5 Creative Ways To Use Your Smartphone To Save You Money
Thanks to the smartphone, the quaint habit of coupon clipping may soon go the way of the dodo bird
. Besides the convenience of having the world or at least the World Wide Web at your fingertips, smartphones save you cash by providing easy access to coupons, price comparison apps and specials available only to smartphone owners.
According to a July 2011 survey by the Pew Internet and American Life project, 35 percent of Americans own smartphones. That number is likely only to increase over time.
Smartphone Savings Ideas
1. Groupon - You've likely used Groupons discount coupons. Next time you redeem a certificate, use your smartphone and save paper, toner and time. Access your Groupon and shop as normal. The restaurant or store can scan your code just as if it were a paper coupon.
2. Amazon - Amazon angered many brick and mortar retailers recently with the announcement of its new price check app. Use the app while you shop at brick-and-mortar stores to compare prices with Amazon. If you purchase the item from Amazon, the online retailer will even pay you for your efforts.
3. Quick Response Codes - QR codes became popular in Japan years ago and are finally catching on in America. Its a square graphics that look like a barcode has been mixed inside a blender. If you notice a QR code, scan it. You may receive special savings. Be sure to download the QR scanning app first.
4. SlickDeals.net - Slick deals is a user-generated savings website. Why scour the Internet looking for discounts when other people can do it for you? Visit SlickDeals to set up text alerts to notify you of certain sales or price drops.
5. Google Wallet - You're out with friends, looking for a restaurant. You see a hip looking place but the menu is a bit pricey. Suddenly you get a text. It's from the restaurant and they have a two-for-one deal. Bazinga! Google Wallet turns that scenario into a reality.