How Tech Can Help You Save Money

Our top suggestions on how tech can help you save money. 

This year we have seen prices rise dramatically- from energy to food, prices are continuing to spiral and there doesn’t seem to be a sign of them dropping anytime soon. It’s a scary time and we all need as much help and support as possible to help us through these difficult times. So we thought this month we would share some really useful ways that you can save money on some of your everyday costs using tech. ​

​Add a Coupon or Cashback App to your Browser 
Coupons are a great way to make savings and we now have a great selection of free apps that will do the hard work for you. Some will give you the discount in the form of cashback after you submit your receipt so it’s important you get and keep your receipt. 

Cashback and coupons are great for things you needed to buy anyway but if the app is tempting you to buy something you don’t need then you really aren’t making a saving at all! 

• Sweeten your shopping with Paypal Honey. This free app can be added to Chrome, Safari and other browsers and it searches for coupons for over 3000 shops.  

• Vouchercodes is another well known coupon site and app that offers discounts and deals when you shop online. 

• For supermarket shopping Shopmium is another great free app to have to hand. It works in store or online at selected supermarkets and gives you exclusive offers and discounts that you get as cashback when you submit your receipts. 

• Top Cashback is probably one of the best known cashback apps. You can add the extension to your browser so you don’t forget when you shop online and there is also an app you can download to your smartphone. You can often get quite good returns on insurance and utilities so it’s worth a look when it’s time to renew. 

Get control of your Finances  
There are lots of budgeting apps out there all offering slightly different things. Some will link up with you bank accounts and help you keep track of your accounts, credit cards and savings while others will keep an eye on your payments and alert you when you are spending too much on different categories such as food, entertainment etc. 

• If you need help keeping no eye on where your money goes, then Emma is a great tool to keep you on the right track. The app analyses your subscriptions and keeps track of where you spend your money. The interface is simple to use so it’s great if you’re just getting the hang of budgeting. 

• Snoop is another good app that helps you track your money in one place, simply add your accounts to the app and it will show you all your transactions in one place. It also offers personalised money saving suggestions.   

• For money saving help there are a number of free apps out there. Chip monitors your spending and works out how much you could afford to save, then automatically moves the money into a savings account. Monzo is a free digital only banking app where you can set up a bank account and associated ‘Pots’ where you can set money aside i.e for bills, savings etc.  

Get the Best Prices for Fuel 
As fuel prices continue to make jaws drop it’s a great idea to be aware of the cheapest places to fill up in your area. Petrol Prices have an app you can use once you're signed up. It’s a great way to check which fuel station is offering the cheapest fuel at any given time. 
  
Smart Life 
You probably already have quite a lot of smart gadgets in your home so make sure you are making the most of them. 
 

• Hive are a great example of how we can live smarter. From heating to lighting, everything is linked and controlled in one app on your smartphone. Having smart features such as a thermostat that will switch off when a window is opened or motion sensor lights will save you money on your energy bills. Check out this Money Saving Expert guide to smart thermostats. 

• Smart meters are one way you can keep an eye on your energy usage (and take steps to reduce it if you need). They will help ensure you only get charged for the energy you’re using rather than relying on estimates. There are arguments to both sides when it comes to smart meters, especially as there are currently two generations of smart meter with the earlier version being unable to communicate with a new energy supplier if you switch.  

If you would like any help with any of the apps or tech contact Ben here or why not pop along to one of our monthly surgeries over at The Kiosk at Itter Park? 

What are your favourite money saving apps and websites? Leave us a comment and let us know.