Yahoo Finance 10 Free Money-Saving Apps to Download Right Now
Looking for the closest ATM? There's an app for that. Need a cheap gas station? There's an app for that, too. There's even an app for finding last-minute deals on five-star hotels at up to 70 percent off.
With a glut of mobile apps on the market, saving money while on the go has never been easier--and, perhaps, never more confusing. With so many to choose from, how do you know which ones to use? We've sifted through the clutter and identified the 10 best money-saving apps, both new and old. The best part? They're all free.
Expensify
Easily track your spending with Expensify, an app that allows you to sync your credit cards and bank accounts so you can follow all of your purchases. Everything you input will be filtered into a user-friendly expense report online. You can also take a picture of receipts to file them into the electronic record. This app is particularly useful during tax season.
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry
Chase Mobile
If you're a Chase customer, this app lets you deposit a check with ease: Simply snap a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone's camera. You can also pay bills and credit cards, transfer money between Chase accounts, and receive notifications for account balances all from your phone.
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry
ATM Hunter
This app, operated by Mastercard, pinpoints your location and finds nearby ATMs. If you want to avoid paying fees, you can program the app to find ATMs for your specific bank, or filter the results to ones that have certain features, such as drive-through access, 24-hour service, or wheelchair accessibility. It also provides driving directions to the ATM.
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry
Gas Buddy
With the price of gas per gallon hovering around $3.87 (as of September 17), finding the cheapest gas station is crucial. Here's how the app works: Gas Buddy has more than 22 million drivers who report the price of gas when they fill up at the pump. The app then uses the data and your location to tell you what gas stations are nearby, along with the price per gallon and directions on how to get there.
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry
Mint.com
Since 2005, Mint.com has been helping consumers track their budgets online across all of their financial accounts--and its mobile app is no different. Simply add your accounts--checking, savings, credit cards, investments, and retirement--and the app automatically logs your transactions, and provides detailed reports on where you're spending and where you can save.
Available on: iPhone, Android
Pageonce Money & Bills
Similar to Mint's app, this budgeting tool compiles all of your financial information into one place, but it also lets you include things like cell phone bills, rewards card points, and frequent-flyer miles. You can then use the app to pay your bills directly from your phone. With reminders on when each bill is due, you'll never have to miss another payment again.
Available on: iPhone, Android, Blackberry
Grocery IQ
Operated by Coupons.com, one of the oldest and largest couponing websites, this app makes grocery shopping easy and cost-efficient. To assemble your grocery list, scan the barcodes of the products you want at home and the app will generate the list, categorizing the items by food group. It also shows if there are any coupons available. If your spouse is the one doing the shopping, you can email him or her the list so they don't forget anything.
Available on: iPhone, Android
iTrade Stock Market Simulator
Interested in playing the stock market but don't feel ready to put out the dough? This app lets you manage a $100,000 virtual stock portfolio, enabling you to buy and sell stocks using real-time quotes. It also accounts for estimated brokerage fees. The simulator compiles up-to-date stock news, so you can make an informed decision on your trading.
Available on: iPhone
Redlaser
This app isn't new, but it's one that every shopper should have in their back pocket. Redlaser transforms your iPhone's camera into a barcode scanner. Simply scan the items and the app provides detailed product descriptions and reviews, but more importantly it tells you where you can find the best price, either online or at a brick-and-mortar store nearby. It also notifies you of any available coupons.
Available on: iPhone, Android
Hotel Tonight
If you've waited until the last minute to book a hotel, you don't have to pay through the roof for a luxury one. Hotel Tonight offers significant same-day discounts (up to 70 percent off) on upscale hotels in major cities across the country. Rates are posted after noon on the day of check-in. A recent search in New York City showed a one-night stay at the trendy Algonquin Hotel in midtown for $319, which would normally cost $499.
Available on: iPhone, Android
Start saving by downloading these free money apps today.
Twitter: @danielbortz
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