Cha-ching! How parents can get some extra bang for their buck in 2017

PHOENIX — Parents always need to save money. Here are some unconventional ways that moms and dads can save money in 2017.

“Parents have their smartphones with them basically all the time,” said Alicia Markham with DealsinAZ.com.

“There are apps that maybe you haven’t heard of, apps like Ibotta,” where parents can save hundreds on what they’re already buying, she said. The app searches current prices on the item, then you get money if it finds it cheaper someplace else.

Markham recommends the Walmart Savings Catcher app and Target’s Cartwheel app, which work similarly to Ibotta.

There are also ways moms and dads can get out to eat more, Markham said.

“It’s called LocalDines,” she said. “They offer half-price certificates to some of the best local restaurants around.”