- 25 Lesser-Known Apps That Make Saving Money a Breeze
1. Ibotta – Cashback Simplified
Ibotta offers cashback on everyday purchases. Unlike standard coupon apps, Ibotta allows users to earn money back by submitting receipts for products they bought at their favorite grocery stores. Even more impressive, it partners with major retailers, making it easier to save on everyday essentials. Users simply select offers before shopping, then scan the purchasable items when they get home.
2. Honey – Automatic Discount Finder
Honey automatically searches for coupons when you shop online. This extension is a game-changer, alerting you to available discounts without extra effort. After installing, it runs in the background, applying promo codes at checkout to maximize savings. By checking for the cheapest delivery options and comparing prices, it saves users both time and money.
3. Acorns – Invest Your Spare Change
Acorns helps you invest effortlessly by using your spare change. Every time you make a purchase, Acorns rounds up the amount to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. This app makes saving and investing simple and automatic. It’s a fantastic way for those who might not have a lot to start investing to do so passively over time.
4. Digit – Smart Savings Assistant
Digit automates your savings without effort on your part. It observes your spending habits and takes out small sums of money regularly to save for you. By analyzing your spending in real time, it helps you save what you can without you even noticing. You can set goals within the app and make withdrawals effortlessly.
5. Trim – Your Financial Assistant
Trim negotiates bills on your behalf, ensuring you save more. This app analyzes your financial situation and can even cancel subscriptions you may have forgotten about. Additionally, Trim helps identify ways to lower existing bills, making it easier to focus on what matters most—keeping more money in your pocket.
6. Fetch Rewards – Scan to Earn
Fetch Rewards lets you earn points just by scanning receipts. Users can collect points from grocery purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards. Fetch is unique because it rewards a wide variety of grocery items, from national brands to generic goods, providing excellent value without complicated exclusions.
7. Wallaby – Credit Card Optimization
Wallaby maximizes credit card rewards for everyday purchases. This app analyzes your spending habits and recommends which credit card to use based on maximizing rewards and minimizing interest. By selecting the right card at the right time, users can save significantly on purchases, particularly for frequent flyers or travel enthusiasts.
8. GasBuddy – Save at the Pump
GasBuddy allows users to find the cheapest gas in their area. By simply entering a location, GasBuddy compares local gas stations and shows the most cost-effective options. Additionally, users can earn points through their purchases, which can lead to more significant savings over time. It’s especially useful for those frequently on the road.
9. Reconcile – Budgeting Made Fun
Reconcile turns budgeting into a game, making savings enjoyable. It encourages users to maximize their savings goals by incorporating challenges and rewards into their budgeting routine. Gamifying personal finance can motivate users to stay committed to their financial goals while also providing visual feedback on their progress.
10. Qapital – Goal-Oriented Savings
Qapital allows you to save for specific goals with automated rules. Users can set rules like rounding up purchases or setting aside a percentage of their income. It’s excellent for those who value having clear financial goals, as Qapital encourages users to save money for vacations, emergency funds, and other personal expenses visually.
11. YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Control Over Spending
YNAB provides users with a proven budgeting method to take back financial control. It's based on the 'Four Rules' which encourages users to assign every dollar a job, save for emergencies, roll with the punches, and age their money. This hands-on approach makes budgeting more of a proactive process rather than reactive.
12. Honeydue – Couple's Finance
Honeydue helps couples manage shared finances seamlessly. This app lets users see their expenses and income in one place, promoting transparency between partners. Users can set budgets and track payments together, which encourages responsible spending while visualizing shared savings goals.
13. Billshark – Bill Reduction Services
Billshark negotiates bills down to save you money. This unique app acts on behalf of users to reduce their monthly bills for services like cable or internet. By leveraging their negotiation expertise, Billshark can save users up to 20% on services, providing a no-risk chance to optimize monthly expenses.
