Hidden Money-Saving Talents of Smartphones

Smartphones have become a necessity for most people. You can send and receive calls and texts, surf the Internet, and get amazing apps to help you in any aspect of your life, from weight loss to studying for a test. Many people use smartphones to navigate their way through daily life. The best thing about smart phones is the incredibly affordable software you can buy in the form of apps. The apps below don't cost much, but they sure do a lot for you. Some of them will even save you money by replacing otherwise expensive electronic devices.

CamCard or Business Card Reader

Keep all of your contacts organized and accessible with one of these apps. The app allows you to store information, as well as look people up on social networking sites or find addresses with Google Maps.

DroidCam Wireless Webcam

Turn your smartphone into a webcam with the DroidCam app. You can video conference while away from your home computer, or use your phone for remote video surveillance.

Car Locator

If I had a nickel for every time I forgot where I parked, I could probably hire my own chauffeur. With apps like Car Locator, you can easily navigate your way back to your car.

Where Did I Park

This app shows you exactly how far away from your car you are. It also gives you traffic information as you pull out of your spot and head onto the highway.

Evernote

This iPhone app lets you record your own voice messages for later. Remind yourself of appointments, add items to the grocery list or note other important things without picking up a pen or texting it into your phone. Access your notes later from any computer, iPhone or other connected device.

Beluga

Keep up with your friends or a group of business associates, as you all run through your day in opposite directions. Beluga lets you send and receive updates, photos and location information without any text messaging fees.

CardMunch

Snap a picture of a business card, and this free iPhone app will automatically roll the information into your contact list.

Amazon Price Check

Save money on tons of products by comparison shopping without heading to a million different stores. Find the item you want, scan it, take a picture of it or enter the product name, and the Amazon Price Check app will give you a list of competitor's prices and give you the option to purchase it from your phone.

Starbucks

Speed up your morning coffee run, even when you're not running behind. With the Starbucks app, you can pre-scan your credit or gift card and place your order, so it will be waiting for you when you arrive.

The Daily Burn

This app makes tracking your nutritional intake almost too easy. Scan the bar codes from the foods you eat, for a full nutritional report. The app keeps track of what you eat throughout the day, giving you calorie totals and more.

Heart Fitness

Check your pulse at any time with the Heart Fitness app for iPhones. Place your finger lightly on the screen when it's in camera mode. Wait about 30 seconds to receive a complete health report. Use it after a workout to monitor your heart rate over time.

iAlcohol Life

This app might save your life. Input your height, weight, and exactly how much alcohol you have consumed. The iAlcohol Life app will estimate how long you should wait before getting behind the wheel.

E-Reader

With the advent of e-readers, people stopped carting around big, bulky books. Now you don't even have to cart your e-reader. With an e-reader app, you can access your books right from your phone.

Find iPhone

Maybe you lose your smartphone as much as your keys or you worry about theft. The Find iPhone app can help you find your phone when you're in a pinch. Perhaps you'll even surprise the thief.

Trapster

Remember those old, clunky monitors people used to stick on their dashboard to alert them of oncoming police cars? The Trapster app takes this to a new level. It will alert you as you approach dangerous or busy intersections, common police patrol areas, or other speed traps.

Aim

Measure the length, width or range of an object with the Aim app for iPhones. It's easy to use; just select two points and let your phone compute the distance. You'll never have to search for a tape measure again.

Air Cam

Want to check up on the babysitter, watch your sleeping babe or keep an eye on your home when you can't be there? The Air Cam app allows you to take live video feed with you on your phone wherever you go. Just set up a webcam in the desired location, and sync it with your phone.

Jessica Bosari is a freelance writer and blogger for various publications and her own telecommute writing jobs blog. You can read more of Jessica's work here. If you have any comments or questions about SavingTools or about saving money, leave your comments in the form below or email jessica@savingtools.com. Thanks!