I always hear about apps to help me save money, either from friends or ads on social media. I have to admit that I was a bit old school. After I quit my full-time job a few years ago, I did some couponing and found other ways to save money, but I have to tell you it’s a job by itself. This was time-consuming and tedious neither of which I really wanted to spend my Sundays doing. If you do this regularly, I bow down to you because you’re a better woman than me. (double high-five girly)
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As the years progressed, I got busier with launching my company, having another child, and some health-related setbacks. There was no way for me to keep up my money saving goals but on the plus side, there was a much easier way for us to save money on everyday things in our home. APPS! Yep, I started to discover that I don’t have to invest a lot of my time and put too much effort into living wisely. So today I am going to tell you about 5 apps to help you save money.
5 Apps To Help You Save Money
Groupon
Groupon is an e-commerce marketplace connecting subscribers with local businesses by offering discounts on activities, travel, goods, and services. Groupons are like coupons, you get a hefty discount on certain things. I’ve used Groupon a couple of times and I love it (and the savings). A couple of years ago I got a $50 spa gift certificate for $25 and last year I purchased a Paint Nite for $25 instead of the usual $45.
Groupon targets savings close to your location and periodically sends you notifications if you have the app installed on your smartphone. You can also search for deals or businesses in the app which is one of my favorite features. Available on desktop and mobile.
Click this link to use my referral code and sign up: Kami’s Groupon
Tip: Read the fine prints on deals, know the expiration date and restrictions.
Ebates
I recently discovered Ebates a few months ago. It is a cashback website that allows it’s members to earn up to 25% cash back on online purchases. It’s so easy to use and once you start getting money back you’ll be hooked. You basically install the Ebates extension if you’re using chrome or shop via the Ebates app on your phone and go to the stores to shop at like Amazon, Target, The Children’s Place, Shutterfly and hundreds more. You’ll see what percentage you get back and you get that deposited in your Paypal or get a check mailed to you. It’s that easy, I’ve already made $9.51 for February and we’re still in the first week. Available on desktop, chrome extension, and mobile.
Click this link to use my referral code and sign up to get $10.00 right away: Kami’s Ebates
Tip: You can use Ebates even when shopping for Groupon 🙂 cha-ching and double high five for the double savings!!!
Ibotta
Ibotta is a free, fun, and easy way to earn cash back for buying your favorite brands at your favorite stores. Ibotta has exclusive rebates at your favorite grocery stores, retailers and online shops, updated all the time. You can unlock your rebates anytime, anywhere, and then use them when you go shopping. Use Ibotta at the store for cash back? Perfect. Prefer to wait until you get home? Or forgot your phone? That works too! Earn the rebate after shopping, even for in-store deals. There are 3 easy ways to save money with Ibotta. Submit a receipt, link a loyalty card or make purchases in the app itself. I scan my barcode then submit my receipts and that’s it. Once your account has reached a $20 balance you can cash out. Available on mobile only.
Use my referral code to get $10.00 when you sign up: gpxjytx
Tips: Ibotta can save you money even when you are dining out. You can also unlock Ibotta bonuses to save even more.
Target Cartwheel
So who doesn’t love Target right? I go there for my ‘mommy alone time’ (don’t judge me until you become a parent ya’ll). What’s better than going to Target? It’s saving money while at Target and the Cartwheel app does just that. Weekly specials like 25% off make-up or 10% off diapers really add up. This app is so easy to use too: download it, browse or search for deals, add up to 18 specials/coupons to your list and show the cashier your barcode at checkout for scanning and voila! This is a mobile app only and you can’t use it for online purchases.
Tip: Sign up for Target’s RED card, combine it with Cartwheel and save even more.
Checkout 51
Browse for groceries, take a photo of your receipt and earn cash back. That’s Checkout 51. Every Thursday morning Checkout 51 updates your offer list. All you have to do is pick the products you like, purchase them at any store, and upload a photo of your receipt. When your account reaches $20, you can cash out and we’ll send you a check! Checkout 51 helps you save money on the brands you love. Available on mobile only.
Tip: Multiple family members can download the app and combine receipts to save.
So there you go, 5 easy ways you can save money this year using just your phone. What apps do you use to save money?
bemissity says
April 9, 2017 at 12:11 AMThese are great tips. Been using groupon also.
Sam says
March 7, 2017 at 7:16 AMLove this- super relevant around tax season! Thank you for sharing.
Brittany Marie says
February 11, 2017 at 6:36 PMI love Target Cartwheel! It’s nice to basically have access to a “secret” sale 🙂 I will check out Checkout 51!
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Cynthia Williamston says
February 9, 2017 at 3:41 PMYour list has a few that I have used and some I have never heard of. I need to try checkout 51 and see if it is something I can continue to use.
Ance says
February 8, 2017 at 7:53 PMI didn’t know about this apps but looks like great option to save money this year! Thank you for this post!
Alica Senhouse says
February 8, 2017 at 5:51 PMI love Ebates although I do forget to use it sometimes. Target’s Cartwheel is a regular for me. Thanks for this post, I’ll share with my friends!
