Apps that Save Money and Make Money: 4 Mobile Apps You Must Have

These days we’re all looking to save money.  And since most of us are attached to our phones, it only makes sense that we have apps that save money at our fingertips.

apps that save moneyIt’s hard saving money in today’s America.  It seems like every time we turn around, there is something grabbing at our wallet.  We live in a culture where spending and buying is thrown in our faces constantly.  Everywhere we turn there is an ad for this product or that service.  It can be pretty overwhelming at times if you ask me.  We’re under constant stimulation and it can be tough to not give in to the temptation.

Well look, I’m here to help. Below are apps that save money for you — and even make you some money.  No, you’re not going to get rich.  But, these apps can help you stick to your budget and even help come in below budget!  What a novel idea, wouldn’t you say?

I included my referral link for each app, but you’re under no obligation to show me some love.  Although, yes, I do appreciate it.  Regardless, sign up for them, check them out, keep the ones you like, ditch the ones you hate, and start getting on a path to saving money.

Note: In a previous version of this post, I recommended an app called MileUp.  However, after the benefits of the app that made it great were changed by the creators, I decided I could no longer recommend it to you.  I since deleted it from my phone.

Cartwheel by Target

If you’re a big fan of Target like my wife and I are, you will love their Cartwheel app.  With it, you can earn 5% to 50% off certain items you purchase in-person at a Target store.  They just scan the bar code for you at check out.

To save even more, you can combine these savings with Target’s REDcard and other coupon offers.  I mean it really is a no-brainer.

Also, with Cartwheel, you can use every offer to purchase 4 items — and you don’t even need to do it simultaneously.  It can even be done on different days.

So, this is a pretty sweet deal.  One, you get the Cartwheel app savings.  Two, you get more money off with any coupons you have.  And, three, you get another 5% off with the savings from your REDcard.  How does Target make a profit?

Get the app and save yourself some dough!

Ebates

I’m sure you’ve heard of Ebates by now.  You have probably even downloaded it at some point.  But, are you using it?  You should – and I include myself in this category.

Ebates helps you earn cash back at all of your favorite stores.  So, your online shopping experience – which, let’s be honest you’re going to be doing anyway – becomes a way to earn and save some money in the process.

How so?

Well, Ebates actually makes an affiliate commission on your purchase.  Then, from that commission, they pay you a portion of it.  Then, a few times per year, Ebates will send you your cut of the commission via PayPal or check.  Not a bad deal.

Maybe we all should start using Ebates – immediately!

iBotta

iBotta is another great app for receiving cash back.  It allows you to scan a receipt from virtually any major store and receive cash in return for doing some simple actions like watching a short video.  It works well for you too if you buy the generic brands.  What’s cool too is that you can link a store’s loyalty card too if they’re one of iBotta’s preferred partners.

You also make money on in-app purchases, as part of a team, bonuses offered, and by inviting friends. That’s not a bad deal from only a couple minutes work per work.  If you can save your family some money in the grocery budget each week, is it not worth the time?

Amazon

Have you ever wanted to compare prices of an item while you were in the store?  Of course you have everyone does.  But, there is comparison shopping and then there’s comparison shopping Amazon-style.  With the Amazon app, you can actually scan the bar code of the item you’re looking at in the store and see if Amazon has a lower price for that item.

You can also do everything you normally would do on the Amazon website.  You can check product details, read reviews, and purchase products.

A word of caution from personal experience though.  If you’re living on a budget, don’t set up that “1-Click Purchase” feature because you likely won’t be able to help yourself when wanting to buy that e-book you probably won’t finish.  Or you have a child like my son who likes to take Mommy’s or Daddy’s phone and buy stuff for himself.  Crafty little guy he is.

All of that said, my wife and I love Amazon.  We are members of Amazon Prime, which is really nice with the 2-day shipping.  So, that makes ordering items and sending them to friends and relatives pretty easy.  I also order vitamins for myself on Amazon and pay half of what I would at the store.

So, get the Amazon app and make sure you’re not paying full price!

Find and download apps that save money!

We only get one life. So, why not make it one where we’re smart about our money?  Take advantage of any opportunity you can to save yourself some money.  There’s no point in going through life with a scarcity mindset.  Take the time to go through these apps that save money, figure them out, and keep budgeting, saving, and getting rid of your debt.  Doing little things like this add up in a big way in your financial plan.  It may not seem like much at first, but it does wonders for you as make your way toward financial independence.

