Smart Phone, Smart Saver

Below are some great apps that can help you save your money and manage your spending, easily!

Phone apps have changed our lives. We now have, at our fingertips, the ability to access information 24/7, wherever we are. There are a number of useful apps that can even help you save money and track your spending.

Mint —This is a budgeting app that links to your banking and credit card accounts and keeps track of all your spending. It will analyze how and where you spend your money, suggest a budget, and even suggest how to reduce the money you spend on monthly bills and fees. It also alerts you when bills are due or when your bank balance falls below a certain amount.

Flipp —Like a traditional Sunday newspaper, this app tells you all the sales and special offers currently available, as well as helping you find coupons. It covers weekly ads from 800+ retailers, including supermarkets, pharmacies, and big retailers, like Target or Walmart. If you’re a member of a store’s loyalty program, it can automatically apply discounts when you use your loyalty card at checkout.

Good Budget —This app uses the envelope system of budgeting. You begin by placing a certain amount of money for each expense (rent, groceries, gas, eating out, etc.) into its own category. This app keeps track of each amount, helping you to stay on budget. It also allows you and your spouse to sync your account, letting both of you know who’s spending what, where it’s going, and how much is left in each “envelope.”

ShopSavvy —When you’re out shopping in a store, this app lets you scan the bar codes on merchandise and compare prices from other local and online competitors to see whose price is better. It offers special cash-back deals and you can set up notifications to alert you when a specific product goes on sale.