Feeling the Pinch? Here are the Best Money-Saving Apps to Help You Out!
With the cost of living rising, we’re all looking for ways to stretch our pounds a little further. Luckily, there are some brilliant money-saving apps out there to help ease the burden. Whether it’s grabbing discounted food from local restaurants or automating your savings using AI, there’s an app for every budget-savvy person. Here’s our round-up of some of the best:
Too Good To Go
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Too Good To Go is an absolute gem for foodies and budget hunters alike. The app allows you to rescue food from local restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste. You can pick up mystery boxes filled with meals for as little as £2! Imagine walking away with £30 worth of food from Morrisons for just £3. Big names like Costa Coffee, Greggs, and Caffè Nero are in on the action, so you’re bound to find something tasty near you.
Our Rating: 4/5
Great savings, but the best deals can go fast – so get in quick before someone else snags them!
Chip
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Chip helps you save without even thinking about it! Connect it to your bank account, and the app analyses your spending habits, setting aside small amounts you won’t even notice. Before you know it, you’ve built a savings cushion, all without lifting a finger. You can manually top it up or pause deposits whenever you need to.
Our Rating: 4/5
A brilliant way to stash away some savings, but it’s up to you to resist dipping into the account!
Nova Money
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Nova Money is your new financial advisor. Using AI, it tracks your spending, forecasts upcoming bills, and shows you how your purchases will impact your long-term financial goals. It’s like having a money-conscious friend in your pocket, reminding you to stay on budget with real-time feedback. It’s smart, efficient, and helps you reach those big financial milestones.
Our Rating: 5/5
Perfect for those who want to track their spending without the hassle of spreadsheets – Nova’s AI tech is a game-changer.
Shpock
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Shpock is a second-hand marketplace where you can buy and sell used items. From vintage clothes to garden tools, you’ll find everything you need here. Shpock stands out from other platforms with its payment guarantees and secure delivery options, so you can buy with confidence.
Our Rating: 3/5
A great way to make a bit of extra cash, but be wary of scammers – as with any online marketplace.
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
YNAB is a comprehensive budgeting app that helps you manage your finances in one place. You can sync your bank accounts, track spending, and even use a loan calculator to see how much time and money you can save with extra payments. It’s perfect for visualising where your money is going and adjusting your habits accordingly.
Our Rating: 4/5
An excellent tool for keeping a close eye on your finances, YNAB helps make budgeting easy and efficient.
Google Rewards
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Google Rewards offers quick surveys that reward you with Play Store credit. The surveys are short and sweet, and while you won’t make loads of cash, you can accumulate enough to rent a film or buy an app guilt-free. The more surveys you complete, the more credits you build up.
Our Rating: 4/5
A simple and easy way to earn credit – just don’t expect to get rich off of it!
Storewards
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Storewards lets you earn gift cards just by scanning your grocery receipts. It even turns the process into a fun game, with daily coin bonuses and level-ups to unlock new rewards. The more receipts you scan, the more you can earn!
Our Rating: 3/5
It’s fun when it works, but glitches and restrictions can sometimes get in the way.
Hotukdeals
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
Hotukdeals is the go-to app for finding the best deals, vouchers, and freebies. Users post deals as soon as they spot them, and with brands like Amazon, Dominos, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, there’s always a bargain to be had. If you’re savvy enough to act quickly, you can save big on everyday purchases.
Our Rating: 4/5
A must-have for deal-hunters, but keep in mind that not all offers will be available in every area.
TopCashback
Cost: Free
Available on: iOS and Android
How You Save Money:
TopCashback gives you money back on purchases you make with big-name retailers like Tesco, Amazon, and Primark. The app shows you trending deals, and once your cashback is confirmed, you can withdraw it as cash or gift cards. You can even refer friends for a bonus!
Our Rating: 4/5
A great way to earn money back on your usual shopping, but be prepared to wait for the cash to come through.
Quick Tips to Save Even More Money:
- Switch up your grocery shop: Check out cheaper stores like Lidl or Aldi to save on your weekly food bill.
- Pay off debt quickly: Reduce the amount of interest piling up by focusing on clearing debt as soon as possible.
- Cut down on smoking and drinking: It’s tough, but quitting these habits can lead to massive savings and improve your health too.
- Check your council tax band: You could be in the wrong one and save up to £200 a year by switching!
If you’re looking to save a little more, try out these apps and see how much extra you can tuck away. And if you’re in need of a new phone, check out The Big Phone Store for budget-friendly refurbished phones, or sell us your old device for some extra cash!
