21 Tech Tools to Revive Your Resolutions

It's only been a month into the new year, and yet many of us already abandoned our New Year's resolutions. Studies show less than 10 percent of resolution-makers actually meet their goals, meaning the majority will continue to overspend, eat poorly and fail to exercise.


Break out of this resolution rut by recruiting the help of tech to keep you focused. Since much of your time is spent in front of a computer or smartphone anyway, you may as well take advantage of these habits in pursuit of your goals! Here are 21 sites and apps that promise to revive your resolutions.

Spend Less

• Cash-back apps like Groupon's Snap and Checkout 51 help you save more on groceries by offering cash-back on select, rotating purchases ranging from produce to cleaning products. Walmart shoppers should use the store app's Savings Catcher tool, which compares purchases to local competitor prices and refunds the difference to a Walmart e-gift card.
• Coupon Sherpa offers printable, mobile and online coupons for everything from apparel to electronics to groceries. You can either print coupons or redeem them through the site's mobile app, plus search for coupon codes for online savings like 15-percent off orders from Kohl's.
• SnapUp tracks prices on desired products and sends you price-drop notifications; ShopGenius shows you where to find the best price for an item you're shopping for online; and the RedLaser app helps you compare in-store finds to local and online providers

Save Money

• SmartyPig helps you set and achieve specific savings goals with FDIC-insured online savings accounts. You can track your progress and even share your goals on social media so your network can help keep you accountable.
• BillGuard tracks your spending while keeping a watchful eye on your credit card activity. You'll receive notifications when questionable charges appear on your account, enabling you to get ahead of fraudulent activity.
• Digit is an automated savings tool that analyzes your checking account and identifies unnecessary spending, and then transfers it to an FDIC-insured online bank account. The popular personal finance blogger at Budgets Are Sexy offers a detailed profile.

Earn Money

• Swagbucks offers an opportunity to make money by taking online surveys, watching videos and participating in polls, all of which earn you points to redeem for gift cards.
• EBates gives you anywhere from 1 to over 20-percent cash back when you shop online. The service is free and you receive a check or PayPal deposit every quarter.
• The Wallaby app helps you maximize your credit card rewards by identifying the card that will give you the most rewards based on your preferences. The app also keeps track of changes in card benefits, reward programs and bonus opportunities.

Pay Down Debt

• Ready For Zero helps you manage debt all in one place and creates customized plans that show you the fastest way to get out of debt while minimizing interest fees.
• Debt Free is an iPhone app ($0.99) that uses the Debt Snowball Method to help users pay down their debt. In addition to organizing your debts, the app shows your progress and offers debt-payoff dates to keep users motivated.
• Credit Karma offers a free credit score review and helps you keep up with your credit rating, all while monitoring your activity and watching for errors or signs of identity theft.

Travel More

• The HotelTonight app is great for luxury-seeking travelers on a budget. The app aggregates unsold rooms at high-end hotels and offers them at cut-rate prices to users.
• Parking at the airport is a huge expense and AirportParkingReservations.com provides a current list of available parking lots and going rates helping you find more affordable long-term parking.
• AirHelp ensures you receive compensation for delayed and cancelled flights, lessening the blow to your budget and making the inconvenience more bearable.

Lose Weight / Get Fit

• FitnessBlender offers free full length fitness videos from weightlifting to cardio, many of which don't require any gym equipment so you can do these at home and for free!
• DietBet uses your money to motivate you to lose weight. You wager on your weight loss goal and if you achieve it, you split the pot of money with others who reached their goals, funded by those who didn't.

Article By Andrea Woroch


Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @AndreaWoroch for daily savings advice and tips.