Your smartphone can do a lot of amazing things: With the touch of a few buttons, you can create the ultimate workout playlist, talk and text with friends and family across the country (or the world), play games, take photos, and binge-watch the latest episodes of your favorite TV shows. But did you know that your smartphone can also be a powerful savings and budgeting tool?
Want to save money on gasoline or parking? There’s an app for that. There’s also an app for finding coupons and discount codes. And one for paying your bills on time. And another for finding healthy, wallet-friendly restaurant options for kids. Not sure where to start? We’ve picked a handful of popular, well-reviewed apps that might be just what you’re looking for:Best Parking. This handy price comparison app can save you hundreds of dollars per year by directing you to the most affordable daily, monthly, or yearly parking options in your neck of the woods. A must for frequent fliers and folks who live or work in cities where parking is at a premium. The BestParking app is available for iPhone and Android, and it currently provides parking information for 115 airports and 105 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
RetailMeNot. A modern alternative to clipping coupons. Download this app to get discounts, special offers, and scannable coupons from your favorite retailers delivered straight to your phone. This app also gives you the option to choose the savings you receive: You can sign up to receive alerts from selected stores or use the app’s map function to search for deals and savings while you’re on the go.
Bill tracker. Say goodbye to late fees and missed payments forever. Use the app’s calendar feature to keep track of due dates and payment amounts, ensuring that you’ll never lose track of important payments. You can even set reminders a few days before due dates, and the app allows you to add notes such as confirmation numbers and amounts paid. But the convenience doesn’t stop there. With a clear, day-to-day overview, you’ll know exactly where your money is going—whether it’s for groceries, streaming subscriptions, or those “treat yourself” moments. The app even breaks down your spending by category, helping you spot patterns and make smarter choices as the month goes on. Plus, everything works completely offline, so your financial info is always at your fingertips without any need for Wi-Fi. Set projections, receive timely reminders, and adjust your spending habits effortlessly—all in one place. Billtracker is available for iPhone and Android.
Groupon. Even folks on a budget need to get out and have fun once in a while. And Groupon can help budget-conscious users find localized deals and discounts on everything from restaurants and entertainment venues to salons, fitness studios, and retail stores. The app allows users to search, purchase, and redeem offers directly from their smartphones.
Out to Eat With Kids. Eating out can be expensive, especially for a larger family with kids in tow. Enter this (appropriately named) app, which helps direct parents to nearby restaurants offering free or discounted kids’ meals. The focus on healthful and nutritious offerings makes this an especially helpful tool for parents.
Unsplurge. It’s easier to save when you’re working toward something specific. Unsplurge is a customizable budgeting app that helps you save money, curb spending, and work toward personal goals such as paying down debt or student loans or taking your dream vacation. Unsplurge is available for iPhone only. What really sets Unsplurge apart is its hands-on, accessible approach. The app guides you step by step, making it simple to set up your savings goals and track your progress. Whether you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck or just looking to build better habits, Unsplurge gives you a clear path forward—helping you transform minus signs into plus signs and making every small victory feel achievable.
GasBuddy. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply trying to get the best possible bang for your gas-buying buck, GasBuddy is a great resource. This app allows you to search and compare gas prices so you know you’re getting the best deal. GasBuddy also offers helpful tools for things like calculating the cost of a road trip. Learn more here.
Automatically Save or Invest Your Spare Change
If you’ve ever wished that saving—or even investing—could happen while you go about your daily routine, there’s an app for that, too. These handy tools can link to your bank account or credit card, track your everyday purchases, and automatically “round up” each transaction to the nearest dollar. The difference is then set aside or invested on your behalf, meaning you’re growing your savings or portfolio with minimal effort.
Many of these apps allow you to choose your investment preferences or set specific savings goals—whether you’re building an emergency fund or dreaming of that beach vacation in Maui. Plus, the process is so seamless, you’ll barely notice the extra cents being tucked away. It’s a simple, painless way to get started with saving or investing—even if the stock market feels intimidating or you’re not in the habit of setting money aside regularly.
Want to collaborate on your budget with friends or family?
Sure thing—there’s an app for that, too. If you’re teaming up with a spouse, roommates, or even a trusted friend, you can use specialized budgeting apps that make it easy to share financial plans and track expenses together. Look for features that let you sync accounts and update your budget in real time, so everyone’s always in the loop (no more awkward “Did you pay the electric bill?” texts).
Some apps rely on the classic envelope method—think digital envelopes for groceries, rent, entertainment, and more—making it simple to visualize and separate your spending. You can invite others to join your budget, helping households or groups work together toward shared goals. Most offer cloud syncing, so you’re covered whether you’re planning next month’s expenses from the couch or double-checking your numbers on the go.
Many of these apps are free (with optional upgrades if you need extra bells and whistles), and they’re available for both iPhone and Android users.
Round-Up Investment Apps
Looking to dip your toe into investing without a lot of fuss or financial know-how? There are clever apps designed to help you invest your spare change automatically. These “round-up” investment tools link with your bank account or credit card and, every time you make a purchase, round up the total to the nearest dollar—then invest the difference for you.
It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to start building an investment portfolio, even on a tight budget. You choose a savings goal and an investment strategy that suits your comfort level; from there, the app keeps things running quietly in the background.
Features to look for:
- Automatic round-ups: Purchases are rounded up, and the spare change is invested.
- Goal setting: Many apps let you set specific financial goals or timelines.
- Portfolio options: You can often select from portfolios based on your risk tolerance—whether you’re cautious or feeling a little adventurous.
- No need for large up-front investments: You can start with pocket change, literally.
If you’ve always wanted to start investing but didn’t know quite where to start, these apps make it almost effortless. Just link your account, set your preferences, and let every coffee run or grocery haul help grow your nest egg in the background.
BUDGT: Manage Your Budget—Even Offline
Prefer to keep your budgeting data on your device and not rely on constant internet access? The BUDGT app is designed for exactly that. BUDGT works entirely offline, so you can manage your daily spending, track expenses by category, and set financial targets anywhere—no Wi-Fi required.
- Calculates your daily budget based on current spending and monthly income
- Separates spending into categories to highlight where your money goes
- Sends reminders and makes future projections to help keep you on track
- Stays private: all data remains on your device
Those who value privacy or frequently manage money on the go, especially in areas with spotty coverage, will appreciate this practical approach. BUDGT is available for iOS devices for a small one-time fee.
Apps That Reward You for Sharing Links
Ever wished you could earn a little something extra just by sharing links online? Good news—there are apps that let you do exactly that. With these programs, you can be rewarded every time someone clicks your shared link and signs up, makes a purchase, or registers for a service. It’s a bit like being your own affiliate marketer, but without the hassles of setting up a side gig or investing your own money.
These user-friendly apps typically work like this:
- Pick a product, service, or offer you like.
- Share your unique link with friends, family, or on social media.
- If someone joins, buys, or signs up through your link, you receive a reward—sometimes cash, sometimes credit or other perks.
It’s a simple way to turn your usual internet activity into a small stream of savings or bonuses, no advanced marketing degree required. So, if you’re already sharing recommendations with those in your circle, these apps can help you make those moments more rewarding.
Sometimes, managing your finances requires a straightforward approach, and that’s where many of the apps above excel: they keep things simple. With easy-to-use features, timely notifications, and clear visualizations of where your money is going, these tools can help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and make better spending decisions day-to-day.
Of course, no app takes the place of good, old-fashioned discipline and determination – but if you’re serious about saving money, changing your spending habits, or living on a budget, apps can be helpful tools. And remember, if you need additional information or advice about how to get started, the team here at American Credit Foundation is always available. Contact us today!