HOUSTON – With prices continuing to rise across the U.S., many Houston residents are looking for ways to make their money go farther.
Several free apps and spending strategies can help locals save money on gas, groceries, and dining out.
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Here are some tools Houstonians can use right now to keep more money in their pockets.
Finding the cheapest gas in Houston
One of the easiest ways to save money is to check gas prices before filling up and plan ahead. Apps like GasBuddy allow drivers to compare prices at different gas stations to help them find the lowest option.
Another app is Upside, which offers cash-back deals on gas purchases. Users claim an offer in the app before filling up and then can either upload their receipt or pay with a linked card to receive money back.
Unlike other reward programs, the money earned through upside can be redeemed through bank transfer as well as gift cards and Paypal. Drivers can save even more by combining these apps with credit cards that offer a percentage of cash back on fuel purchases.
Grocery savings
Along with traditional grocery store specific coupons and deals, people can download rebate apps like Ibotta, which allows shoppers to activate deals on certain products before heading to stores like HEB, Kroger, or Walmart.
After shopping, users upload their receipts to earn cash back. The cash back can be cashed out for gift cards or bank transfers.
Another option is the Fetch Rewards app. With Fetch, shoppers simply scan their grocery receipts after making a purchase and earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to retailers and restaurants. Even if shoppers don’t buy specific promoted items, they can still earn a small number of points for each receipt they scan.
Saving on dining out
Houston has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country, but as we all know, dining out can add up quickly. Apps like InKind allow users to pay for meals through the app and receive 20% back that can be used on future meals at participating restaurants.
Another app called Too Good To Go connects users with local restaurants and bakeries that have surplus food they sell at a discounted price rather than throwing away. Good for your wallet and good for the environment. Some grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market, also participate.
Stack savings for bigger impact
Experts say one of the best ways to maximize savings is by “stacking” rewards.
That means using multiple tools at the same time. For example, a driver could find the lowest gas price using GasBuddy, claim a cash-back offer through Upside, and pay with a credit card that offers cash back on fuel purchases.
The same strategy can also work for groceries and dining by combining rebate apps, store deals, and rewards credit cards.
Small savings can add up
While no single app will eliminate rising costs, using several tools together can help households chip away at everyday expenses.
For many Houstonians dealing with higher prices, spending a few extra minutes comparing prices or scanning receipts could mean saving money throughout the year on purchases they were already planning to make.