These days it appears that most people are watching their finances and counting their pennies. You can’t talk to anyone these days without someone mentioning the price of gas or the state of the economy. Whether you are a student trying to fend off loans or an adult trying to manage your credit card debt, everyone is trying to find a way to save an extra buck or two.

The trick is to not only avoid the impulse purchase, but find ways to trim down on the cost of your necessities as well. Fortunately, mobile technology is providing ways not only to make our lives easier, but save us money as well.

5 Android Apps that will help you save money :

1. GasBuddy

It always seems that gas prices are at an all-time high. Gas has perennially been the hot topic for decades now. They were the talk of the town five years ago, and they will be five years from now. However, despite the inflation of prices, most consumers still do not shop around when it comes to gas. Most drivers simply pull up to the nearest station, either out of laziness or the belief that every gas station has roughly the same prices.

However, with apps like GasBuddy, the laziness excuse is taken out of the equation. GasBuddy will pinpoint your location, find the nearest stations, and list them by price and fuel type. Making sure you always go to the cheapest place for gas will ultimately save you more in the long run.

2. Tethering with PDAnet

Tethering is a term used to describe using your Android smartphone as a wireless hub, which in turn allows your PC or laptop to connect to the Internet through the device. Many of tethering apps on the Android Marketplace unfortunately require a lot of programming knowledge to get them to function. PDAnet is a painless and easy way to set up your tethering station.

It costs $30 dollars, but is a one-time purchase compared to the monthly costs you are shelling out for your internet. Using your existing unlimited data plan will save you far more money in the long run.

3. Skype mobile

Skype has been a popular software for desktop users for years now. The program allows you to make free calls to other Skype users around the world as well as send instant messages. Having the Skype app on your Android phone will provide the same luxury, allowing you to make long distance and international calls using your data plan.

4. Barcode Scanner

Having a barcode scanner is every frugal person’s dream. It allows you to scan the barcode of any product, then takes that information and compares it to other stores in the area as well as online retailers. Being able to compare prices quickly can help you save on everyday goods without having to drive around blindly looking for the best deal.

This also helps with regard to impulse purchases. Often times if you’re in a store you may be tempted to buy something you think is an extraordinary deal, but with the barcode scanner, you may find the same item is offered for less elsewhere.

5. The Coupons App

Even the age of information and technology, old fashioned coupons still provide an abundance of savings. The difference being that these coupons are electronic and can be sent right to your Android phone. The Coupon App sorts your coupons by product or brand, and has everything from food to electronics. It can be used in conjunction with your barcode scanner to find the best deal.

Some of the apps related posts you might like are:

• Free iPhone apps 2012
• Free Android apps 2012
• iPhone Educational apps
• Video Editing apps for iPhone
• eCommerce apps for iPhone

Kate Edwards is a writer for creditreport.org.uk and covers a wide range of personal finance topics.