Lets face it. Every so often we all need a night out. Whether it's to celebrate
an important any occasion, relieve the stress of a workday, fulfill the promises of going to [insert name here]'s birthday party in which we kick ourselves for RSVPing in the first place or meet our weekend warrior quota, the bill could cost you a pretty penny. Alas, I present to you the only list you need guaranteed to save you money on your night out. Reap the rewards of these websites and smart phone apps and you may not have to starve yourself until your next paycheck.
Online voucher websites have been making a big splash around the internet with flash deals on many bars and restaurants (plus discounts on retail, services, classes and events for a low-budget date). When finding a deal of your interest, remember to read the fine print. Some deals have restrictions such as "food only", a set gratuity, or are only redeemable on certain days. I compiled a list of websites I check regularly for the best deals.
Smartphone Apps with money-saving deals come in handy when you are already out and looking for a deal on the go. You can pull up an existing online voucher purchase for easy access and use or even get a free reward or discount for a check-in. Most of these apps come with a searchable database where all the closest deals to your location are pinpointed for you to choose which makes saving money both easy and convenient. Still not convinced at how much you could save? Read RyanWritesDaily's mini blog series
"How to Survive in NYC on $20 a Week" to see it in action!
Groupon Mobile App: Now, all your online vouchers you've previously bought are available and redeemable right on your phone. Save ink, paper, and of course, money! Another added feature for convenience is the Groupon Now deals. Find a list of deals for food, shopping, and services that you can redeem at this very moment. Great for that last-minute mani/pedi before a date or a quick bite with friends.
Scout Mob App: Very similar to the Groupon Mobile App except the deals you find on this app are totally FREE. Save up to 50% on your restaurant bill, haircuts, and many other services that you can find based on your location on the go.
The Level Up App: Consider this the new way to pay when you're out. Link a credit or debit card to your account, and you'll receive a personalized bar code that can be scanned at participating restaurants and businesses. The more you use the Level Up app for purchases, the more credits you'll receive redeemable for future purchases. Think of it as a payment and rewards system where you'll have nothing to lose. This app is currently available in many major cities throughout the US.
Savored App: Save and multi-task with this app. The savored app allows you to make free restaurant reservations right on your mobile device plus based on the your reservation time, you'll save up to 40% on your total bill. Yes, ladies and gents, this includes drinks!
Yelp for Mobile: Besides reaping the rewards of accessing the Yelp site on the go for deals and reviews, you also can utilize the added feature of check-in offers. Instead of purchasing a deal, you receive a deal just for easily checking in through the Yelp for Mobile app. Depending where you check in, the offer can be anything between a discount on your bill or even a free drink/shot/app/dessert.
Happy Hour Finder App: Ahh, happy hour. Possibly, the only reason why we go to that 9-5 job. Once 5pm hits, you know that brain of yours immediately shuts down. So, use this handy app for finding a list of specials around your area to get that very well needed drink with co-workers or friends. Use this app anytime and any day to find specials close by because hey, Jimmy Buffet taught us that it's always 5 o' clock somewhere!
ShopKick App: No need to add another mini key chain rewards card to the bulky collection you have. The ShopKick App is the only shopping rewards program you'll need that will give you even better rewards. You get points (called "kicks" in the ShopKick App) for purchases you make at participating stores and even for just walking in. Redeem your points for many rewards like a gift cards, gas cards, movie tickets and more.
Now that you have been informed, prepare to live like kings and queens! Got any more techie savings tips? Feel free to post in the comments section.
