It is easy to waste money with thoughtless spending.

A tighter budget coupled with smarter saving could save you hundreds, perhaps even thousands, a year.

The New Daily has compiled a list of helpful apps to pinch your pennies.

And the best thing is they are all free, so you can save money on downloads as well.

TrackMySPEND

Cut back on: spending.

This ASIC MoneySmart app helps you keep track of your weekly spending (including those hard to record expenses like coffees, lunches and any other cash expenses). It can also help you calculate the costs for special events like weddings or celebrations, which can quickly blow out.

You can nominate a spending limit, split ‘wants’ from ‘needs’ to identify opportunities to save, trawl back through your history of expenses, and set up text message reminders for certain expenses.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

Energy Rating

Save on: energy bills.

The Energy Rating App can help you find out the running costs of your household appliances.

Available for: iPhone, Android, and Blackberry (and a web app for Windows phone users).

Lasoo

Save on: online shopping.

If time is money, Lasoo can help you save it. This app makes online shopping smarter and quicker by allowing you to search and compare prices across hundreds of catalogues, products and brands.

Available for: iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

XE Currency

Save on: currency exchange.

Be sure you don’t get over-charged when changing money by comparing international rates.

Available for: iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

GetPrice

Save on: online shopping.

This Australian-based price comparison app helps you find the best possible price on whatever you are shopping for. It also has product reviews and a nearby store finder.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

MasterCard ATM Hunter

Save on: bank fees.

This app from MasterCard will help you find your bank’s ATM using your phone’s GPS, so you can save on withdrawal fees.

Available for: iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

Onavo

Save on: data and roaming costs.

Onavo offers two apps. Extend runs continuously in the background to reduce the amount of data you use, while Count keeps you updated on how much you actually use.

Onavo Count available for: iPhone and Android.
Onavo Extend available for: iPhone and Android.

Pocketbook

Save on: excess spending (and spot fraud).

This powerful budgeting tool syncs with your Australian bank account to track your spending, notify you when a bill is late, and keep track of the fees charged to your account.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

JobSearch

Save on: the cost of unemployment.

What better way to save money than to earn it. It will also pay to keep an eye out for jobs in your sector that may give you a much appreciated pay rise.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

Groupon

Save on: shopping.

Get deals and redeem vouchers for a variety of products and services worldwide – just make sure they are purchases you need.

Available for: iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

Viber

Save on: calls and texts.

Message and call other Viber users for free. Just watch out for the extra data.

Available for: iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry.

Menulog

Save on: takeaway food.

This app saves you time on choosing a takeout restaurant and lets you know delivery costs upfront. Meals are also often cheaper through the app.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

My Mortgage Kit

Save on: cost of buying a home.

If you’re looking to buy a property, this app can help you calculate how much you can borrow, stamp duty costs, home loan repayments and your savings, as well as to plan your budget.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

RedLaser

Save on: shopping.

A free and easy-to-use barcode scanning app that allows you to search for a better price online. Why pay extra for designer clothes or organic food in store when its available cheaper in store.

Available for: iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

Love Food Hate Waste

Save on: food waste.

Plan your meals and make the most of left-overs and recipe while you shop. This app keep tracks of what you’ve got at home and reminds you of use-by-dates.

Available for: iPhone and Android.

Coles and Woolworths apps

Save on: groceries.

Save time and petrol money, and take advantage of special deals, by shopping online with a grocery app.

The Woolworths app even lets you check and compare local fuel prices to make sure you get the best deal.

Coles app available for: iPhone and Android.
Woolworths app available for: iPhone and Android.

Did we miss any? What are your favourite money saving app? Let us know in the comments below.