App’d to Save You Some Coin

Chris Arneson

You know that device you
 use for texting, selfies, and 
Grindr? There are other good 
uses for it, too. Clear out some
 space for these money-saving and moneymaking apps so you can actually afford to eat on your dates!

Shopkick

I’ve been using this app for years, so I’ve gotten to see it evolve. You get “kicks” for walking into stores like Target, Best Buy, American Eagle … basically, you can make a killing if you just wander around a mall. You can also scan barcodes on items to get even more kicks. These kicks add up pretty quickly if you just remember to open the app. I’ve made a few hundred dollars in gift cards over the years, mostly at Target and Best Buy. For example, 6000 kicks gets you $25, and it happens quicker than you’d think. Downside? It drains your battery pretty fast, and if your connection isn’t good, it gets frustrating.

SurveyMini

I initially wasn’t too excited about this one, but I like the idea. Using some magical senses, it knows where you’ve been, and you get a notification to take a mini survey about your visit. These take less than a minute, and at the end you’re either given points or a coupon. Some of these are really rad, like a free appetizer at Rock Bottom or $1 off your next Jamba Juice purchase. I haven’t even been using the app for very long, and I just hit 35,000 points. I’m holding out for 48,000 so I can get a $50 HomeGoods gift card.

eRewards

Another survey app, this one has less exciting rewards, but it’s worth having in your arsenal if you spend a lot of time waiting with your phone. Mostly you can redeem points for things like airline and hotel rewards, but I use mine for magazine subscriptions and Express gift cards.

RetailMeNot

If you coupon as hard as I do, you’re well aware of the website. The awesome part about the app is you can pull it open when you’re standing in line and see if you’re missing any deals. The only time I really use it is at Bath & Body Works, but that alone is worth it. Why yes, I will take a free $12 item with my $10 purchase, thank you!

King Soopers/Safeway

Grocery store apps have idiot-proofed the coupon game. It’s so simple to scroll through the available savings or search for a specific item. Once you add the coupon, it’s tied to your club card, so you don’t even have to worry about it at the register. Best part — most coupons are automatically reusable until they expire.

GasBuddy

Ever fill up your tank, then see a huge price drop just down the road? GasBuddy searches your surroundings for the best gas prices, updated often by other users. Sure, you’re maybe saving just a few cents, but it adds up. You also get points for updating a station’s prices. Use those points to enter the daily drawing for a $100 prepaid gas card. There’s also a coupon section where you can save on snacks.

ParkBud

This app has saved my life. If you use parking meters, especially where they’re ruthlessly monitored downtown, you know the struggle of knowing just when you’re about to expire. Once your meter’s running, set the time on the app. It’ll remind you when you should either move or throw a few more quarters in. You can also take a picture of your spot and drop a pin where your car is — it’ll give you walking directions back to your ride.

BestParking

If you’re spending some time in the city, it’s nearly impossible to figure out how much parking costs or even where some garages are. With BestParking, you can map out your destination and save some major dough by comparing surrounding garages. You’re also able to let it know when you plan to arrive and depart so it can calculate just how much you’ll be dropping.

BillGuard

I used to use Mint. It was okay, but I wasn’t really utilizing its full potential. BillGuard helps me monitor my spending a bit more simply. When you make a purchase on a credit/debit card (or really anything dealing with your bank account), it notifies you of your activity and you swipe to approve it. Not only are you keeping your spending in check but you can also keep a close eye if anyone else is using your account.

Goldstar

Much like LivingSocial and Groupon, Goldstar offers deals on local events like theatre and comedy shows. Sometimes the price is comped and you just pay a small fee. Great for finding a cheap date night or checking out what’s happening in the area.