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As grandparents, it’s more important than ever to have a strong understanding and firm grasp on our finances. Many of us are retired and living on a fixed income, and it’s a tough economy to put it lightly. Plus, we have these grandchildren that need our spoiling (within reason, of course!).
So it’s a good idea to put today’s technology to use to help you stretch those dollar bills as far as they will go. It’s not much work on your end; It’s mostly downloading apps, and some even do the heavy lifting for you in the background without you even knowing it! I’ve compiled 10 of the best (and free) apps to help you save money on every day necessities.
Note: All of these have good reviews, seem trustworthy, and do not require any credit card. But I don’t use all of them regularly so be sure to do your research first!
1. Honey
This app and browser extension automatically searches for and applies coupon codes at checkout when shopping online, helping you to save without even thinking about it!
One time, I was shopping online for a dress and added it to my cart. After a few seconds, Honey found a 20% off coupon code and applied it to my order, reducing the price of the dress to $96. Additionally, Honey discovered that there was a current promotion for free shipping, saving me an extra $9.99. You can’t beat it!
2. Rakuten
The Rakuten app and browser extension offers cash back on purchases made through their platform at select retailers, helping you to save money on your purchases. The platform partners with a wide range of online stores, offering a percentage of cash back on purchases made through their website or app.
3. Ibotta
This app offers cash back on grocery store purchases (online and in-store) when you upload your receipt, helping you save money on your grocery bill. It partners with various retailers, grocery stores, and brands to provide users with cash back opportunities on a wide range of products, from groceries and household items to apparel and electronics.
4. Trim
The Trim app can analyze your spending and help you find ways to save money on recurring bills, such as cable or internet. Over two million people are using Trim, with more than $86 million delivered in savings.
This personal finance assistant discovered that I was paying $75 per month for my cable and internet package. Trim offered to negotiate the bill on my behalf, and I agreed. Trim contacted the service provider and, after some negotiation, secured a better deal: a monthly rate of $60 for the same package. This resulted in a $15 per month savings, or $180 per year, on my cable and internet bill!
5. Mint
This budget tracker and planner helps you to manage your finances by tracking your spending, creating a budget, and identifying areas where you can save money. By providing insights into spending habits and facilitating better financial management, Mint indirectly assists in the background. By using Mint consistently, you can gain better control over your finances, make more informed spending decisions, and ultimately save more money.
6. GasBuddy
With the price of gas nowadays, it’s imperative you find the cheapest prices in your area. GasBuddy helps you do just that! The app will scan the area and show you where you can save the most money at the pump. And it all adds up, trust me!
7. GoodRx
GoodRX helps you to find the lowest prices for prescription medications in your area, helping you save money on healthcare expenses.
When I discovered the cost of my medication without insurance coverage would be $120 for a 30-day supply, a friend suggested I try this app. GoodRX provided me with a list of nearby pharmacies along with their prices for the medication, as well as a digital coupon for additional savings. I ended up finding the same medication at a different pharmacy for just $45!
8. Flipp
Flipp is a free mobile app designed to help users save money on their shopping by providing access to weekly ads, deals, and coupons from various retailers all in one place. Flipp makes it easy to browse and compare deals, create shopping lists, and find the best prices for your desired items. It’s the new-age way of being a coupon clipper!
9. Checkout 51
Earn cash back on your gas and groceries with the Checkout 51 app when you upload your receipt, similar to Ibotta. While they both help users save money on their purchases, the differences in their receipt submission process, offer selection, store limitations, and payment methods may make one app more appealing or convenient for certain users. It’s also possible to use both apps simultaneously to maximize savings.
10. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot offers coupon codes and discounts for a variety of retailers, helping you to save money on your purchases both online and in-store. “The Easiest Way to Save on the Go” as they say!
When my son was in the market for a new laptop, RetailMeNot not only found him a 15% discount on the model he wanted, it offered a 3% cash back deal saving him over $200 total. That was enough to make me want to download the app and try it out for myself!
Saving money is easier than ever with apps and extensions like the ones mentioned above. So embrace technology and let it do all the work for you so you can pocket more of the money you’ve earned over the years.
