What to Know About Using Shopping Apps on Your Phone

Shopping apps sure are handy when you’re at the mall and can quickly access sales on cool clothes or household goods you just spotted in the window. They are set up to be useful and make it super easy to shop, which is why roughly three quarters of consumers say they use these types of apps.

But there are downsides to such conveniences, too. Some apps are designed to increase the amount you spend – and for lots of shoppers, the last thing they need is to buy more stuff they can’t really afford. Want to shop more safely and wisely while maintaining the ease of app use? Following our tips below will automatically put you on a better path.

Track Your Purchase History on Apps

Keeping a watchful eye on your app spending helps ensure your budget aligns with the costs of products you might buy – especially when apps indicate nonessential purchases. Knowing what percentage they make up of your overall expenses makes it easier to balance bills, groceries, and gas prices. Losing track of what you’ve spent can quickly lead to budget overruns.

Tip: Regularly review your in-app purchase history so you can make adjustments when necessary.

Turn Off Push Notifications

Constant sale alerts can make it harder to stick to a budget when you’re managing rent, utilities, groceries, and all your other necessities on a tight income. Those alerts can tempt impulse buying rather than save you dough. At the very least, they are a distraction that not everyone needs.

Tip: Disable non-essential notifications to reduce temptations and unhealthy distractions!

Use Strong Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Weak passwords make accounts vulnerable to hacking. With identity theft a growing concern – in small towns as well as cities like Chicago – protecting one’s accounts helps ensure a person’s limited income isn’t stolen or misused.

Tip: Use unique, complex passwords, change them when you’re advised to, and enable 2FA for an extra layer of security.

Avoid Saving Payment Info

For those in our CCEA communities watching every dollar, the ease of one-click purchases can quickly lead to accidental overspending and even misuse if their account is compromised. Why make impulse purchases easier and increase the risks if your account is breached?

Tip: Enter payment info manually each time to avoid unhelpful temptations and prevent the unauthorized use of your cards or accounts.

Beware of Fake Apps

Scammers are targeting users with fake shopping apps that can steal data or money, especially in lower-income communities. Losing even a couple hundred bucks this way can be a serious financial setback for a wage earner living paycheck to paycheck.

Tip: Only download apps from official places like Google Play or Apple App Store, and check reviews and developer information before using a new one.

Monitor App Permissions

Protecting your data can prevent unscrupulous entities from gaining access to your personal information or using it to manipulate your spending habits.

Tip: Limit permissions to only what’s needed, and don’t allow location access unless it is required.

Avoid Shopping When Bored or Emotional

We’ve said it before: When we are not paying attention, emotional spending can quietly erode savings that could be used for essentials like heating, food, or transit. This is why idle browsing often leads to unplanned spending. (Read our blog on spending addiction for advice on how to address the problem.)

Tip: Shop with a list or specific purpose, and avoid opening shopping apps to pass the time.

Log Out When Not Using the App

If your phone is lost or stolen when you’re out in public, staying logged in could lead to unauthorized purchases you can’t afford to cover. Log out after each use, and take other steps to reduce the risk of theft in case your phone ends up in the wrong hands.

Tip: Log out after each session, especially on shared or unsecured devices.

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CCEA Currency Exchanges throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin provide a wide range of financial and auto services, all of which are designed to keep your money and identity protected when you use them. In business since 1937, we provide a friendly, clean, convenient space with lots of affordable money management options.

Visit your local CCEA to find out how our offerings may serve your persona finance needs!