An App that Pays

ibotta.com

So far I haven't found a lot of apps that are very useful for saving money, but ibotta is one that has worked well for me. It's pretty simple. Download it to your smartphone (or iPod Touch like me!). Browse for products that you would normally buy, or even better, items you have coupons for already. Select a product and watch a video. Answer a trivia question. Like the product on Facebook. Etc.. The more "tasks" you do, the more money you'll save. I've found all the tasks to be simple and fun.

After you shop at a store that is on their list. I shop at Target and that's one of the stores they recognize. Redeem your offers by taking a photo of your receipt. After they verify it, they will credit your account. 

Once you hit $5 in savings, you can cash out using PayPal. So far, I've earned $6. It's not a lot of money. It's like coupons – every dollar back in your pocket is a dollar you can spend somewhere else. Or better yet, save!

PROS: Simple, quick and there's products I would buy
CONS: The products can be somewhat monotonous

Experiencing Your Saved Pennies

I had an idea the other day for saving as I'm apt to do. I received a renewal notice for a magazine I enjoy. I was just about to check the "Bill Me Later" box and mail the postcard. Then I realized while I like the magazine I usually give it a quick once over and never look at it again. Is that glance worth $20? Can I get that info somewhere else? Is the print business dying? Yes. Yes. Yes (my sympathies).

52-Week Money Saving Challenge

This idea is something a co-worker brought to my attention to this morning and it's gone viral. Probably because it's such a simple and fun way to save money. The challenge is to put a manageable amount of money into savings each week. $1 for week 1, $2 for week 2...you get the point. So at end year-end you would have $1378 if you've contributed every week for a year. A perfect amount for Christmas/Holiday spending or just a nice cushion to your savings account.