categories, check your credit score, and create a budget to stick to. Another significant aspect of Mint is that it sends users saving tips and reminders to pay their bills.

LearnVest – Above all, it’s free to use and intended to teach younger people how to start saving and managing their money. Users should link the app with their bank account and then track their spending and set financial goals.

Level Money – Here is a smart app that analyses your spending habits and tells you if there’s room for improvement. You may be unaware of how much cash you’re wasting on unnecessary things and learn how to change your ways with money.

Automatic Savings Apps

Did you find a new excuse to get around the saving portion this month again? Well, with these tremendous digital apps, you won’t have to worry about setting money aside. These tools will automate the saving process for you and won’t leave you broke the day before payday.

Digit – In case you’re finding it hard to economize, Digit will save the day. Apart from tracking expenses, the app takes small fractions of your money every few days and transfers them to your savings account. The service is free of charge, too.

Chime – The unique trait of Chime is that it rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar. Next, it deposits the remainder to your savings account without you even noticing. Another optional feature it offers is setting 10% of your paycheck aside in the savings account.

Qapital – With Qapital, you can set different financial goals and specific saving rules. You can round up purchases to a certain amount, introduce a spend less of a guilty pleasure rule. Moreover, Qapital imposes no overdraft or negative balance fees, monitors frauds, and is FDIC-insured.

Prepaid Cards And App Banks

Are you having trouble limiting the amount you spend each month or even weekly? In that case, it’s high time you start relying on trusted app-based banks. Such tools are a great way to help you play by your own rules and restrict your spending within a specified period.

Alternatively, you can use prepaid cards to your benefit, though they’re somehow less popular today. To make the whole thing functional, transfer the projected amount of money you wish to spend from your bank account. You can transfer funds to your prepaid card or app-based bank each month to stick to your set budget.

Personal Finance And Budget Apps

Personal apps get tailored to help users keep track of their expenses and save money. Digital finance tools are particularly useful if you’re always on the go and forgetful. They’ll do the job while you’re running your errands, and even if you sit back and relax. Our favorites include Mint Bills and MoneyWiz.

Mint Bills – As an extension to Mint, this app combines your balances and bills in one place. Plus, the tool will assist you with scheduled payments and track all your current bills and credit cards. It will also send you reminders when certain payments are due and when your funds are low.

BillGuard – This tool will protect your credit cards from fraud and check for hidden charges and billing errors. The app is free, interactive, and secure. Plus, it will save you time and effort when you forget to check bank statements frequently.

MoneyWiz – Apart from taking care of your bank accounts and bills, MoneyWiz helps users get out of debt. It syncs all your accounts data in a relatively organized way. You’ll learn how to balance your income and spending, and eventually, how to set aside.

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Photo by Burak K

With these tools and apps, you can easily track your progress and spot issues in your savings plan.

Mobile Phone Deals Comparison Tool

The Internet is full of super helpful and free sites that give you an overview of mobile phone deals within minutes. Even better, these real-time comparison webpages entail filters that you can use to locate the intended features. Such filters include browsing by model, data allowance, network, provider, etc. You can also activate filters like monthly cost, 3G or 4G service, and contract length for a more personalized offer.

Confused.com and uswitch.com are some of the most popular comparison sites for mobile sets and deals. You can search by postpaid monthly smartphone contracts or prepaid SIM-only offers. Based on your requirements, comparison sites present you with extensive comparison tables.

Household Bill Comparison Tool

Comparing utility deals is the best approach to ensure you’re paying optimal bills for your household. You can compare almost any household utility, including gas, electricity, mortgages, broadband, and digital TV.

One of the best online apps is simplyswitch.com, which helps clients select the most affordable energy provider. When you receive the available packages, pick the one that seems the most suitable, and enjoy the savings. Also, there are other useful tools that you might prefer depending on the type of utility you seek comparison for.

Use Cash-back And Rewards Sites

Rule number one: Don’t underestimate the value reward sites bring back to your wallet. Earning a decent percentage of the money you were going to spend anyway is a smart way to save. Therefore, make sites like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Swagbucks part of your everyday shopping routine. We particularly recommend Ibotta as it doesn’t pay in points, but you earn cash via PayPal.

Depending on the store you’re shopping at, you can earn up to 20% back to your account. Before buying, check whether the store is in the database of the preferred cash-back site. Also, the same store can offer different cash-back percentages at various saving tools. Cash-back sites are a must not only because they help you save, but because they’re free to use and hassle-free.

