One of the advantages of the digital age is that there are worthwhile financial tools available for those who need help managing their money. The latest versions of coupon apps can save shoppers a substantial amount on their monthly grocery bills. Additionally, consolidation loans, tuition insurance policies, crowdfunding platforms, sophisticated budgeting software, and prepaid funeral plans can help individuals attain a solid measure of financial security. Explore the following tools and see which ones can solidify your finances.
Coupon and Rounding Apps
The computer age has made saving money when shopping for groceries much easier. Two tools go hand in hand when you shop for bargains: coupon and price rounding apps. There’s no rule that says you need to use both, but they have a way of delivering major savings when used simultaneously. Check any of the top-rated online coupon platforms and download one or more apps. Spend time experimenting with several before deciding which one is the best match for your shopping style. Note that some are more geared toward groceries, while others are tailored for household goods.
The rounding apps are simple and free to use. As with the coupon apps, try out three or four to find a favorite. They work by rounding up all your purchases and automatically depositing the extra cents directly into the account of your choice. If you use one credit or debit card to pay for most goods throughout the month, expect to see an additional $10-$25 in the account 12 times per year. It’s not a windfall but is an effortless way to shuttle a bit of extra money into your emergency fund or regular savings account.
Tuition Insurance
If you’re paying tuition for a child in college, what would happen if your daughter or son had to leave school as the result of an accident or illness? Every year, many thousands of first year and other collegiate attendees are forced to pause their educational pursuits for a variety of unavoidable reasons. The good news is that you can secure your financial stake by purchasing a tuition insurance policy.
Those who apply for the coverage can get up to the full amount of tuition they paid before their child had to stop attending. There’s no reason to let an unexpected serious illness, injury, or other circumstance leave you on the hook for tuition, school fees, room expenses, and boarding costs. Acquiring solid protection for investments in a child’s education is a smart move for any parent.
Consolidation Loans
There are dozens of lending companies that offer one or another version of the traditional consolidation loan. The basic idea is to combine all your credit cards and other unsecured debt into a single, one payment a month arrangement that comes with a lower interest rate and more time to pay. If you’re approved for the loan, the lender pays off all the other accounts. For many consumers, the special loans are a smart way to pay less each month and get some breathing room in their budgets. But there are a few unethical players in the industry, so it pays to stick with reputable lenders and read the fine print of the agreements before signing.
Prepaid Funeral and Cremation Plans
Once the province of con artists and scammers, the death services industry today is a legit niche. While it’s possible to purchase small final expenses insurance policies to cover such costs, companies sell heavily discounted plans direct to consumers. Prices for traditional funeral plans and no-frills cremations vary, but young buyers can pay in advance for either service and save more than 50%.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms are one of the newest wrinkles in the modern digital economy. They use the power of the internet to supercharge personal and business-related fundraising projects. You don’t need to be a coder or skilled programmer to set up a page and start raising money. How do people use these tools to generate funds? First, they create a pitch page that explains how much they’re trying to raise and why. From there, they make thorough marketing efforts to make others aware of the cause. Many campaigns don’t reach their goals, but those who leverage their social media contacts and personal networks can bring in some serious cash on the top crowdfunding platforms.