Appiest Households - Top tips to make most of apps revealed

New research has shown that most Brits rely on seven apps on their phones to manage their life admin and they’ve become such a part of our daily lives that six in 10 (62%) Brits admit that they struggle to stick to their daily routines without them

Finance expert Steph McGovern has shared her top tips to help you make the most out of smartphone apps to save money, time, and energy.

The presenter, financial journalist and consumer champion reveals that apps have transformed phones into “indispensable tools” that not only help us manage our lives and keep on top of finances, but also have the power to allow us to save each month, if we know how.

New research from Smart Energy GB has shown that most Brits rely on seven apps on their phones to manage their life admin and they’ve become such a part of our daily lives that six in 10 (62%) Brits admit that they struggle to stick to their daily routines without them.

The study, which polled 2000 adults, reveals that nearly seven in 10 people (68 per cent) are using apps to manage their personal finances while others plan their schedules (35 per cent), and one in four (25 per cent) use them to keep on top of their health and fitness.

Many also use their apps to control what’s going on at home. One in three people use them to set timers (36 per cent), while six in 10 (69 per cent) use apps to monitor their energy usage via their smart meter.

What’s more, those who have a smart meter and monitor their energy usage through apps are often able to receive notifications about energy reward schemes that enable them to reap rewards, such as savings and money back. A huge nine in 10 (97%) of these people say they use their energy providers app notifications to plan ahead and make savings.

Households that have a smart meter believe they have saved an average of £140 per year by using it to help with energy management.

“Apps have turned mobile phones into pocket personal assistants which have become indispensable tools for managing our lives. They really help keep you on top of life admin, especially finances, when it comes to energy usage and bills,” Steph said.

“Remember to keep an eye out for the energy reward schemes that may be available to you, if you do have a smart meter installed.”

Victoria Bacon at Smart Energy GB said: “We tend to feel a lot more in control when we have easy access to and visibility of our bills, accounts and memberships. This is definitely the case when it comes to energy usage.”

“Many people with a smart meter use their energy provider’s app to manage their account meaning they can check their usage and account balance remotely at any time, so the benefits of smart meters already go beyond the in-home display. Having a smart meter also enables you to access schemes or tariffs that reward you for being more flexible in the way you use energy.”

Steph’s top app tips to save:

• Spreadsheet your life: It sounds boring, but the more you know about what’s going in and out, the more control you have. There are loads of apps to make it easy for you. They will categorise your spending in a simple way so you can see where you might be wasting money.
• Monitor your energy use: Use your smart meter data to help stay on top of your household energy spend by regularly checking your usage and bills on your provider’s app. It will help you avoid unexpected spikes with your bills.
• Keep yourself notified: If you have a smart meter, energy app notifications will keep you updated on any offers or schemes that could help reduce your bills.
• Smart home heating: Lots of UK households now have a smart thermostat. This gives you remote control of your home’s heating so you can choose when to switch it on. Like on your way home from work, or when one of the energy reward schemes is running.
• Track unused subscriptions: Don’t pay for stuff you don’t use. There are apps that will monitor your subscriptions and monthly payments then cancel the ones you’re not using.
• Make your money pay: Cash back, air miles and loyalty points are all things you could be collecting every time you pay for something. Find apps with rewards that suit you.

To find out more about getting a smart meter installed, search ‘get a smart meter’ or visit https://www.smartenergygb.org/. For more information on the energy reward schemes available, customers should visit their energy provider’s website and download their apps.