Can you recommend any other apps that save money and make extra money?  Please share with us below.

18 responses to “Apps that Save Money and Make Money: 4 Mobile Apps You Must Have”

  1. Steven Goodwin Avatar

    I’ve used eBates and iBotta, but haven’t heard of MileUp yet. Do you have to have the app open while you are driving or does it track your location data in the background? Also, who are they selling the data to? Just something to think about when you are using this stuff. These types of apps are designed to capture your data and preferences to retarget and market to you again and become better specialized at it.

  2. David Domzalski Avatar

    Hey Steven,

    Thanks for commenting. I’ve been using MileUp for about a month now. It tracks your information in the background and then you can sync it up when you turn on WiFi. According to their site – https://mileup.ai/ – they’re tracking driving patterns. They claim their goal is to use the data to help make driving safer. But, I completely understand what you’re saying. It’s not something I take lightly. So far, though, I’m happy with the app.

    I really appreciate your feedback!

    Dave

  3. MrDoublingDollars Avatar

    iBotta has been pretty good for me. Once I even found a receipt in the parking lot for an item with a $4 refund!

    Haven’t heard of MileUp, so might have to look into it. How many points does a person get per mile? Or is it more complicated than that?

    1. David Domzalski Avatar

      Haha, I love that! How much would you say you’re saving monthly using it?

      You get 2 points for every mile you drive. Check it out. See if it works for you! 🙂

      1. MrDoublingDollars Avatar

        Oh, I haven’t used it in awhile now. I do have to get back into it. I think my rebates were around $120 over 18 months or so of use.

        I would snap a pic for receipt hog as well, they just give points for receipts that you can turn into amazon gift cards and such.

        1. David Domzalski Avatar

          Oh ok, well that’s great for just snapping a few receipts! Yeah, might as well get back into it and save more money.

          With MileUp, I was estimating around $125 or so for one year. So, it’s enough to cover a week of groceries for the family. Now, if I could only up my driving by 51x, I could have the entire year covered. Lol.

  4. Erik @ The Mastermind Within Avatar

    I was thinking MileUp would be a running app! Get cash every time you run a mile!! (Fitness + finance!)

    Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check these out!

    1. David Domzalski Avatar

      Haha, there are those types too. “Pact” is one I think. But, Pact wants to link my credit card so they can deduct money when I don’t meet a fitness goal or workout. Yeah, I’m a father and a husband, things come up! You’re not doing that to me. Haha. MileUp just works in the background as I drive. That’s good for me 🙂

  5. Mustard Seed Money Avatar

    I’ve never heard of MileUp. I’ll have to check it out. My commute is not nearly as long as yours but definitely looks worthwhile into looking at. Thanks for sharing!!!

    1. David Domzalski Avatar

      Hey, no problem, Rob. Yeah, it’s pretty cool. With my driving, I’m over 8,000 points since late January! Haha.

  6. […] 3 Mobile Apps to Help You Save & Make Extra Money […]

  7. Andrew@LivingRichCheaply Avatar

    Mile Up sounds pretty interesting since I have a long commute so maybe I can rack up a lot of points. (Your link isn’t working properly btw). Does it use up a lot of battery life? Do you get one point per mile traveled?

    1. David Domzalski Avatar

      Hey Andrew,

      I checked the link and it’s still working on my end. Let me know if you’re still having trouble. I appreciate you pointing it out. You get 2 points per mile traveled. You don’t need to have it open, so it doesn’t drain the battery. I’m using a Samsung Galaxy S5.

      Thanks for commenting,

      Dave

  8. Alexis @FITnancials Avatar
    Alexis @FITnancials

    I’ve been using Ibotta like crazy! I also really like Digit, and Mint for keeping track of money and helping me save.

    1. David Domzalski Avatar

      Hey Alexis. Thanks for the comment. Yeah, Ibotta is pretty sweet. I’ll have to check out Digit. I should get back into my Mint account as we’ve let that slide a bit. Love your blog by the way. I really appreciate you checking out the article!

  9. […] Check out these apps that can help you save money and make money […]

  10. […] Related: Apps that Save Money and Make Money: 4 Mobile Apps You Must Have […]

  11. […] Apps that Save Money and Make Money: 4 Mobile Apps You Must Have […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *