A recent survey by Deloitte found that $0.56 of every dollar spent in a store is influenced by a digital interaction. This growing trend is shaping how consumers shop and make decisions both in-store and beforehand. There are hundreds of grocery apps available that offer help with a wide range of shopping-related services and functions. Grocery apps can help save time and money through lists and meal planning, comparison shopping, coupons, store loyalty, and rebates. 

To increase consumer knowledge of the types of apps available and how to use them, the Adair County Extension Office hosted Saving Savvy with Apps for Coupons and Grocery Lists financial workshop(s) for the Lake Cumberland Area Homemakers. Educational emphasis was placed on: 

• Identifying common functions of grocery shopping list apps and coupon apps.
• Identifying factors to research and consider before using an app.
• Understanding how grocery shopping apps and coupon apps may save time and money.

47 consumers participated in the workshop(s). Participants were surveyed following the class and 90 percent indicated they were able to identify at least two common functions of grocery shopping list apps and coupon apps; 85 percent felt confident in their ability to identify at least two factors to research and consider before using an app; and 90 percent better understood how grocery shopping apps and coupon apps may save time and money. Of those who participated, 72% indicated they plan to use the information they learned when selecting a grocery shopping list app and/or coupon app and 93% plan to research apps before selecting one to download and utilize.

Additionally, following the workshops several participants gave their testimonial of how much money they saved following attending the class. One person said they saved $5 on a car washing, another exclaimed they saved $.05 per gallon at the pump. On top of the educational value, many participants marveled at their monetary savings.