TRY THESE 4 APPS TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR

Last week we spoke about managing money in college and the importance of getting the best deal possible on all your purchases.

Regardless of where you are on your financial journey, being a wise shopper is always a good idea. Fortunately, today’s technology allows you to hunt down the best possible deals almost effortlessly. Whether you are shopping online or visiting a favorite brick-and-mortar store, browser extensions and smartphone apps can help you save money on nearly anything.

Here are four you can use to find the best deal possible.

Rakuten

This app might have a funny name, but it takes saving you money very seriously. Rakuten has teamed up with more than 2,500 online and traditional retailers, including high-end brands like Kate Spade and everyday brands like Wal-Mart.

There is something for almost everyone, and Rakuten makes it simple to save. Just open the app, look over the savings at your favorite store, and shop. The vendor sends Rakuten a commission for sending them business, and Rakuten shares that money with you.

Every three months, they take the money you’ve saved and send a check or put it in your PayPal account. No forms, no fuss, just cash in your pocket!

Honey

There are two ways you can use this sweet app. First, it can be used as a browser extension on your PC. When you purchase something, Honey starts applying coupon codes to see if it can save you money.  It then takes the best deal and applies it to the purchase.

The second option is the Honey mobile app. It saves you money too, but instead of tagging along on a browser extension like on your PC, it brings the store to you. Simply open the app, find the things you want to buy, and see any coupons available.

RetailMeNot

Here’s an app just about anyone can appreciate, especially if they like getting great deals on food. RetailMeNot is similar to Rakuten in that you can shop a variety of online and traditional retailers. But this app takes it a step further by adding popular restaurants to its list of vendors.

Let’s say it’s pizza night at your house. Open the app, find your pizza place and enter the coupon code. This is a great way to save money whether you’re a hungry college student, feeding a crowd, or just don’t feel like cooking.

GroupOn

This app started in 2008, making it one of the original deal finders on the internet. It sets itself apart from the crowd by offering deals on local businesses that other apps tend to ignore.

They compound this advantage by offering discounts that tend to be deeper and more significant than many other apps. Like RetailMeNot, Groupon offers deals on restaurants and retailers.

Putting it all together

Paying full retail price on anything, whether it be a pizza or a purse, is a thing of the past with these apps.  Stretching your budget without sacrificing the name brands you love has never been easier.