Rewards sites are another alternative for earning points and getting rewards for the usual shopping trips. For instance, Drop might be the right app for you if you’re a reward-chaser. By linking your cards to the app, you receive points while shopping. Then, you can swap the collected points for gift cards at various retailers.

If you still don’t understand the concept, we have covered the topic on what cashback is and how to use it efficiently.

Buy At Supermarkets And Stores With Rewards And Cashback Apps

Consider using loyalty or reward sites linked with the stores you visit most frequently. You’d usually receive a loyalty card and become part of their rewards schemes. These cash-back apps work with the biggest supermarket chains like Tesco, Morrison’s, ASDA, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s.

Most supermarket cash-back sites operate with both online and in-store purchase receipts but check this to be on the safe side. Bear in mind that the app tells you which products and nearby stores are eligible for the cash-back. Once you finish shopping, scan the receipt and wait for the payout.

The best apps include Shopmium, Checkout Smart, and GreenJinn. Some of them offer food for your earnings, while others give freebies and fresh produce. Whatever rewards you redeem, it will be well worth your time and effort.

Use Olio App For Free Food

Are you fed up with throwing edible food away and money down the drain? Would you feel happier if you knew the food found its way to a hungry neighbor’s plate? Luckily, there is an alternative to wasting edible food, and that is the OLIO app. Apart from food products, users can share medicine, pet food, cosmetics, etc.

After you download the app, take some photos of the food, and select the pickup location. You can also choose with whom you’re going to share food by reviewing their profiles and rating. When somebody requests your listing, feel free to accept and give away your food. Happy sharing!

Conversely, if you need free food, you’ll receive notifications when users add items. Request a particular listing by sending a friendly message and go pick up the food after you’re approved. This way, you live green, save money, and the environment.

We have lots of other green habits for saving cash, too!

Check Too Good To Go To Fight Food Waste

Too Good To Go is a unique app that fights for a noble cause, and that is a planet with no food waste. To start saving money and tackle food waste, download the app, and log on. The entire procedure is relatively simple. Businesses add the food surplus they have for the day, and consumers see and apply for the available offers.

Consumers have a double benefit once they select an option and get a receipt. First, they receive a ‘magic box’ for up to $5 with an original value of almost $15. Second, they reduce global food waste and contribute to a healthier environment.

Many restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and bakeries are already using this excellent app. The mobile app is a win-win solution as it helps food providers to sell surplus food that would otherwise go to the trash. At the same time, food providers reach new consumers and improve their impact on the environment.

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Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Forget about doing complex calculations yourself. With the latest money management apps and tools, you will save cash effortlessly.

Install Water Saving Devices

Saving water is beneficial both for your pocket and the environment. Hence, consider taking on some green habits by installing low-flow showerheads first. As a result, you’ll use between 25 and 60% less water while taking showers.

Second, invest some money in faucet aerators that control the amount of water that flows out of taps. Apart from using less water every time you wash your hands, you’ll use less energy for heating, too.

Another useful device in your toilet that contributes to significant savings is a low-flow toilet. Dual-flush models save water by the flush and decrease your water bills by up to $100 per year. Anyways, if you can’t afford a low-flow toilet right now, add a brick wrapped in a water-proof bag to your toilet tank. This way, you’ll use less water with each regular flush.

Use Power Cord Strips

If you thought electronic equipment doesn’t consume power in the off position, you were utterly wrong. Even WiFi routers and computers draw electricity overnight and run the risk of being damaged. We recommend putting all devices on a single power strip. At night or when you’re away, switch them off entirely by just one unplug.

An even better alternative is to use smart power strips. The rationale behind these tools is that they detect when devices are in standby and cut off the power to save energy. With a little investment upfront, you can reduce your electricity usage and lower your monthly bills by a significant percentage.

Programmable Thermostats

Thermostats are potent tools that take care of energy bills over and over again. A programmable thermostat helps you set your AC or heating to turn on whenever appropriate. Adjust it to switch the AC on before you come home or switch off when going out. Smart thermostats can reduce your energy bills by up to 30%, depending on the space and your time at home.

Start lowering your energy bill just by turning the heat thermostat by a degree or two. Think about reducing the pre-set temperature even lower when you’re not home or during the night. Evidence shows that you can save up to three percent on each bill for every degree you set back the thermostat. Even better, if you decrease the temperature by ten degrees, you can expect a 15% lower electricity bill in some instances.

