In today’s fast-paced world, managing finances and saving money is more important than ever. With the rising cost of living, finding ways to save on everyday purchases can significantly impact your budget. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue with a plethora of apps designed to help consumers save money effortlessly. This article will explore some of the best apps for saving money on everyday purchases, providing insights into their features, benefits, and how to use them effectively.
1. Rakuten
Overview
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a cash-back shopping platform that rewards users for shopping at their favorite stores. By partnering with thousands of retailers, Rakuten offers cash back on purchases made through its app or website.
Key Features
- Cash Back Offers: Users can earn cash back on purchases from various retailers, ranging from 1% to 15% or more, depending on the store.
- Referral Bonuses: Users can earn additional cash by referring friends and family to Rakuten.
- Browser Extension: The Rakuten browser extension alerts users when cash back is available for a store they visit online.
How to Use
- Sign Up: Create a free account on Rakuten.
- Shop: Browse retailers and click through Rakuten to make purchases.
- Earn Cash Back: After your purchase is confirmed, cash back will be credited to your account.
2. Ibotta
Overview
Ibotta is a rebate app that allows users to earn cash back on groceries and everyday purchases by submitting receipts or linking their store loyalty accounts. With a focus on grocery shopping, it offers a simple way to save on food items and household necessities.
Key Features
- Cash Back Offers: Users can browse offers and receive cash back for purchasing specific products.
- Receipt Scanning: After shopping, users can scan their receipts to claim rebates on eligible items.
- Team Bonuses: Users can create teams to unlock additional bonuses for collective savings.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install the Ibotta app and create an account.
- Browse Offers: Check for cash back offers on products you plan to buy.
- Shop: Purchase eligible items at participating stores.
- Submit Receipts: Scan your receipts to claim cash back.
3. Honey
Overview
Honey is a browser extension and mobile app that helps users find the best deals and discounts when shopping online. It automatically applies coupon codes at checkout, ensuring users get the lowest price possible.
Key Features
- Automatic Coupon Application: Honey scans the web for applicable coupon codes and applies them automatically during checkout.
- Price Tracking: Users can track prices on specific products and receive alerts when prices drop.
- Honey Gold Rewards: Users can earn points (Honey Gold) for making purchases through the app, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
How to Use
- Install the Extension/App: Add Honey to your browser or download the app.
- Shop Online: Visit your favorite online stores and add items to your cart.
- Apply Coupons: Honey will automatically apply any available coupon codes at checkout.
4. Fetch Rewards
Overview
Fetch Rewards is a grocery app that rewards users for scanning their grocery receipts. Unlike traditional coupon apps, Fetch allows users to earn points for any grocery purchase, which can then be redeemed for gift cards.
Key Features
- Easy Receipt Scanning: Users can scan receipts from any grocery store to earn points.
- Bonus Offers: Users can earn extra points by purchasing specific brands or products.
- Gift Card Redemption: Points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install Fetch Rewards and create an account.
- Shop: Purchase groceries from any store.
- Scan Receipts: Use the app to scan your receipts and earn points.
5. Dosh
Overview
Dosh is a cash-back app that provides users with automatic cash back for shopping, dining, and traveling. It works by linking your credit or debit card to the app, making it easy to earn cash back without the need for coupons or receipts.
Key Features
- Automatic Cash Back: Users earn cash back automatically when they shop or dine at participating retailers.
- Referral Program: Users can earn additional cash by referring friends to Dosh.
- No Receipt Scanning: Cash back is automatically applied when you use a linked card.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install Dosh and create an account.
- Link Your Cards: Connect your credit or debit cards to the app.
- Shop and Earn: Use your linked cards at participating retailers to earn cash back.
6. Acorns
Overview
Acorns is an investment app that helps users save money by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the spare change. This unique approach to saving can help users build wealth over time.
Key Features
- Round-Up Savings: Users can automatically round up purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the difference.
- Investment Portfolio: Acorns offers a diversified investment portfolio based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Recurring Investments: Users can set up recurring investments for additional savings.
How to Use
- Sign Up: Create an account on Acorns and link your bank account.
- Set Preferences: Choose your investment preferences and round-up settings.
- Start Saving: Shop as usual and watch your savings grow with each purchase.
7. Clarity Money
Overview
Clarity Money is a budgeting and money management app that helps users track their spending, set budgets, and find savings opportunities. It provides insights into monthly spending habits and helps users identify areas where they can save.
Key Features
- Spending Insights: Users receive insights into their spending habits and patterns.
- Budgeting Tools: Set budgets for different categories to help manage expenses.
- Subscription Tracking: Clarity Money identifies recurring subscriptions and allows users to cancel unwanted ones.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install Clarity Money and create an account.
- Connect Your Accounts: Link your bank accounts and credit cards for tracking.
- Monitor Spending: Use the app to track your spending and set budgets.
8. Trim
Overview
Trim is a financial assistant app that helps users save money by analyzing their spending habits, negotiating bills, and canceling unwanted subscriptions. It works behind the scenes to find savings opportunities and help users take control of their finances.
Key Features
- Bill Negotiation: Trim negotiates bills on behalf of users, potentially lowering monthly expenses.
- Subscription Management: The app identifies and helps cancel unwanted subscriptions.
- Savings Goals: Set savings goals and receive reminders to stay on track.
How to Use
- Sign Up: Create an account on Trim and link your financial accounts.
- Allow Analysis: Let Trim analyze your spending habits.
- Follow Recommendations: Take advantage of suggested savings opportunities.
9. Plum
Overview
Plum is a money management app that uses artificial intelligence to analyze users’ spending and automatically set aside savings. It helps users save money effortlessly while keeping track of their finances.
Key Features
- Automatic Savings: Plum analyzes your spending patterns and sets aside money for you.
- Investment Options: Users can invest their savings in various portfolios.
- Budgeting Tools: Set budgets for different categories to stay on track.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install Plum and create an account.
- Connect Your Accounts: Link your bank accounts for analysis.
- Watch Your Savings Grow: Let Plum manage your savings automatically.
10. Cash App
Overview
Cash App is a digital wallet and payment platform that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and invest in stocks and Bitcoin. While it’s primarily known for peer-to-peer payments, it offers features that can help users save money.
Key Features
- Cash Card: A customizable debit card that allows users to earn cash back at select retailers.
- Investing Options: Users can invest in stocks and Bitcoin directly through the app.
- Direct Deposit: Receive paychecks directly into the app for easy management.
How to Use
- Download the App: Install Cash App and create an account.
- Get a Cash Card: Order a Cash Card to start earning cash back.
- Make Purchases: Use your Cash Card at participating retailers to earn rewards.
Conclusion
Saving money on everyday purchases is more achievable than ever with the wide array of apps available today. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back, track your spending, or find discounts, these apps provide innovative solutions to help you manage your finances effectively. By incorporating these tools into your shopping routine, you can make smarter financial decisions and ultimately save money. Downloading a few of these apps could be your first step towards a more financially savvy lifestyle.