69% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. And, while we understand that everybody has obligations and that we all experience unexpected emergencies, it’s important to learn how to save money in order to prepare for the unforeseen events.
While you could ask for extra hours at work or even start a side hustle, there are actually easier ways to save money, even if you’re on a tight budget. From downloading the right budget app to robo-investing and even digital coupon apps, the phrase rings true...there’s an app for that!
Check out our 8 favorite apps that will help you take control of your finances and save money easily.
How to Save Money with Apps
1. Acorns
Want to make extra money instead of simply save more of what you’re already earning? Check out Acorns. You’ll need to create an account and then set up Automatic Roundup. Then, when you spend, they’ll round your purchase up to the nearest dollar and invest that spare change into a diversified portfolio controlled by a robo-investor. It’s by far one of the easiest ways to earn extra money that will go straight into your savings.
2. Digit
While Digit does cost $2.99 a month to use, it’s one of the best ways to save money via an app. The app’s smart algorithm will calculate how much you can earn each day and automatically transfer it to your savings. The creators of the app market it as a “smart assistant,” and that’s truly what it feels like. You’re able to set goals, such as saving for your next vacation or paying off credit card debt. Digit then analyzes your finances and finds unique ways for you to save more than you currently are.
3. Mint
In terms of personal finance and budgeting apps, Mint is one of the best tools in 2020. While most people view it as a credit score app, it’s so much more than that. It syncs with your accounts to deliver comprehensive snapshots of your real-time budget and spending. Where this finance app shines is that it automatically updates and categorizes transactions. From balances to bills and credit scores, Mint brings everything together in one place and provides users with a pretty easy-to-use interface that makes navigating your spending easy.
4. Rakuten
There are tons of coupon and cashback apps out there, but few offer the savings that Rakuten offer. If you’re on a tight budget and need to learn how to save money, just download Rakuten. Unlike other similar apps, there are no points, forms, and fees. You can earn up to 40% back at over 2,500 different stores, making the app one of the most far-reaching in terms of savings opportunities.
5. Groupon
The deals you’ll find on Groupon are possible due to the fact that the platform works with retailers to create group coupons for you and other savers. While the app is most popular for discounts and deals on experiences such as entertainment and dining, you can also find a variety of products they offer at steeply discounted prices, sometimes up to 70% off. If you’re on a tight budget but need something local like a haircut or need to plan a birthday dinner, this is your best bet for massive savings.
6. Joy
The slogan for this financial app is “find joy,” and that’s quite fitting. The app “uses psychology and financial behavior to help change the way you think about, spend, and save money.” In fact, the co-founder has a doctorate degree and previously penned the book Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending. The app has two main functions. First, you can rate each transaction which is designed to help you understand whether certain purchases make you feel good or bad so you can alter that behavior. You’re also able to save a certain amount of money that Joy’s algorithm has deemed that you’re able to save to a Joy Savings account. The best feature? Chatting with Gem.
7. Stash
Similar to Acorns, Stash is a fun app that allows you to invest in a way that’s low-risk yet fun. All you’ll need to start is $5. With those $5, the smart robo-investors behind the app will invest in over 150 ETFs and individual stocks, making sure to diversify your portfolio to further diminish the risks traditionally involved with investing. The Smart-Stash feature is a must as it will allow the app to analyze your income and spending habits to determine the highest amount you’re safely able to invest on your budget.
Extra: Save Cash with the Cheese Debit Card
Saving money via apps isn’t the only way to earn fast, easy cash. You can also sign up for a debit card that will help you make the most of your money. That’s what we care about here at Earn Cheese and it’s why we’ve worked so hard to optimize the kinds of rewards we offer our clients.
By signing up for our Cheese Debit Card, you’re able to access and unlock savings in the form of cashback and savings bonus. When you tack that onto the fact that the card comes with no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and great interest rates, it’s just as lucrative as any savings app you’ll find online.
❌ No Monthly Fee 🧀️ $5 cash bonus
❌ No ATM Fee 🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase/transaction
❌ No Overdraft Fee 🧀️ Potential Double Cheese Cashback
❌ No Insufficient Fund Fee 🧀️ Up to 3% Saving Bonus
❌ No Minimum Balance Requirement 🧀️ Early Paychck
Ready to get started? Sign up today to join us and begin getting more out of your hard-earned cheese (er, cash).