CamelCamelCamel

You may not have been clued-up, but there is an exceptional online tool that virtually tracks all Amazon prices. If you’re an Amazon fan, Camel is the right thing for your purchasing plans. This fantastic tool is free of charge and tracks the cost of millions of products displayed on Amazon.

To start monitoring, you have to sign up and link the app with your Amazon account. All you need to do is insert the URL of the required product and see how the price varies over time. The app will alert you when the specific item gets reduced, and you can buy it for real cheap.

Also, you’ll have a regular overview of the price history of a particular product. Apart from Amazon, Camel watches the prices at Best Buy, Newegg, and Backcountry.

Use Flight Search Engines To Save Money

Are you a keen traveler that spends a whole fortune on trips and holidays? In that case, a trusted online site such as Skyscanner will save you hundreds of dollars each year. Plus, you won’t have to seek affordable flights on several sites, but you’ll rely on a single one.

Both Skyscanner’s app and site compare the prices across most airlines but can sometimes neglect budget airlines. Therefore, check the low-cost regional airlines’ websites as they may not be part of search engines like Momondo or Skyscanner. Another useful idea to avoid missing discounted fares is to set price alerts.

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Use Metro Or Rail Cards

Depending on the state you reside in, make sure you explore all possible transport methods. Ensure you’re not neglecting a rail or metro discount you might be eligible for and then compare the cost. In some states, the train might be the most convenient and affordable transport option. Yet, in others, you will have to rely on the metro network.

Whatever your final verdict, if you commute often, consider getting a rail or metro card. For example, low-income New Yorkers can apply for a 50% discount on the subway and some bus fares under the Fair Fares program. Also, if you’re making over 46 subway trips a month, the monthly fee of $127 will save you money. When it comes to railroad fares, opt for a weekly or monthly unlimited pass if you commute daily.

Sign Up For Secret Sales Websites

Does receiving exceptional deals and discounts by email that you won’t find elsewhere sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s time to sign up for the most acclaimed secret sales websites. If you register with, for example, BrandAlley, Voyage Privé, or Secret Sales, you’ll receive deals aimed at members only. Note that you’ll receive a lot of offers that usually have a brief expiry period.

Last, don’t get overwhelmed by the exclusive deals you have access to, and avoid impulse buying. Make a detailed list and have a spending limit to focus on the items you need to buy. Use sites that you trust and double-check the prices on other sites before you burn the plastic.

Snag Daily Deals

Daily deals are available for almost anything you can think of at the moment. If you have travel in mind, check Last Minute as it treats consumers with excellent last-minute deals for hotels and flights. Check Travelocity and Hotwire sites, too, for some fantastic deals on vacations that you planned at the eleventh hour.

To buy various stuff for cheap, befriend with Dealnews, Bargainist, and SlickDeals. Here, you’ll find a range of freebies, IT equipment deals, as well as drugstore and local deals. In short, you have practically any daily offer at your fingertips to snag instantly.

We suggest downloading the Totsy app for parents as it offers up to 80% discount on popular toys, books, and kids’ clothing. New moms can consider Zulily, which has daily deals on apparel and accessories for kids and moms.

Use Coupon Apps

You might miss the process, but coupon clipping has long become obsolete with the digitalization era. Today, collecting coupons is at a whole new level with the use of mobile apps. By doing so, you’ll save time and money over and over again.

Honey is a free tool that searches for coupon codes on your behalf at over 10,000 stores. By pressing the ‘honey’ button at checkout, this fantastic app will automatically apply the available coupons to your shopping cart.

Moving on, consider downloading coupons.com, which offers users coupons on numerous products in your area. Also, RetialMeNot allows you to find scannable coupon codes on your phone for in-store and online shopping. The app loads trending deals and vast savings, too.

We have some more useful tips on how to make the most out of coupons these days.

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Use GasBuddy

You’ve heard it well. GasBuddy is a free app that assists you in finding the cheapest gas stations nearby. The app is compatible with iPhone and Android devices and takes pride in many other useful features. The app gives the possibility to preview gas prices on a map or in a list. You can also set filters and view gas by price, distance, and Top Tier.

GasBuddy is a social app that gives users 27 ways to save cash on gas by regularly updating current prices. If you report gas prices and take part in challenges, you can earn points and win free gas.

GasBuddy is also one of our top ways to get free gas cards and save cash.

