kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and KilleenNavigate the marketplace: apps to save you time and money
It's estimated that half of all Americans could own a smart phone by the end of this year.
That means more than 150 million of us will have access to the vast - and overwhelming - database of apps.
The app marketplace can be intimidating, so we compiled information on highly rated applications that are proven to save you time and money:
Filling up right now is tough.
When the needle points toward empty, that's when Kim Green and her daughter Madison Harris whip out their cell phones.
"What I do is I hand the phone to Madison and say 'here look for gas,'" Kim said.
Confused? That probably means you don't use 'Gas Buddy' or another smart phone gas app.
All you do is enter your zip code, then voila!
The app will show prices at gas stations in the area and when they were last updated. But this is one app of many.
We asked TSTC Telecommunications Chair Donna Wishon, along with our Facebook fans, to help us compile the must-have apps for you.
*After you pay for gas, find out how much it set you back with Mint. Mint compiles information from your credit cards and bank account, and even categorizes your expenses.
*If you need to save up use Mobiqpons. This app categorizes coupons for stores around you - or anywhere - and allows you to save them or share them with friends.
*Here's a big help for tax season: Expensify. Take a picture of your receipt, and it stores it on your online account. You can even add notes and organize them.
*Cardstar compiles all your store club cards so you never have to worry about leaving them at home and missing out on points with your purchase.
*For when you need groceries check out Grocery Guru. It'll organize your shopping lists, let you customize and write notes and check off items as you pick them up.
*And to battle the dreaded buyer's remorse from finding the same item cheaper somewhere else, try the Barcode Scanner. You can scan the code right in the store, and view a list of prices on the item in different stores. There are many variations on this app, including viewer favorite RedLaser.
A warning: using apps with your private financial information does mean you need to be extra careful.
"I would make sure that it's password protected," said Donna.
Just in case your phone is lost or stolen your finances are still safe. Because apps are here to save you time and money, not jeopardize you or your information.
Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Thuan Ngyuen
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