5 Apps Guaranteed to Save you Money around the Holidays

I’m going to say something that might surprise you, something that some of my closest friends were even shocked to find out. Ready for this?   I’m…. not a Black Friday Shopper. I know. Here’s the deal you guys, I love people and I also happen to (most of the time) love the ‘art’ of shopping. And Black Friday, it really doesn’t allow me to do either. 

 

People irritate me on Black Friday. The worst of humanity rises to the surface.

 

We’re still digesting our Turkey and Thankfulness while secretly wanting to sucker punch the lady in front of us at Target who just grabbed the last NutriBullet. It’s not our finest moment as a culture and not really my favorite way to ring in the Christmas Season.

 

“Here you go mom, I just bought you a Kuering and I only had to step on 3 small children to do it. Merry Christmas.”

 

 

Shopping should be fun. Getting a chance to bless our people with a gift should bring us joy, not loathing or anxiety or just feel like something we have to “knock out” so we can finally ‘enjoy’ the season.

 

 

But just because I prefer sleeping at 3am on Black Friday doesn’t mean I don’t love a good deal! You know me too well for that right? I’m the girl who makes FREE side tables and tries to use coupons for everything. 😉

 

 

In an effort to save us all around the Holidays, I’m bringing you 5 Apps that will save you money on just about EVERYTHING. So, grab your smart phone and get ready to download.

 

 

First up, RetailMeNot.

 

This is one of those apps you literally can’t afford NOT to have. RetailMeNot is pre-loaded with current in-store AND online coupons. Every place from Pier One to Express to Home Depot is on RetailMeNot and it couldn’t be easier! Just search your store of choice, select “in-store offers” (or “online offers” if you prefer shopping in your PJ’s or on your lunch break) and see what’s available.

 

 

Once you select your offer, just show your phone to the cashier and revel in how savvy you are.

 

Next up, Cartwheel. Do you shop at Target? Oh wait, I’m sorry, is that the DUMBEST QUESTION EVER? Maybe it’s better to ask HOW OFTEN do you shop at Target 😉

Well, if you don’t yet have the Cartwheel app, don’t do another Target run without it.

Whether you need face lotion, cheese or an area rug, there is probably a coupon on Cartwheel. It’s the perfect solution for saving on stocking stuffers or even the latest toy for the “littles” in your life.

 

P.S the app has 50% off deals on a different toy each day now through Christmas Eve. You’re welcome 😉

 

You just click on the categories, select your coupon and it gets automatically loaded to your phone. It even has a scanner to scan the barcodes of everything already in your cart.

 

 

At checkout, let the cashier scan the bar code on your phone and YOU just saved money on stuff you needed (and of course some you didn’t because it’s Target) without having to cut any coupons. #Win

 

No. 3 on the list is everyone’s favorite money saving site in app form: Groupon.

That’s right, now you can buy 14 pairs of fleece-lined leggings, unlimited oil changes, and organic mascara made from the exotic poop of

baby Ecuadorian monkeys, all from your mobile. Bliss.

 

 

Seriously though, think about all the fun you could have giving Groupon gifts this year! I mean, who wouldn’t love a mani-pedi or a season pass to a museum? And HOW FUN would it be to get a group of friends together and gift each other a month of CrossFit classes? It’s the gift that keeps on giving and you’re the genius behind it all. Way to go you.

 

 

If you follow NoSmallLIfe then app no.4 is of no surprise to you. The ShopStyle App.

 

This app will save you not only money but LOTS o’ time. Here’s how:

 

 

Let’s say someone on your list is requesting an orange purse in their life. Instead of spending hours schlepping around the mall or “Googling,” say hello to Shopstyle. Simply click through-Women-bags

 

-hmmmmm-feeling a Satchel maybe?-orange-pick your price and…

 

BAM you now have a narrowed selection to choose from. It’s the perfect place to find a Plaid Blanket Scarf in case you’re still drooling over the one from this post. And bonus: If you “favorite” something, it’ll send you alerts when it goes on sale. IE, these Fergie boots just popped up on my phone this morning. (#IWearASize8) 😀

 

 

 

A tall neutral boot for around 50 bucks? Can’t beat it.

 

 

Ok, you ready for one last one? It might surprise you. The Kroger app.

If you live in a part of the country that doesn’t have a Kroger grocery store, feel free to be jealous and skip to the bottom of the post 😉 BUT for those of you in my neck of the woods, this one will save you oodles of money on of all your holiday cooking and entertaining.

 

 

Once you download the app, enter your Kroger savings card information and then just click “categories” to begin loading your phone with all the coupons. You are about to save so much money on your grocery bill! AND, every bit of savings gets you “fuel points” at Kroger & Shell gas stations.

 

 

So now you’re saving money when you get groceries AND when you spend 4 hours in the car on Christmas Eve hightailing it to Great Aunt Sue’s house. Just scan your card at the register and also, if you’re getting gift cards, get them here! You get crazy fuel points.

 

 

There you have it! 5 apps to save you money and a little sanity around the holidays. Your No Small Life should be free to celebrate the season in more ways than just standing in line for 7 hours.

If you have some favorite coupon/money saving apps, I’d love to hear them!

 

Until next time,

Meg