Saving with 6abc: Smartphone apps help you save on food

Food prices are going up. But if you have a smartphone, you have a powerful money-saving device right in your hand. You don't need to clip and organize coupons. You just need to know which apps can save you money in which stores.

Ibotta is an app that you need to use before you shop. You unlock savings by taking a few seconds to learn about products. You watch a video or answer a question, then if you buy the product, you get cash back. After you shop, you scan your receipt to show you bought the items, and the savings go into your account.

With Checkout 51, you don't need to do anything before you shop. Just scan your receipt after your trip and if you've bought any of the qualifying items for that week, you get money in your account. Plus, If you spend more than $60, you can enter to win $500 in their weekly drawing.

If you do your food shopping at Target, you'll want to download their Cartwheel app. You select offers you want and can combine those with manufacturer's coupons to maximize your savings.

And Walmart has just introduced its Savings Catcher app, which you also use after you shop. Scan your receipt, and it'll give you a eGift card for the price difference, if it finds your items cheaper elsewhere.

Finally, there's Saving Star. Each week you can click on items you're likely to buy. It's linked to your frequent shopper card, and once you buy any of those items, money goes into your account. Once your account balance reaches five dollars, you can redeem your savings in the form of a check, a paypal deposit or an amazon.com gift card.

These apps all work on both android and apple devices