The Frugal Teacher: Using apps to save money—Part 1

Christy Jones, The Frugal Teacher, a high school educator, is on a mission to help you save more and spend smarter, with practical tips to help stretch your dollars without stretching your sanity.

In this technological age, everyone has a smartphone—yes, even your great-aunt, who still calls email “electronic mail.” While we could debate the pros and cons of carrying a miniature supercomputer around 24/7, I’d rather focus on something more exciting: free stuff. In the next few weeks, I’ll be diving into how you can use free, easy-to-download apps to save money in all areas of your life. So, grab your phone (you already have it in your hand, let’s be honest) and get started.

Using apps to save money is easier than you’d think. There’s a tiny bit of setup—yes, making a new account for each one might feel like applying for a job—but once you’re in, it’s smooth sailing. The apps I’ll recommend all pass three important tests:

1. I’ve personally downloaded and used them (you’re welcome).
2. They actually save you money (no “exclusive offers” that mysteriously cost more).
3. They work right here in town (no need to drive across county lines for a free iced coffee).

Restaurant apps

If you haven’t dipped your digital toes into restaurant apps yet, you’re missing out on a glorious world of discounts, rewards and free food that tastes even better because it’s free. Let’s start with the reigning champion: the McDonald’s app. I have saved more money with this app than I care to admit publicly. Each visit allows me to take advantage of BOGOs, freebies and deals so good you wonder if Ronald McDonald personally approved them. You just open the app, give the four-digit code at the drive-thru and voilà—reward points start rolling in. Other apps I’ve used and trust are Subway, Zaxby’s, Popeye’s, Little Caesars, Burger King, Dunkin’ and Hardee’s. Each offers a slightly different flavor of savings (and possibly cholesterol), but they all share one goal: making your wallet a little fatter while your fast-food bag gets heavier.

Gas apps

My parents recently discovered the Circle K app and the joy on their faces when they saved 25 cents per gallon was unmatched. It was like they were told they looked 10 years younger—confused at first, then absolutely glowing. What I love about Circle K’s Inner Circle rewards is the simplicity. Just punch in your phone number at the pump and boom—discounted gas. You get 25 cents off per gallon for your first five fill-ups and after that you still save 3 cents on each gallon (which adds up if you drive anything thirstier than a scooter). Other gas stations also want in on this savings game—Wawa, Shell, Exxon and Racetrac all have rewards apps. Because, apparently, nothing says “we value your loyalty” like 3 cents off a gallon and the occasional free coffee or fountain drink.

So, there you have it—just a few taps on your phone can lead to serious savings.  Whether you’re grabbing dinner on the go or filling up the tank, these apps do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the rewards. And the best part? This is just the beginning. In Part 2, we’ll tackle grocery store apps—because saving money on gas and fast food is great, but saving on everything else you actually need—even better. Let’s make our phones earn their high dollar price tag a few cents at a time, shall we?

Visit frugalteacherlife.com for more tips.