Six apps that will help you live well for less

Getting the most out of life is all well and good, but having fun is expensive, right? Well actually, it doesn’t have to be. One of the many upsides of technology is that you now have access to endless apps, many of which find the best deals so that you can enjoy yourself without paying the price. You may not have heard of our top five recommendations, but once you sign up, you’ll be sure to tell all your mates. 

Karma

Every day, London accumulates huge amounts of leftover food. However, with Karma, you can buy unsold items from participating restaurants and cafés for half the price. It’s a win-win situation: the food doesn’t go to waste and you get to buy higher quality goods for less.

Bla Bla Car

Though this app has been around for yonks, the concept of a carpool is as valuable as ever. By sharing your lift with others, you can travel all over the UK at unbelievable prices, and maybe meet a friend or two on the way. It’s economical, eco-friendly and knocks Uber out of the park.

Netflix and beyond

We all know about Netflix and its competitors Amazon Prime Video and NowTV. The need for entertainment is stronger than ever and these apps make it much more cost-effective than going to the cinema. The truth is there’s an app or website for every segment of the entertainment industry.

TodayTix

The idea of theatre in the capital seems to have become inextricably bound with unaffordable pricing. But this is not always the case. Apps such as TodayTix offer daily deals for discounted seats at many of the West End’s top plays and musicals. You can enter front row lotteries for reduced premium tickets, or simply buy sale tickets at a fraction of the cost. Being cultured needn’t break the bank.

Monzo

It’s no longer necessary to faff around online every time you want to check your bank balance: Monzo offer a mobile and easily accessible account that keeps to up to date wherever you are. The app will give you notifications about your spending habits so that you can keep your wallet in check, and what’s more, you can use it abroad with no transaction fees!

Drinki

With cocktails in London coming in at an average of ten quid a pop, it’s no surprise that many people have opted for dry January. However, things could take a turn for the better this month if you sign up to Drinki, who have partnered up with bars all over the city to get you free drinks. The more people you invite, the more drinks you accumulate, so in this case, it’s worth spreading the word.

The editorial unit