Recommendations, Tech, Thrifty Finds, Tips & Tricks, Top Feature

Apps To Help You Budget, Stay Fit, Play and Shop Smart in 2015 #IntelTablets

apps for 2015 banner

2015 is finally upon us and for some that means setting new goals, budgeting our lives, telling ourselves we will learn (or try) something new, and maybe even deciding it’s time to get in shape. With an abundance of technology available at our disposal, it can be a challenge and slightly overwhelming when you set out to find apps to help you stay motivated, or apps to get your life on track.  No one wants to waste their time combing through hundreds of apps that all claim to do the exact same thing just to find the perfect one to fit their lives. So, I’ve put together a list of apps I discovered and used in 2014 that I think were beneficial in helping me stay fun, focused, and on target all year long.

 

 

 

 

 

acer tablet and xmas tree2
 

 

 

For The Photo Takers…

 

Creating the best selfie or family photo can be tricky. Not all smartphones and tablets are created alike and it can take a ton of trial and error just to get one perfect picture. Thankfully, there are apps to help you create wonderful works of art every single time you press the button.

 

 

 

No Crop for Instagram

no crop for IG logo

 

Description on Google Play Store:

With this photo editing app-“No Crop”, you can post full sized photos on Instagram without cropping!

No Crop-The most useful free app for Instagram.

Features:
– Post full sized photos on Instagram
– Rotate, flip and resize photos
– Add templates and the make your own collage function.
– Can choose 200+ free background patterns
– Select album photos as your background
– 30 fliters to make your photos more beautiful
– Add text with different fonts and resize text
– 400+ free stickers to personalize your photo
– Share to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or anywhere else

 

 

 

 

Studio Design

Studio Design app logo

 

Description on Google Play Store:

Create & share amazing designs with your friends. Studio makes it easy to let your creativity run wild with these great features:

‘Remix’ any design from any designer!
Over 500 free shapes, crops and fonts
Powerful photo filters and controls
Scale, position & color any design element
Easy export to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Search the Studio community for inspiration
Connect with friends and see their designs

 

me and tai made with studio design

This photo was edited in Studio Design. I Love all the borders, colors, crops, and shapes you can use!

 

 

 

 

 

Flipagram

Flipagram logo

 

Description on Google Play Store:

Flipagram is the easiest way to share all the great stories trapped on your phone! Create fun short videos with your photos and favorite music. Share privately or with followers in the Flipagram community and beyond.

Flipagram in 3 easy steps:
1. Select – photos from your photo gallery, albums, Facebook or Instagram.
2. Create – add your favorite music, set timing, cool filters, and text to tell your story.
3. Share – on Flipagram or to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Couponing, Budgeting, Rewards Apps…

 

As someone who is still learning the whole couponing process, apps have essentially saved my life. If I’ve forgotten what’s on sale, what store the product is at and where it’s the cheapest, or what coupons I have available, apps have helped me sort it all out. Check out some of my favorites from 2014…

 

 

 

Walmart

Walmart app logo

Don’t knock the Walmart app until you try it. If you shop at Walmart, then this app is essential. With the new Savings Catcher you can add your receipt and if it finds a lower price somewhere else, you get the difference back in a gift card to be redeemed in store. How awesome is that!?! I’ve saved so much money since I downloaded it 3 months ago.

 

Description on Google Play Store:

Looking to grab great values on the go? The Walmart app helps you find and buy quality products at unbeatable prices whether you’re shopping at home, in our stores or anywhere in between.

–Introducing Savings Catcher, a new way to catch savings– 
1) Scan your store receipt using the Walmart app.
2) Savings Catcher compares the prices of eligible items on your receipt against the advertised deals offered by top competitors in your area.
3) If a lower advertised price is found, we’ll give you back the difference on a Walmart Rewards eGift Card.
* Now get 2X the Reward Dollars from Savings Catcher by redeeming to your Bluebird Account, a checking and debit alternative brought to you by Walmart and American Express.

–Savings Made Easy–
* Shop for hundreds of thousands of items beyond what’s in our stores.
* Get free shipping when you choose our store pickup option. Simply pick up your items at any Walmart store. 
* Enjoy free, easy returns. Ship your item back to us or stop by any Walmart store for a quick, in-person return.
* Shop Rollbacks and Value of the Day to save a bundle.

–Shop Smarter–
* Check product prices, ratings/reviews, store inventory and more. 
* Scan barcodes and QR codes for additional shopping information. 
* Find store hours and directions.
* Browse your Walmart store’s Weekly Ad.

 

 

 

 

GasBuddy – Find Cheap Gas

GasBuddy - Find Cheap Gas

My dad and I both use GasBuddy regularly. Cheap gas is so hard to find.

