BRITS could save nearly £2,000 per year by using these 10 digital tools to track everything from their energy usage to petrol prices, according to research.
A survey of 2,000 adults found budgeting apps are the biggest money-savers, with 38 per cent of people who keep tabs on spending using one, saving an average of £240 a year.
Smart meter displays are also proving a hit, as 38 per cent of households that track their finances use one, helping them shave around £174 off their annual bills.
When it comes to holidays, 15 per cent have set up flight trackers – snapping up bargain getaways and saving an average of £206.
Even petrol prices are under scrutiny, with 15 per cent of budget-tracking Brits monitoring the cost before heading to the pump, saving themselves around £155 a year.
Financial advisor and author Bola Sol has teamed up with Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research. She said: “Households are getting smarter about tracking where their money goes and honestly? It’s one of the best ways to stay on top of your finances and find real savings.
“With the cost of living still affecting so many of us, people are realising that small changes really do add up.
“Whether that’s keeping an eye on energy use, spotting flight deals early or simply checking where the everyday spend is going.
“It’s no wonder that, for many people, checking your bank balance or a smart meter display has become as normal as checking the weather.
“These small daily check-ins help build better habits and a healthier relationship with money.”
The study also found 86 per cent of those who track their spending with tools and apps said it makes them feel more in control of their finances.
More than half (55 per cent) who use tracking tools to save money even said it is now more important than any other use.
Another six in 10 (59 per cent) wanted to take a more data-led approach to saving money, while 52 per cent were keen to get a better understanding of their habits.
In fact, 43 per cent began tracking because they wanted to plan better for future financial goals.
It also emerged 61 per cent have been using tracking tools more in the past 12 months.
While half of all respondents now prefer getting real-time updates about their money, just one in five, in comparison, still rely on monthly summaries.
Four in 10 of them said instant updates help them stick to a budget, while the same number like seeing exactly where their money goes at a glance.
A third (32 per cent) believe it helps them make quicker financial decisions, and 24 per cent enjoy being able to analyse their spending by category.
The survey, carried out by OnePoll, also found 44 per cent of Brits use their smart meter display to monitor their energy usage – and of these, 42 per cent check it at least once a day.
As a result, 66 per cent now believe the device has become a key part of their household budgeting strategy.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, added: “Making the most of tracking tools is a simple step for anyone looking to save money.
“Our research found that frequent and regular access to spending information, rather than a monthly statement, is important for many and smart meters give households exactly that.
“They come with a display that shows energy usage in pounds and pence and in near-real time.
“They’re installed at no extra cost and help contribute to savings on household energy bills.”
TOP MONEY- SAVING TRACKING TOOLS AND DEVICES:
- Budgeting apps – £241
- Self-created spreadsheets – £220
- Flight price trackers – £206
- Hotel price trackers – £195
- Subscription tracking apps – £189
- Utility tracking apps – £179
- Cashback platforms – £175
- Smart meters – £174
- Loyalty schemes – £166
- Petrol price trackers – £155
