Is your car on fumes and you desperately need gas, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Well, Gas Buddy is here to help. This app is great if you are scouring your neighborhood looking for the best price on gas. It will give you a list of all the nearest gas stations using your current location as a reference point and also tells you how far away the station is and what the price of regular unleaded gas costs. No more need to run all over town looking for a deal when you have this app.
Groupon or Living Social
Both Groupon and Living Social are Web-based coupon companies that work with local businesses to provide users with some great locally focused deals. Whether you want an oil change or a massage, there are great daily deals offered. You can also look for deals in other major cities. So, if you are planning a vacation, you can scout out some great deals on things to do before you ever arrive to your destination.
Coupon Sherpa
Retail stores are constantly offering deals and discounts online. By using Coupon Sherpa you don’t have to waste your precious time searching the Web hunting down these discounts. “Sometimes I run to the mall or a retail store unplanned,” said Andrea Deckard of Monroe and founder of www.savingslifestyle.com. “I don’t always print out every single store coupon that I would potentially use on a shopping trip. Now, I pull up the Coupon Sherpa app, find an available coupon for that retailer and present it during checkout to receive the discount.”
Grocery IQ
You don’t need a pen and paper to write out your grocery list anymore. Grocery IQ has a database filled with millions of items that you can quickly add to your virtual shopping list. Did you just use the last of your favorite cereal? No worries. Simply scan the barcode on the box and it will add it directly to your shopping list. You can even sort your items by category or aisle to make your shopping experience quick and painless.
CardStar or Key Ring
Is your wallet filled with store loyalty cards? Do you have to spend five minutes sifting through your cards before you find the right one? Well then, CardStar or Key Ring is for you. These apps allow you to input all of your store loyalty cards into one place. All you have to do is click the store you want and the cashier can scan the barcode right off your phone. “The key ring app helps me stay organized while at the register, which is crucial for any serious couponer,” said Lindsey Fultz, a resident of Springfield and avid couponer.
CheckPoints
Earn rewards that can go toward gift cards, donations to your favorite charity, sky miles or even high-priced items such as an iPad or a Hermes Birkin handbag. Think of it as a scavenger hunt. You earn points by finding and scanning items at a number of retail stores around you. The more items you scan, the more coins you get. Why not spend another 10 minutes in the grocery on your next trip and scan a few items. Gift cards are emailed directly to you and you can print them immediately. Nothing is better than getting some free stuff.
Garage Sale Rover
Are you a garage sale junkie? Instead of criss-crossing the county looking for a bargain, now you can use Garage Sale Rover. This app helps you find where the sales are, route your trip to save some gas and see what sort of items are offered at each sale.
Kayak
Planning a vacation? Instead of going to five different sites comparing rates, let Kayak do the work for you. This app will take your information, search other sites and provide you with the best rates for hotels, air fare and rental cars. It is like having your own personal travel planner right at your fingertips.
Your bank
Nowadays, many banks have converted their online banking into apps. From PNC and Chase to Wright-Patt Credit Union and WesBanco, you may want to check if your bank has an app. A lot of them will let you check your balance, transfer money and even pay your bills right from your phone.
Jessica Garringer is an avid couponer and bargain hunter. Contact her at JessicaGarringer@gmail.com or visit www.SaverSavvy.wordpress.com.
About the Author