Why Saving Money Feels Urgent Right Now
The holidays are creeping up. Prices keep climbing. Groceries, gas, even a simple store run feels different in 2025.
I don’t know about you, but I got tired of watching money slip through my fingers. So instead of stressing, I started stacking the little ways I could save. And let me tell you—those “little ways” add up.
Today, I want to share the 10 best apps to save money in 2025 that I personally use every day. These aren’t random downloads—they’re tools I live by. And where I’ve got referral links, I dropped them in so you can catch a bonus too.
1. AARP
You don’t have to be retired to get the benefits! If you’re 35 or older, you qualify. From travel deals to discounts at restaurants, AARP has been worth it for me.
✨ Click here to join AARP now and get 3 months free.
2. Kroger Gift Card Mall
Groceries already eat up so much of the budget, so I love that Kroger Gift Mall lets me stack savings. You can buy discounted gift cards for places you already shop—Target, Starbucks, DoorDash, even travel brands—and then use those cards like cash. I treat it like a little hack: grab a discounted gift card, use it on top of sales, and watch the savings multiply.
✨ Use this link to get start maximizing your savings!
3. Lemonade
Pet parents know—insurance can feel like one more bill. But Lemonade has made it surprisingly affordable for me. I use it for Hershey, and it’s been a lifesaver for unexpected accidents and vet visits. The monthly premium is low, the claims process is super simple, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered without overspending.
✨ Protect your pet and save some dough all at the same time. Click here!
4. Upside
Gas prices? Ridiculous. As someone who was driving an EV and now has to fill up a gas tank again, I feel it every single time. That’s why Upside has become a must-have app for me.
With Upside, I get cash back every time I buy gas—and not just a couple of cents, but real money I can see stack up. It also works for groceries and restaurants, but honestly, the gas savings alone keep me loyal.
✨ Get 30-cent per gallon extra cash back on your first fill-up with my code!
5. CapitalOne
Banking that feels simple, plus tons of ways to earn and save. Capital One makes money management easy, and I love the balance of convenience + benefits. From travel perks to no-fee accounts, it keeps my finances organized and my savings goals clear.
You can explore Capital One’s official site to see which card or account fits your lifestyle best.
6. CashApp
Don’t sleep on CashApp. Beyond sending money, it’s loaded with deals and cash-back options. I use it wisely (and I never let my money just sit there).
7. Chewy
Pet parents, you know. Hershey eats well because Chewy makes it easy—and affordable. Between discounts, autoship, and even their vet service, I save money and peace of mind.
👉🏾Check out Hershey’s Chewy Storefront for deals on pet food, toys, and vet care.
8. Chime
Chime is my little hack. I use it for two things: my “self-care” account and my “travel” fund. No minimums, SpotMe for emergencies, and that referral bonus doesn’t hurt.
👉🏾 Try Chime here and earn $100 after your first direct deposit
9. Costco
Buying in bulk is cool, but Costco’s real magic is in the extras: travel, insurance, even tires. It’s not just groceries, it’s long-term savings.
✨ Referral: email me for the $30 credit link.
10. Fetch
This app is my fave. Every single receipt = points. Those points = gift cards (Visa, Target, Amazon, you name it). I use Fetch literally every day, and it’s like free money.
👉🏾 Download Fetch and use my code TKMPY9
Tips for Making It Work
- Start with 2–3 apps you’ll actually use.
- Stack savings: pay with Chime, scan your receipt in Fetch, and buy in bulk at Costco.
- Automate: let apps run in the background so you’re not stressing about it.
Closing Reflection
I’m not saying these apps will make you rich. But in a year where everything costs more, they help me keep more of what I earn—and that’s the point.
You deserve to keep more too.
💡 I dropped my referral links where I could—so you can catch the bonuses as you try them.
