Saving Hundreds of Dollars with Apps

I haven't worked outside the home since 2013.  I taught elementary school for 9 years and did private tutoring on the side for our whole married life.  Once we had kids we started moving frequently and realized that it was best for me to stay home with the kiddos.  I knew we'd have to make some changes for me to stay home and I'd have to help save our family money in ways I hadn't been doing before.  We started eating out less, cooking more and looking for deals any place we could find them.  

My husband is a great deal finder and prides himself on saving money.  He's the perfect balance of deal hunting where he doesn't go crazy looking for the lowest prices, but works hard to save money where we can.  He's great at finding travel deals, restaurant deals and deals when we're traveling.  I had him guest post about his favorite deals last year so here's a link to that Thrifty Hubby post.

I don't spend HOURS looking for deals.  I spend a little time each week and have saved my family lots of money.  I know people who hop around to all the different stores getting great deals, or who price match at the register, but I don't have the time or desire to go that far.  Usually the checkout process at the store is crazy because my toddler is grabbing the bags and my infant is needing attention.  I am lucky if I remember to hand the cashier my coupons and have been known to regularly stop by customer service to use those coupons I forgot to hand over at check out.  Whoops!

My favorite money saving apps:

Cartwheel App for Target

I use this app every time I shop at Target.  I typically don't look at the app ahead of time.  I usually do my shopping, pull my cart to the side and scan my items to see if there are any extra deals to be had.  I'll add the deals onto my app and use it when I check out.  If I'm going on a solo Target run I'll check out the app ahead of time and plan out my deals in advance.  You save money instantly as it's taken off your total before you pay.

Savings = $88.07

 Savings Catcher for Wal-Mart

If you are a Wal-Mart shopper this app is a no brainer!  You just scan the receipt and they do the price comparing for you.  They match prices for name brand things and do not match prices for store brands or produce.  Your savings add up in an account and you cash them in for a Wal-Mart gift card.  I frequently shop at Wal-Mart and love getting money back with very little extra effort.

Savings = $76.32

Ibotta

This app is a little hit or miss, but those $0.25 and $0.50 deals all add up.  I scan my grocery receipt, click on the deals and then my rewards add up in my account.  When I hit the minimum to withdrawal I cash in my rewards for a Starbucks, Amazon or iTunes gift card

Savings = $88.60

Savings Star

This app is a little hit or miss, but those $0.25 and $0.50 deals all add up.  I scan my grocery receipt, click on the deals and then my rewards add up in my account.  When I hit the minimum to withdrawal I cash in my rewards for a gift card.

Savings = $9.50

Checkout 51

 This app is a little hit or miss, but those $0.25 and $0.50 deals all add up.  I scan my grocery receipt, click on the deals and then my rewards add up in my account.  When I hit the $20 mark, I request my rewards in check form and a check arrives in my mailbox.

Savings = $24.00 

Kroger & Meijer have great deals on their apps.  You can clip coupons, apply for extra rewards and earn points for filling prescriptions at their pharmacies.  We get text alerts for special discounts and coupons and try to use them when they come our way.  We have earned several gift cards at Meijer just by using their pharmacy.  You can find the coupons in their weekly add and it'll be something like earn a $10, $15 or $25 gift card when you fill a prescription.  So easy and such a big savings!!

TOTAL SAVINGS = over $300!!

Have you had any luck saving money with apps?

What are your favorite money saving apps?