Time-Saving (FREE) Apps & Websites You Need to Try!
- T.
- Feb 24
- 4 min read
Hey there, lovelies! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for simple tools that can make life a little easier & get you some savings (I looove a good bargain, discount, 2 for 1 deal etc.) so today, I’m sharing my top apps & websites that help me stay on top of my game...let's dive straight in:
Contents
1 - ShopBack / CashRewards Apps
Who doesn't like the idea of free money?!
Imagine getting paid to shop! I know, I know, I was very sceptical when I first heard this too. Friends of mine started talking to me about cashback apps/websites at a backyard party one day saying how great they are & how they have banked all this extra money just for shopping online via the cashback app/website for things they needed & were going to buy anyway.
I couldn't stop thinking about it all the next day, so I caved into curiosity, downloaded an app they mentioned & gave it a try...& the next time I saw these friends I greeted them with the words "FREE MONEY" (yes out aloud like a complete weirdo) & they knew exactly what I was talking about! 😂
Here's what you need to know:
Search a cashback app or website (my favourites are ShopBack & CashRewards)
Look through the pages of website links to popular places you'd shop at; think Amazon, Booking.com, Adidas, Target, Bonds, City Beach, Sephora...etc.
Click on the store you want to shop at & it will tell you what the cashback rate is for that website at that point in time (this changes daily/hourly depending on current sales) which is why I have registered for both ShopBack & CashRewards so I can find out who has the best deal at the time I am wanting to shop.
ShopBack, is the first cashback app/website I recommend to people as it has:
Gift Cards you can purchase using your cashback money TIP: some stores even let you purchase gift cards from the app, then go to the website through that cashback app & get an ADDITIONAL cashback by purchasing something (& paying using that gift card).
Challenges you can activate to get bonus cashbacks
2 - Flybuys App
A free rewards program that allows you to earn points every time you shop at participating stores (Coles, Kmart, Target & Bunnings etc.).
You can download the app to:
Use/scan your digital card at each place
Check your points balance
Activate offers to get you extra points (I check it at least once a week)
Redeem your points for discounts on your next grocery shop or pay for holidays, gift cards or products in their Rewards Store.
To date I have used my points to:
Get money off my flights (converting my points to virgin frequent flyer points)
Get money off weekly shops (on those weeks when you are tighter on cash).
3 - Booking.com Website & App
Booking.com has been one of my top apps for booking hotels for a few years.
I still look at the hotel's actual website & other hotel comparison websites to make sure I'm getting a good deal but majority of the time it is (& you can get cashback on Booking.com - they usually have 10% cashback around once a month).
They have a loyalty program which has 'genius levels' you can get to once you have stayed at a select number of hotels which can give you perks like:
10% / 15% / 20% discounts on certain participating hotel stays (depending on your genius level)
Free breakfasts & room upgrades
10% off car rentals
So far, I've saved over $200 on hotel stays by using my Booking.com genius perks & by using this in combination with cashback apps I've saved an additional $640!
I'm honestly excited whenever I get to talk to someone about this, I love a bargain!
4 - Microsoft To Do App
This app is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to keep track of jobs, lists & tasks in a simple way. I use it for a grocery list, work tasks & planning smaller projects.
Smaller Projects Example:
I used it to keep a mini plan for my UK trip - it was easily accessible & simple to find the info I needed
I had a list of suitcase & carry-on items so I wouldn't forget to pack things
I had a task for each place we were visiting & would name the tasks by date/s "24/2 - 26/2 LONDON"
In that task I could add steps like "24/2 - See London Eye @10am" + "25/2 - Visit Buckingham Palace @2pm"
I also added addresses and uploaded the PDF versions of tickets to those places I was visiting (keeping all info in one easy place to reference)
All I needed was access to WIFI & I had everything I needed! 😄
It's like my second brain, I note down my thoughts as they come into my head (on the mobile app), quickly add in due dates if they're applicable (i.e. a payment deadline), then I come back to my laptop weekly (to the online version that is synced) to assess & re-organise.
My favourite features are:
Reminders with the option for reoccurrence (to remind you of things daily, weekly, monthly etc.)
Cross-Device Syncing: Syncs across all your devices (mobile, laptop, tablet etc.), so you can access & update them wherever you are.
Being able to upload documents (PDF, photos etc.) to the tasks as a quick reference.
See this previous post for more detail on what it can help you with (all for free!): Boosting Productivity with Microsoft To Do app
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these free time-saving apps & websites in your routine, you can enjoy a more organised, stress-free (well stress-reduced) life while saving yourself money along the way. Plan ahead, stay within your budget, keep track of your tasks, maintain your routines, and nurture a positive mindset.
As always, thank you so much for supporting my blog, make sure you checkout the related posts & Instagram for more ideas on staying Simply Productive 💜
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Have You Tried Any of These Apps/Websites?
ShopBack / CashRewards
Flybuys
Booking.com
Microsoft To Do
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