5 Smart Phone Apps for 2014 Holiday Shopping

Every year, shoppers spend hours scouring through the deals, clipping coupons and editing their list. This year, many more will be doing this online via websites and apps. In fact, our 2014 holiday shopping survey results showed: compared to last year, there is a 70% increase in the number of shoppers that prefer using websites and apps to research latest holiday deals.

In addition to knowing what you want to buy, and where you want to go — there are still more savings opportunities available using your trusty texting device. When it’s time to go shopping, make sure you have these five key apps for saving time and money while holiday shopping. 

1. Find&Save

Yes, we’re a little biased, but with the new Cash Dash feature, the Find&Save mobile phone app easily tops the list as a must have for holiday shopping this season. Be sure to install the app for your iPhone or Android phone, as there will be special alerts all week for extra savings at major retailers.

In addition to the Find&Save Cash Dash alerts, the app also provides all sales nearby based on your current location. With more than 500 major retailers in its database, the app scours all the relevant coupons and deals to let you know where you can find the best bargain.

2. Discount Calculator

An investigation by KTVU News in San Jose, California, showed retailers were failing their accurate pricing obligations by 42 percent. The holiday season is fraught with price changes, and mistakes happen more commonly than you would think.

Stay on top of what sales you’re really taking advantage of with a simple calculating app tuned in to figuring discount prices, such as Discount Calculator. Type in an item’s original price and the percentage off, and instantly get a tally on what price should ring up as.

3. GasBuddy

It is great to see gas prices dropping, but you could be getting an even better deal to fill your tank just around the corner. The GasBuddy app helps you save in a different way while you’re out and about shopping. The app will alert you to the best prices on gas in your area, allowing you to spend more of your money on holiday gifts.

4. Waze

Speaking of saving gas, Waze helps you do that by spending less time in traffic — and saving something even more valuable: time. The app uses real-time traffic information that it gathers from its users to determine traffic conditions along all the possible routes to your destination. It then recommends routes based on that data, ensuring you get where you need to go as efficiently as possible.

Waze will even reroute you if there is an accident while you are in transit. They were recently acquired by Google and you may notice some of the features now in Google Maps, but the Waze app still has more timely information as their content is continuously updated by its users.

Have you tried any of these apps? What are your favorites for saving a pretty penny? Let us know in the comments below.