Plum
This little ‘chatbot’ might just become your new best friend. If you struggle with saving, sign up to Plum for free and it will be added to your Facebook messenger. It uses technology to decide how much you can afford to save based on your spending and every few days, it will offer to take that amount from your account. This can be a few pence or a few pounds, but it all adds up. It nudges you to put aside the odd £15 when you can afford it too – and all through friendly Facebook messages. We have used if and we’re hooked.
Cost: Free
Moneybox
Imagine a tiny elf who squirrels away each bit of your change and surprises you with it afterwards… Meet Moneybox! This app rounds up purchases made with your linked debit card and puts away the difference. Over a year, you’d be amazed at how this adds up. The cash goes into your choice of investment accounts – any from stocks and shares to a general investment account – which is handy if you’d like an investment fund but don’t have the time to manage it. Available on iOS and Android.
Cost: Free for the first three months and then £1 per month.
Chip
Chip is the eager little sister of Plum. Not only will Chip send you lovely GIFs to keep your saving spirits up, but it also gives you interest. Chip will monitor spending from your bank account then suggest realistic changes you can make to save. It will then put that money into a savings account and will even offer one per cent interest.
Cost: Free
Curve
Do you struggle to see where your money is going when it’s spread across different cards and different accounts? Curve can help streamline your spending. Register all of your cards onto the app and you’ll receive a Curve Mastercard for free, which you can use to spend money from any of your accounts. Simply use the app to select the relevant one. It means all your purchases are listed in one place so you can keep track of where your cash is going. Plus, it offers cashback in certain stores.
Cost: Free
Money Dashboard
This app will help you understand your income and outgoings more than any other. It links up all your accounts, views your spending habits then creates handy charts and graphics to show you where and how you can make savings. It offers an intelligent insight into budgeting and will really help you reach your savings goals.
Cost: Free
The BRAND NEW issue of Take a Break Super Savers is out now! Visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk to buy your copy