If you are really cool like me, you have a smartphone... or two! Not that I know what the cost is exactly, but those data charges can add up if you are a heavy user. I reached into my bag O'apps and found some that will not TELL you how to save you money or HELP you budget, these will KEEP a couple of greenbacks in your pocket. So, let's get right down to it.

Gas Buddy

For example: below, the place I normally get gas is .22 cents per gallon more expensive then a place down the street. If I get 20 gallons, I'll save $4.40 per fill up. I fill up EASILY 7 times a month, that's a $30.08 savings. Alternately, if you report gas prices you can earn yourself some free gas. This is a screenshot taken in my neighborhood. The higher price is closer to my house so I just go there, my data charges could be covered, so do I quit there? No, I have more!

Spotify

For free on your computer you can listen to an unlimited amount of music. No more need to buy mp3's for .99 or 1.29 ea. If you want to listen on your tablet or mobile device, there are 2 tiers of subscriptions http://www.spotify.com/us/mobile/overview/ I don't know about you but I was easily spending $20 on iTunes AND subscribed to Rhapsody for $15.99.

 

World Newspapers

Read news from all the top USA Papers like Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today as well as local papers, I found my rinky-dink local paper. Plus you'll see all the favorite magazines like People, The Economist, Cosmopolitan and Time. Catch up on all your news without having to shell out money for the daily paper or a monthly magazine. I will admit, I still like the Sunday paper for all the flyers...but there's apps for that too! Just keepin' it real folks!

• More than 105 countries and 6000 paper links.
• Video News
• Browse by country and categories
• RSS reader with smart search & offline reading
• Favourites(customizable), Share & History
• Bookmarks
• Search for newspapers
• Translate webpages
• Download webpages for offline viewing
• Submit a newspaper
• Personalised settings
• Read It Later integration

 

Skype

Here's what's Free...and yes, I'm talking about on mobile devices. I haven't had a land-line in YEARS so I'm not exactly sure what the going rate is but I know what it's not...FREE!

• Skype-to-Skype calls
• One-to-one video calls
• Instant messaging
• Screen sharing

I think those are the BEST of the money saving apps but everyone is different and everyone uses their phone for different reasons, so here are more, some may apply or others maybe not-so-much!

 

CamScanner

If you do a lot of scanning and/or faxing, this app will save you lots of money. You can take a photo of a whiteboard or a document, the scanner app will automatically crop and enhance the scan and turn it into a .PDF for sending.

 

Amazon Kindle – or B&N Nook

Get free books or rent books to read anywhere, anytime.Google Maps
Eliminate the need for a GPS unit.

eBay Mobile

Get the power of eBay in the palm of your hand. Easily browse, shop, sell and manage your eBay activity wherever you are.  Save money on items – most auction products are priced well below retail price! I love to see if I can get things substantially less on-line. If it's a small store I would buy it on-site if someone took the time to help me decide but if I'm in Walmart and it's cheaper on their site, or Best Buys' site then...game on! 

 

ShopKick

Simply by browsing sale items you earn points for free stuff.

 

Shopsaavy

The original barcode scanner for Android. Find the best online and local prices.  Savings could be store any where from a few cents to hundreds of dollars.

 

Thefind

Never miss a deal while shopping at the mall, or online at home.  This is the first shopping app to tie your online and offline shopping experience together.  Do your research at home on TheFind.com and access it instantly on your phone while in the store. 

 

Endomondo

Track running, cycling, and other sports on your smartphone. If you really want abuse there is a Voice Ciarch for inspiration!  Share your progresses on Facebook or Twitter.  On Endomondo.com  you can find others to help motivate you and inspire each other to go further- stronger and faster.  You can also track and monitor all kinds of performance through a log. The need for a personal trainer is no more! 

 
Groupon/Living Social

Saving money on vacations, food, activities, etc in your area. 

 

Blendr

Blendr is a social networking experience unlike any other. Using your mobile device’s location-based technology, you can connect with others nearby with similar interests, hobbies, profession and much more. Discover the world around you: make friends, and build connections and explore your surroundings. Blendr makes it easy to take that first step.  No need for expensive online dating websites or speed dating events.

 

Hulu+

For $7.99 a month, your cable viewing pleasures will be easier to access!  No more high cable bill – many old and new shows are available

Don't be shy, share your favs!
Peace out!

-CC