We could all use a little more cash in pocket, amiright?   Money saving efforts throughout the year yield more cash for gifts in December. Mind you, I’ve never had the sheer determination and willpower to become a paper and scissors couponer, but technology has freed us all from that grind. When I hear good things about new  money saving apps,  I like to give them a try.

These money saving apps made the grade in my book, and are still loaded on my iphone. I don’t remember to use them every time I shop, but they do get a workout around holidays when the grocery bill gets bigger and the shopping lists are longer.

Full disclosure, some of these are referral links that will put a little change in my purse, so I can buy some more books, or plan a new adventure. There’s never too many books or adventures are there?

This money saving app began as a website click through rebate portal, but now has multiple means for saving with most purchases. Not only can you access through the cash back button on your desktop browser, you can now use the mobile app, credit card, or in-store cash back option. Something for everyone here, with cash back ranging from 1% to 10% or more. iOS and Android friendly. Total saved to date is 170.00. JOIN HEREThis app based site offers cash back and a payout through  PayPal, Venmo or gift card once your balance hits $20. More than 274 stores support Ibotta by accepting an uploaded photo of your receipt.  Mobile in-app purchases from multiple stores, such as Groupon or iTunes also earn rebates. One additional option to earn is linking a loyalty card to bump up savings and eliminate the need to submit a receipt. I’ve saved over 730.00 with this one, so it’s a keeper. JOIN HERE

Checkout 51 is another mobile app worth downloading for the convenience of not clipping coupons. Deals are updated each week and include brand name basics.  Review the list, claim your items, upload a photo of your receipt and watch your account grow. As with the others, this app pays out once you reach the 20.00 threshold. Payment is sent in the form of a check. Download from Apple iTunes or Google Play. Total savings to date with this app is right at 100.00. JOIN HERE

Shopkick  generates gift cards through regular use, whether scanning products while shopping, or uploading receipts to cash in on purchases. Activate kicks by opening  the app  when you enter particular stores, and once in the store, by scanning featured items. Earn additional kicks or points by purchasing highlighted items and uploading the receipt. Linked credit cards also generate extra points, as does mobile shopping through sites such as Boxed or Amazon. This site pays out in gift card increments of $2, $5, $10 or $25. iOS or Android friendly. Total gift card earnings are well over 100.00. JOIN HERE

GasBuddy is a bit different that the the apps above, with no points earned, cash back or rebates. This app tracks the lowest price gas in town and shows you where the best deals are. This app is handy when traveling, in case you need to know how close your next station. Experience has proven it to be invaluable during hurricane season here in Florida, since gas gets scarce when the big winds blow. iOS and Android friendly. No savings number calculated, but very useful in certain situations or everyday penny watching. MORE INFO HERE

Money saved is one more book on the shelf or trip I can take, so I budget and set goals. These five apps or sites help me achieve those goals with  a straightforward painless approach. Got a favorite money saving app I didn’t mention? Be sure to share in the comments so we can all save more cash!