14. Clarity Money – Financial Management
Clarity Money offers a complete picture of your financial life. This app combines budgeting tools with account management and subscription tracking. Users can cancel unwanted subscriptions directly from the app, making it easier to manage expenses without excess fees. It’s perfect for those looking for an all-in-one tool to streamline finances.
15. PicPay – Social Payment App
PicPay is a unique social payment app that combines transactions and savings. It allows users to send or receive money socially while also earning cashback on purchases with specific merchants. Users can utilize it for digital transactions or bills, making finances more familiar while accessing potential discounts.
16. GoodBudget – Envelope Budgeting
GoodBudget modernizes the envelope budgeting method using an app. Users can allocate their budget into 'envelopes' for different categories, ensuring they don’t overspend in areas like groceries or dining out. This visual budgeting technique keeps spending in check while offering users a tangible view of where their money is going.
17. Dosh – Cash Back on the Go
Dosh provides automatic cashback without any effort. Simply link a debit or credit card, and Dosh automatically rewards you with cashback when you shop at participating retailers. It cuts the hassle of couponing and provides users with effortless savings that add up over time. Users especially love the simplicity it offers.
18. Spendee – Group Budgeting
Spendee is ideal for managing group expenses among friends or family. Users can create different wallets for shared expenses and easily track who owes what. This is especially useful for group trips or shared bills, helping everyone involved to stay accountable while managing finances collaboratively.
19. Planto – Financial Planning Simplified
Planto helps users create a realistic financial plan based on their income and goals. Users can track their spending and savings over time while receiving tailored recommendations. This holistic approach to financial planning helps users understand their spending habits and adjust to meet their financial goals more conveniently.
20. Stash – Invest as You Save
Stash encourages users to invest right alongside their savings. This app offers an easy way to start investing, providing users with fractional shares of popular stocks. Users can also receive educational content to help them make informed decisions. It combines saving with investing, perfect for gaining financial literacy.
21. PocketGuard – Simple Budgeting
PocketGuard simplifies budgeting by showing what’s 'safe to spend.' It links to your bank account and offers a clear view of your finances, automatically categorizing expenses and showing users how much they can spend without going over budget. This feature makes it easier to manage daily expenses and stick to a financial plan.
22. MoneyLion – All-In-One Financial Services
MoneyLion combines banking and investment services with budgeting tools. Users can access loans, investment portfolios, and free credit monitoring all in one app. This comprehensive financial solution makes managing money easier while providing users with the tools needed to save and invest effectively.
23. Plannet – Personalized Shopping Discounts
Plannet offers personalized shopping discounts based on preferences. Users can link their favorite stores and receive tailored offers directly to their mobile devices. This app ensures that users only see relevant discount opportunities, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions while saving money on items they truly want.
24. MyPlate – Healthy Eating on a Budget
MyPlate helps users eat healthily while sticking to a budget. The app provides budget-friendly recipes and meal plans, making it easier to eat well without overspending. By promoting smart grocery shopping and meal preparation, users can thrive on a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
25. Simple – A Budget-Friendly Bank
Simple operates as a budget-friendly banking alternative focusing on savings. This app provides tools for creating budgets and tracking expenses directly from your account. Simple’s innovative features promote financial empowerment, making it easier for users to manage money tied directly to their financial goals.
25 Lesser-Known Apps That Make Saving Money a Breeze
Practical Steps to Use These Money-Saving Apps Effectively:
- Download the apps that interest you and set up accounts.
- Link your bank account or cards to automate savings and expenditures.
- Explore each app’s features to maximize potential savings.
- Set savings goals within the apps for a clear target.
- Review and track your financial progress regularly.
- Utilize cashback tools and reward programs to their fullest potential.
- Stay informed about any promotional offers or updates from the apps.
- Adjust your spending habits based on insights provided by the apps.
- Consider gamifying your budget for increased motivation.
- Practice consistency in using these apps to see significant savings over time.