I know that owning a smartphone isn’t the cheapest thing you can possibly do, but it’s getting better, because AT&T just rolled out some new plans and they’re the cheapest plans AT&T has ever offered to date. To take away that’s ting of paying so much cash for a smartphone, you’ll be happy to know that your phone can actually help you save money. As a matter of fact, your phone could actually save you enough money to pay your cellphone bill for that month.
Below, you’ll find a list of apps I’ve found that will help you save money or even make money. Now, remember, you should always use WiFi networks as much as you can while operating your handheld device. That way, you avoid data costs as much as possible.
#1. iBotta
This is an excellent app if you want to save cash on items that you already need for your home, such as groceries and household items. Also, iBotta has just started offering earnings when dining out at certain restaurants. All you have to do is load up the iBotta app before going shopping and pick out which items you plan on picking up. Once you’ve purchased the items, you can go home, scan the barcode and earn cash back. It’s really that easy.
#2. Swagbucks
Do you want an app that pays you to use it? Well, Swagbucks is probably the most popular and trustworthy app you can download. Basically, you earn what’s known as “Swagbucks” and you can trade them in for things like Amazon gift cards. You can earn as much as 50 “Swagbucks” a day and all you have to do is watch videos on your phone. It’s pretty simple and an easy way to make a little bit of extra cash.
#3. Cartwheel
Do you like to shop at Target? If so, you should get the Target Cartwheel app, which will allow you to save as much as 30% on selected items. You can also get these discounts in addition to your REDCard savings, coupons and sale prices. Combine all of these things and you can save some serious cash.
#4. Amazon Kindle
Do you like to kick back and read a nice book every now and then? Well, if you don’t want to fork out the big bucks for an actual Kindle, you can download the Kindle app on your smartphone. From there, you’ll have access to hundreds of books that are free to download. Also, from time to time, certain publishers will put out specials that enable you to download their books completely free or for as little as $0.99.
#5. ShopKick
This is one of the most popular and most used apps by people that want to save money. All you have to do is walk into a store and launch the app and you’re done. There’s no hoops you have to jump through or anything like that. You don’t even have to make any purchases. However, if you want, you can use the bar code scanner to scan items you’re interested in and you will earn more “kicks.” Once you’re ready to redeem your “kicks,” you can do so for gift cards.
#6. ShopSavvy
Ever been out at the store, find an item you’re really interested in, but you wonder if you could get the same item cheaper at other stores or online? Scan the bar code of the item with this app and it will answer this question for you.
#7. Gas Buddy
This app takes advantage of the GPS built into your smartphone to locate the gas stations that are in your area. It will then notify you of the best gas prices near you, so you pay as little as possible at the pump.