Final Word

Nowadays, saving with online apps has become convenient and straightforward. New financial tools get released every day to lend us a hand with growing our savings accounts. ProMoneySavings explored numerous budget apps and summarized the most helpful and beneficial for your finances to assist you.

What about you? Do you have trusted secret saving tools and apps that track your expenses? If so, please feel free to share them in the comment area below. To get more money-wise articles and strategies, sign up for our ProMoneySavings Newsletter and follow us on social media.

FAQ

Which money-saving app is the best?

The Internet is full of helpful money-saving apps that ease your daily routine and help you focus on savings. First, consider setting aside with Digit as it calculates how much you can save and adds a 1% bonus every three months. Then, if you’re looking for investment options based on your income and financial goals, try out Acorns. Last, Simple is a super-efficient banking app that rounds your transactions and transfers the difference to your savings account.

Which savings strategy is most effective?

The most significant saving strategy is prudent budgeting. In short, you draw up a budget dedicated to spending and savings for the month and stick to it. Track your expenses the old way, by pen and paper, or use a modern app that’ll do the same work digitally. Make use of the envelope strategy to physically set money aside if you find it hard to stick to the plan. Don’t be afraid to adapt your saving scheme as needed if that means you’re working out a budget that suits your current needs.

What is the fastest way to save $10 000?

There’s no magical way, but a combination of several strategies can help you reach this goal. First, ensure you have a long-term plan with realistic targets and an open mindset. Cut off expenses on things like dining out, unplanned shopping sprees, and posh salons. Make all your payments automatic and use budget-friendly apps like Mint and Digit. Finally, put any extra money by selling unused items and side gigs in your savings envelope.

What’s the best investment app?

The list of non-traditional apps that assist you in saving and investing is rather long. Yet, Digit seems to be the leader thanks to its automatic savings feature for retirement investments. Also, if you’re keen on trading stocks for free, try out Robinhood. Last, opt for Betterment in case you like to have a professionally managed investment portfolio for a lower cost.


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    Emily

    21 thoughts on “Best Money-Saving Tools For Your Budget

    1. Milorad says:

      Saving money is smart but not always possible. Especially when your paycheck is not big enough.

    2. Violet says:

      In a way I can’t save money. When I go out with friends or shopping I always spend on stupid things which I don’t need.

    3. Rendy says:

      These apps are good for me if I can somehow manage to save at least 10% every month

    4. Desanka says:

      I’ve never heard of GasBuddy but I will try it because my bills for gas are enormous

    5. Theo says:

      Saving on everything is a smart way to do some savings. I think that the utility bills are too expensive for a household. If we can save on them there is more money for other things.

    6. Maya says:

      The cable TV is something that I do not use and I have to cancel the subscription.

    7. Mile says:

      Cashback on the cards is good to save some money. This and points in some local stores are a good way to live cheaper

    8. Jovan says:

      We all need some cash for emergency. So we all need a fund that we can rely on

    9. Clea says:

      I use Digit for couple of years and I can recommend it

    10. Lana says:

      Most of these automated saving apps are good if you can not save money on your own

    11. Luna says:

      Promotions and sales are good thing to buy some things cheap. Of course if you need them and if it not impulse buying.

    12. Marina says:

      For the last couple of months I am trying to change my spending habits and to save some money. It is a difficult process because I am not used on saving money.

    13. Conrad says:

      A side job can help you save some money if your paycheck is not enough. You just have to look for it

    14. Atticus says:

      I like saving money. I was raised that way to save some money for emergencies. And I always manage to save some for rainy days

    15. Avery says:

      Somehow whenever I go to the store I finish buying more things and spending more money than it was planned. I have to make a list and stick to the list next time

    16. Alex says:

      It is very difficult to save some money because when you have a large family you need more things. And even when cooking at home the list of products needed is very big

    17. Lexie says:

      I am making plans for saving and it is always a plan to start from the next months. Maybe I should try the envelope method. A friend of mine managed to save some money with it.

    18. George says:

      Buying with cash and leaving plastic cards at home will give you the feeling of spending money. This is the method of saving money and bring with yourself only the amount needed.

    19. Cara says:

      There are a lot of useful apps that can compare anything and find you the cheapest solution.

    20. Benito says:

      You can save a lot on trips if you use some of the sites mentioned in the text

    21. Solomon says:

      In my house there is always a rule of spending money. Think a few days if you need the item or not. This way we keep ourselves of impulse buying.

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