It is hard to deny, modern humans seem most happy when we have a phone in our hand - and more often than not, it’s not phone calls, we are using them for. Our favourite smartphone pastimes include browsing, texting, online shopping and keeping track of things. As far as keeping track is concerned there seems to be an app for everything, from health and wellness, shopping, recipes, subscription services and even finances! The humble app has become the go-to for those who wish to save money. There are budgeting apps for tracking your spending splurges, apps that help you find the best deals, dodge fees, and plan your expenses. Below we’ll introduce you to 5 apps that will help you save money!

5 Apps that can help you save money.

1. Pocketbook (iOS, Android)

Pocketbook is simple concept with simple functions, and the budgeting results can be highly effective. Pocketbook keeps track of everything you spend money on, and the app categorizes them to help you see where all your money is going. Whether it is groceries, travel, clothing etc. it will even sync with 80% of Australia’s banks and automatically updates every time you make a transaction, so you don’t have to do it yourself. This is a great app for anyone who gets to the end of the month and thinks “where did all my money go?”. The app itself is free – all you have to do is securely connect it to your bank account, categorise your first few transactions, and plan out your budget! You can even set spending limits and get a unified view of all your accounts and transactions in one place! You can also set up notifications about your spending and savings progress, alongside super helpful tips and tricks that can help you save money, stick to your budget and get out of debt!

2. Goodbudget Budget Planner (iOS, Android)

If you’ve tried a pen and paper budget, or even tried to get things down on an excel spreadsheet but still have difficulty keeping any budgetary commitment, then this app could be one you need. Have your budget in the palm of your hand so you can remind yourself in moments of weakness what you set out to achieve. The clever use of red and green will be a good visual reminder of where you are going right and wrong financially, whilst the graphs are simple and easy to understand. This app is based on the envelope budgeting system whereby you allocate money for the month into certain categories and only spend the designated amount. Based on user reviews, this app is pretty hands on – it doesn’t sync to your bank accounts, so you do have to type in every transaction. However, for many people this feature could be just what you need to become aware of your spending habits, once and for all! The app is free to download, however, to access ongoing features, you do need to subscribe! 

3. Splitwise (iOS, Android)

It seems that most of us have that one friend who always forgets their wallet or is absent when the bill arrives. Worry no more, the days of those mates relying on you forgetting to hit them up to be paid back are over. Splitwise neatly lists what you and other people have spent and then does the maths as to who owes who and what. It is also the perfect share-house companion, as it even covers rent and bills so even the most difficult to wrangle housemates will be kept in line - and if things get really bad you can even send out an IOU reminder email. Yikes! Another great way this app can be used, is on holidays with friends and family!

4. Groupon (iOS, Android, Windows Phone)

Deals sites don’t seem to be going away anytime soon, because they save people a lot of money whether it’s on meals, activities, shows or beauty treatments. Groupon is just one of many sites who offer drastically reduced deals, and their app means you are privy to heaps of different deals in your local area, at the tip of your fingers.

5. Fuel Map Australia (iOS, Android)

Running a car is pricey business and fuel is often the place where people spend the most money. This nifty app helps you to keep an eye on fuel prices without you having to do any driving around. Fuel Map Australia plots the nearest and cheapest fuel options for you on a map as well as up-to-date prices for all fuel types. Considering that you might only have to drive an extra kilometre to fuel up – this app could save you hundreds of dollars a year!

So these are the apps that help save money! Being appy can be financially rewarding because these innovative little pieces of software can quickly, efficiently and accurately keep track of the things you are otherwise using the old guesstimation method on!