I really love my smartphone. I love how easy it makes my life. In the morning, I can ask a robot (ok, Siri) what the weather will be for the day. Who am I? Judy Jetson?! My phone gives me directions, keeps me connected via text messages to both my mom and my daughters, and reports the latest news, too.
Smartphones also provide a number of fantastic ways for you to save money on a regular basis. Each time I grocery shop, I use a number of apps to keep our food budget under control. I want to maximize every penny we spend. If these apps aren’t already on your phone, consider downloading them today.
Calculator
Odds are good that you access your Calculator App from time to time, but you need to turn on that app every time you hit the aisles of your favorite grocery store. Keep a running total of your items as you place them into your cart. You’ll be less likely to pick up something you don’t truly need and more likely to stay on track in your spending. Pro tip: if you’re shopping with your kids (and they’re old enough), allow them to do the work. Not only will they help you help you remain within your budget, they will also begin to pick up an understanding of the cost of items without realizing it.
Notes
Most smartphones come with a Notes App already installed. If you’re not already using it, you need to begin tracking your grocery list on this app immediately. You can create separate notes for individual stores or simply create headings for different stores in a single note. My favorite option of the Notes App is the ability to share your note with someone else and even allow them to add items to a Note. In the upper righthand corner of your note, look for the icon in the shape of a person’s head. Tap it once and select Add People. Our entire family has access to the full grocery list on a regular basis. They’re able to add items they need and pick up items in the store without asking if someone else needs something.
Store Apps
Each and every grocery store I frequent has its own individual app available for download. Each is unique, but most have coupons you can clip to save money. All provide access to the weekly ad so you can know which items are on sale. Many have additional money saving opportunities like cash back for purchases you make. Get to know your favorite store’s app. Here are some of the features I love within my local grocery and big box retailer’s apps.
Walmart: You can shop online, manage prescriptions, print photos straight from your phone, and more on this app. The most unique option is the Walmart Savings Catcher (P.S. you can use it on a computer, too). Simply scan the barcode at the bottom of your receipt and Walmart will price match the items you purchased with those that might be cheaper at other stores in your area. If you could have bought them more affordably somewhere else, Walmart issues the difference in digital gift card to you.
Meijer: Meijer also offers its shoppers plenty of functions through its app. If you shop there often, be sure you’re taking full advantage of the mPerks program (which you can use even without a smartphone). You can digitally “clip” coupons, collect rewards for the dollars you spend, and gain special discounts for having your prescriptions refilled in the pharmacy. After you’ve used the app on a routine basis, Meijer begins to alert you when the items you frequently purchase go on sale. While you use the app to select your favorite coupons, you’ll only need your phone number and the PIN you select when you set up the account to get the deals when you check out.
Target: The Target app provides two specific ways to save. You can access the Target Cartwheel from within the main app. You’ll find a number of fantastic coupons for Target’s generic lines Market Pantry and Archer Farms. You’ll also find coupons from manufacturers, too. With both the Meijer and the Target apps, you can literally scan items as you place them into your cart to check and see if there’s a corresponding coupon. It costs only a couple seconds of your time but can save you a bundle.
Sometimes, coupons stack with the great clearance deals at Target. Be sure you check your app before you check out. And don’t forget to check the additional coupons in the Wallet area of the app, too. You can find offers for home goods, apparel, seasonal items, and more. You will need to scan your barcode before checking out, though.
Kroger: Attention Kroger shoppers, you need to use your smartphone for coupons, too! From the Freebie Friday to countless other offers, you can click to “cut” the coupons you want. When you register your Kroger Plus card in the app, then those discounts apply when you scan your card (even if you accidentally leave your phone at home). You can also “clip” coupons on the Kroger website from a computer at home.
ALDI: Seasoned shoppers know ALDI doesn’t offer coupons. However, the ALDI app quickly displays all of the special promotions and weekly ad deals. You can easily access store hours too if you’re like me and can never remember when they are. And if the Notes app isn’t for you, you can track your grocery list in the ALDI app, too.
Cash Back Apps
Last but certainly not least, there are a handful of apps that will give you cashback on your grocery purchases no matter where you shop. You simply upload a photo of your receipt to the app and you’ll be rewarded based on the purchases you make. If you’re interested in one of these apps, I’d recommend checking out ibotta, Checkout 51, Shopkick (we both get 250 kicks when you sign up & walk into a store in 7 days), or Receipt Hog.
With any money saving strategy, it’s more important to consistently use one or two methods than to try to do them all. Downloading each and every single app and attempting to use them all will burn you out quickly. Instead, try to introduce one of the above apps into your grocery shopping this week. Once you’ve mastered that app, add another to your repertoire. Continue to play with different apps and stores until you find a rhythm that makes sense for your life.
If you’re low tech and don’t own a smartphone, don’t worry! You can still save at your favorite store using traditional coupons and smart grocery shopping strategies. Stick to your paper made list, set a cash budget to use while you’re in store, and keep to a time limit so you don’t wander the store for hours on end.
Make technology work for you to save more money at the grocery store this week. Together, we can wait for the Jetsons’ Rosie the Robot maid to begin cleaning our houses and fixing dinner, too.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage releases September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
