Smartphones have changed the way we shop and take control of our personal finances. Apps have made it easy to save money and be a more informed consumer. That said, here are 8 apps savvy consumers should know about:
Want to glean some insight into a product before you pull the trigger? Gadget Flow empowers consumers with descriptions and high-quality product photos and videos. No more taking a shot in the dark with internet purchases. The AR functionality of the app is perhaps most impressive. Buyers can see 3D renditions of items through the app’s functionality. Gadget Flow is available for download on iTunes and Google Play.
It doesn’t get much easier to save than this! Use the camera feature on your smartphone to scan a barcode or QR code and see if there’s a better deal elsewhere. ShopSavvy will also send you personalized discounts based on your retail preferences and history. ShopSavvy is available on iTunes and Google Play. It is free to download.
Honey acts as a frugal shopper’s best friend, by working as a browser extension on devices. Honey is a great way to unlock coupon codes and will automatically apply the savings so you don't have to. It works with a good number of brands and websites, so you can save a good amount of money over time. Sign up at https://www.joinhoney.com/ and let the savings begin. It is free to install.
Trim is almost as good as having a personal financial assistant. Link all your accounts securely and allow the app to work its magic. It will analyze your purchases and suggest areas to cut back on. The app can also find better deals on common expenses like cable, car insurance, and the internet. It will even cancel subscriptions for you!
Users can opt in to get text updates on their accounts and overall financial picture. This is a great option for busy people looking to take control of their finances. You may sign up at go.asktrim.com with your email address or Facebook login. The app is free to download, but in-app purchases and features have nominal fees.
Enter Poshmark. This peer-to-peer marketplace is great for saving money on clothes, up to 70% off retail prices! You can browse by brand, alter searches by a specific price range and even find like new items. Poshmark is available on iTunes and Google Play. It is free to download.
While this app won’t help you find deals, it will help you budget so you have money to shop in the first place! Mint helps you track your financial health by bringing everything together in one central dashboard. For example, you can make and follow a budget, track balances, bills, credit score, investment performance and more. It’s great to help you get a real-time understanding of your finances, while helping you set a course for the future. Mint is available on iTunes and Google Play. It is free to download.
RetailMeNot is a penny pincer’s dream come true. You name it and it probably does it. With printable coupons, discount gift cards and online codes for everything from food, including Dominos and Papa Johns, to fashion, beauty products and car rentals, the award-winning RetailMeNot app makes saving easy and intuitive. It is free to download and available on iTunes and Google Play.
Whether it’s Meijer’s mPerks Rewards, Walmart’s app or Target’s app, tap into savings on everyday items and watch your bank account flourish. All three are free to download and available on iTunes and Google Play.
As always, familiarize yourself with the terms of service and fees, so there are no surprises. Then let the savings begin!