 

 

Description on Google Play Store:

FEATURES:
– Find cheapest gas near you
– Find cheapest gas by city/zip/postal code
– Report gas prices to help other people find cheap gas
– Chance of winning $100 of gas every day!
– Earn points for reporting gas prices
– Earn awards for posting gas prices
– Save money every time you fill up at the cheapest stations

 

 

 

 

Flipp – Flyers & Weekly Ads

Flipp app

 

I’ve always been an advocate for FLIPP! I think the app is wonderful and always comes in handy when you need to know right away if something is on sale. Having sale papers available right at your fingertips is perfect for anyone who is constantly on-the-go.

 

 

Description on Google Play Store:

Say goodbye to carrying around a stack of paper flyers! With Flipp, you can easily search for the items you need, quickly create a handy shopping list and price match in a flash at the checkout. On your way home from work, just search for ‘chicken’ to easily plan dinner. Now, all of your weekly ads are in one place, you have access to many more deals including special preview flyers so that you can get a head start on planning your shopping trip.

 

 

 

 

Target Cartwheel

target cartwheel

Target Cartwheel is awesome! Cartwheel coupons can be combined with manufactures coupons. Talk about double the savings! It’s a MUST HAVE for any Target fanatic who wants to save money!

 

Description from Website:

Target Cartwheel, a whole new spin on coupons. Find & share the best deals in all your favorite categories: grocery, baby, apparel, health & beauty & more.

 

 

 

 

 

For Those Who Want to Start a

New Health Routine or Stay Fit…

 

 There is no time like today to take your health and fitness seriously. Check out these apps that will have you staying on target in the new year!

 

 

 

Fooducate Healthy Weight Loss

Fooducate Healthy Weight Loss app logo

Description from Google Play Store:

Lose weight, track your progress, and eat REAL food. The ONLY APP that looks beyond the calorie and helps you eat healthy and tasty. Scan a product barcode to see what’s really in your food. Fooducate will also show you healthier alternatives! 

 

 

 

 

My Diet Coach – Weight Loss

My Diet Coach - Weight Loss app logo

Description from Google Play Store:

My Diet Coach will motivate you, help keep you on track, resist food cravings, emotional eating, exercise laziness and other obstacles by motivational arguments, guidelines, tracking challenges, getting virtual rewards for your achievements, helpful reminders and notifications with your goal and your motivational photos .

 

 

 

 

 

For Fun and Just Because…

 

With all the New Year Resolutions sometimes it’s good to just relax, unwind, and not think about all you have to get done. Here are some of my favorite guilty pleasure apps that keep me relaxed during my downtime.

 

 

 

The Simpsons™: Tapped Out

The Simpsons™ Tapped Out app logo

Hands down, Tapped Out is probably my favorite game in the app store. If you love The Simpsons and leveling up/town creation games, then this app is for you. It’s fun, missions unlock new buildings and characters, and you get to spend time making your own Springfield. I have it synced on my cell phone, iPad and Intel Tablets so I can play on any device at any time. Awesome right?

 

Description from Google Play Store:
THIS GAME IS LIFE-RUININGLY FUN! Homer accidently caused a meltdown that wiped out Springfield. D’OH! Now, it’s up to you to rebuild it! From the writers of The Simpsons, tap into a city building game that lets you create your own living, breathing Springfield… for FREE.

 

 

me playing simpsons tapped out game

I am totally addicted to Tapped Out on my #IntelTablet!

 

 

 

 

Spotify Music

Spotify Music app logo

Description from Google Play Store:

With Spotify, you have access to a world of music. You can listen to artists and albums, or create your own playlist of your favorite songs. Want to discover new music? Choose a ready-made playlist that suits your mood or get personalized recommendations.

 

 

 

Circle of 6

Circle of 6 app logo

 

This app is a MUST HAVE if you are single and dating, have teenagers with cell phones, or just in general in case you ever need help out of a bad situation. I highly recommend it.

 

Description from Google Play Store:

Circle of 6 lets you choose six trusted friends to add to your circle. If you get into an uncomfortable or risky situation, use Circle of 6 to automatically send your circle a pre-programmed SMS alert message, with your exact location. It’s quick. It’s discreet. Two taps on your iPhone/Phone is all it takes.

Here’s how it works:
• You’re out late and you lose track of your friends. Use Circle of 6 to send your circle a “come and get me” message- with a map using GPS to show your precise location.
• You’re on a date that starts to get uncomfortable. You need a polite way to excuse yourself. Use Circle of 6 to alert your circle to call you and interrupt the situation.
• You’re seeing someone new, but you have some doubts about how things are going. Use Circle of 6 to access a wealth of online information about healthy relationships.
• In critical situations, use Circle of 6 to call two pre-programmed national hotlines or a local emergency number of your choice.

 

 

 

 

 

Have an app recommendation or need a recommendation? Let’s discuss it in the comments!

tablet in tree 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include the Intel Corporation providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.