Let’s be honest, saving money isn’t always simple, especially when prices keep rising on everyday essentials. From filling your gas tank to shopping for groceries, it can feel like your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. The good news is that there are easy ways to change that.
With a few smart apps and resources, you can cut costs without sacrificing convenience or comfort. We’re going to show you five practical ways to save money, from finding cheaper gas and comparing prices to earning cash back and using free community resources. These small steps can make a big difference in how much you save each month.
1) Use a price comparison app: Flipp
Why buy something at one store if it’s on sale for cheaper at another? The problem is that checking prices across multiple stores is a time-consuming task. But there’s a solution in price comparison apps like Flipp. This app can save you considerable time and effort by showing you the deals being offered at stores as well as reviews from customers who have shopped there before.
You can find savings on essentials like groceries, furniture, and more with the thousands of weekly ads. Flipp highlights savings from over 2,000 stores, including big chains and franchises, to local stores. Plus, you can add any loyalty points and rewards that you have at a store to the app so that you can quickly access them at checkout.
Credit: Flipp
2) Shop and get cash back: ibotta
ibotta is an app that you use to easily cash back on items you’re already purchasing at your go-to stores, including grocery stores, food delivery, movie and concert tickets, and more. Some of the most popular retailers you can find deals with through ibotta are CVS, Walgreens, Target, Lowe’s, Petco, Domino’s Pizza, REI, and over 1500 brands and retailers. The best part is that it’s super easy to use; just download the Ibotta app for shopping in person or take pictures of your paper receipts after the fact. Or, use the browser extension to get you money back while you’re shopping online, and set up alerts for when prices drop on certain products.
Click this link and use referral code mpiaurm to earn $5 when you submit your first receipt.
Credit: Ibotta
3) Use a VPN
I’ve spoken numerous times before about how important it is to have a VPN. When you don’t have a VPN, your device’s IP address can be tracked and shared with retailers and data collectors, which can make prices higher or lower depending on where it tracks your location.
When you have a VPN, you will be able to choose your IP address and then see if you can get lower prices for the same products depending on the location you put in. In addition to getting access to blocked or censored e-commerce sites while you’re traveling, a VPN can simply get better deals on things such as hotels and flights for your vacations and even subscribe to services that are not available in your country for a great price. It’s not a guarantee that the price will be lower; however, it is worth it to double-check.
ExpressVPN is the go-to choice for those who prioritize ultra-fast speeds, reliability, and top-tier security. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN delivers blazing-fast performance for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. It supports P2P file sharing, offers best-in-class encryption, and maintains a strict no-logs policy—with all servers running on RAM for enhanced privacy. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and setup takes under 2 minutes. Plus, with 24/7 live customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is a premium choice for security-focused users who want speed without compromise.
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Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices & Budget-Friendly Security
If you're looking for a more affordable VPN without sacrificing security, Surfshark is an excellent choice. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy and offers top-notch encryption to keep your data safe. However, Surfshark stands out by allowing unlimited devices on a single account - making it perfect for families, small businesses, or users with multiple gadgets. If you're looking for a more affordable VPN without sacrificing security, Surfshark is an excellent choice. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy and offers top-notch encryption to keep your data safe. It now runs on upgraded 100 Gbps servers, delivering faster speeds, smoother streaming, and greater reliability even during peak hours. The upgrade also makes Surfshark more future-proof with improved stability, scalability, and load balancing for growing bandwidth demands.
Surfshark stands out by allowing unlimited devices on a single account—making it perfect for families, small businesses, or users with multiple gadgets. It also includes features like MultiHop (double VPN) and Camouflage Mode to bypass VPN restrictions in censored regions. With a budget-friendly price and feature-rich security, Surfshark is ideal for those who want privacy on a budget.
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4) Earn points, redeem for cash with Fetch
Fetch is another excellent money-saving app. You can shop anywhere from grocery stores to restaurants to gas stations and use the receipt scanner to snap receipts and earn points. You’ll then be able to redeem those points for rewards, donations, and more.
You’ll earn at least 25 points on every receipt you snap, and online purchases with eReceipts count as well. Over 500 popular brands are accepted with this app, so you can use it for many tons of different avenues of rewards.
Copy code to insert into referral code box on Fetch page: GXK9YH
5) Use your library card
Local libraries can be great money-saving resources. If you’re someone who likes to read physical books, you can pick them all up at the library, including digital books, for free. Libraries also offer tons of free programs that would likely cost money if they were held elsewhere, as well as discounts in your local area. It costs you absolutely nothing to get a library card in most cases, and having one could actually save you lots of money in the long run.
Credit: New York Public Library
Related Links:
- 7 best ways to save money on your electricity bill
- How to cut streaming service costs and save money
- How to save big on your grocery bill using these smart hacks
Kurt’s key takeaways
Whether it’s earning cash back on everyday purchases, comparing prices before you buy, or taking advantage of free local services, each strategy helps you keep more of your hard-earned money. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the benefits in your budget.
Do you use any of these apps or money-saving tips? Do you have other easy-to-use money-saving tips? Let us know in the comments below.
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