Brittany Putman says
February 8, 2017 at 3:53 PMI love groupon! I use that one all the time. I have been wanting to try ebates but haven’t yet.
KatrinaJeanCarter says
February 8, 2017 at 11:31 AMThanks for sharing! I love money year-round and these are very helpful tips! I have tried ebates before 🙂
Yuliya Oleynykova says
February 8, 2017 at 3:45 AMI need to check if Ebates works in the UK. Such a cool thing.
saidat says
February 8, 2017 at 2:47 AMYay. I often use Groupon till they packed up and left SA. I will check out the other ones soon. Thanks for sharing.
Hallie says
February 7, 2017 at 8:15 PMWith the onslaught of ads and media telling us to buy buy buy, we’ve gotta do everything we can to save save save in this fast fashion, fast everything world. If an app helps ya do it, go for it!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
February 7, 2017 at 7:36 PMI’ve used Ebates, Cartwheel, and Ibotta, but Ebates is by far my favorite. It’s so easy to use and can be utilized with almost any online store. Love those cash back checks!!
Debra Schroeder says
February 7, 2017 at 5:23 PMI use all these apps, except Checkout51 (that’s new to me) and they really do help you save money. Thanks for the heads up about Checkout51, will check it out. 🙂
Chelsea @ the Johnsons plus dog says
February 7, 2017 at 2:54 PMThese are great ups. I already use Ibotta and cartwheel but I’ll have to check out the others!
Shane says
February 7, 2017 at 1:49 PMI am an avid Target shopper but have never used Cartwheel. Thanks so much for the tip!
danasia fantastic says
February 7, 2017 at 12:23 PMI’m a HUGE fan of Ibotta and Checkout51. The amount I’ve saved last month alone blew my mind!
Divine Mwimba says
February 7, 2017 at 11:38 AMThese are great! I knew about a few of these such as Ebates, I have to take a look at the others!
Jen says
February 7, 2017 at 9:48 AMI really need to cut out expenses and your list looks like it would help me achieve that. Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll definitely take a look at this.
Natalie says
February 7, 2017 at 9:11 AMWhere have I been??? I’m not participating in any of these and that has to change right now!! Thanks for the list. The money I save is going straight into the travel fund! We always travel with the kids and look forward to the next adventure!!
Natalie says
February 7, 2017 at 9:13 AMForgot to mention that I’m sharing with all my travel friends! We are always looking for a way to save more money for the next adventure!
Kari Ann says
February 7, 2017 at 9:03 AMI use and love them all! Especially Ibotta is one of my all time favorites 🙂
Jen says
February 7, 2017 at 8:42 AMFirst time I’ve heard about Checkout 51. Will have to give it a try.
The Travel Ninjas says
February 7, 2017 at 1:24 AMI’ll have to try some of these money saving apps. I’ve actually tried the Groupon app a couple years ago, but it didn’t work that well back then. Hopefully they’ve improved it. I love groupon so I’ll try it out again.
Krysten says
February 6, 2017 at 10:39 PMI already have ibotta and the target app, but I didn’t even know about these other apps! I need to download them so that I can start couponing and saving money!
Amy Scott says
February 6, 2017 at 8:21 PMEbates is the bomb, with baby due soon and lots of money going out, it’s so fun to get some back, especially those beautiful 8-10%s haha
Dionna Chambers says
February 6, 2017 at 6:27 PMI am definitely going to check out cartwheel! I already LIVE on group on. Thank you for these great money saving options!!!
Nellwyn says
February 6, 2017 at 6:16 PMI really have to start using Ebates! I’m trying really hard to save some money right now and every little bit helps.
Emilie Guerin says
February 6, 2017 at 5:32 PMI was not aware of several of those apps. Thank you for sharing!
Have a nice day!
Jennifer says
February 6, 2017 at 5:15 PMLove this post! Super helpful 🙂 thank you!
Ada says
February 6, 2017 at 3:55 PMThis is great! I need to get those apps as soon as possible as saving money is not going well for me lately 🙂
Kumba says
February 6, 2017 at 3:19 PMThese apps are great. I love Groupon, have you had a look at wowcher too? They are similar to Groupon but I’ve got some amazing deals on there!
Lisa Sell says
February 6, 2017 at 3:18 PMI’m always happy to find a bargain. Joined Groupon recently and got a few great deals already!
Jolina says
February 6, 2017 at 2:46 PMI’m already a big fan of Ebates and Checkout51. They’re awesome, I’ve earned lots of cashback! I need to check out the others.
Foirell says
February 6, 2017 at 2:41 PMEvery time I make a purchase my friend always asks me whether I used ebates and I always say no! I need to sign up asap as I am missing out!
Foirell | http://www.citygirlrell.com
Amanda says
February 6, 2017 at 2:34 PMEbates is an amazing app. I never purchase anything online without first seeing if Ebates has a code for it.
Marcella's Mind says
February 6, 2017 at 2:26 PMThank you for sharing. I’ll try some of the tips definitively