As the saying goes: There's an app for that. I've tried loads of money-saving mobile applications, and here are five that I rely on regularly. Best of all, they're free.

See our latest contests and sweeps.

RedLaser

How You Save: Helps you learn if you can get a better deal elsewhere — on almost anything

How It Works: You scan the bar code of an item, and the app shoots back prices from competing stores and online merchants. See a better price? Use the app to buy the item, and some stores will have it waiting when you arrive. Bonus trick: Scan a book's bar code, and the app finds nearby libraries with a copy.

Why I Love It: It gives me peace of mind. I feel new confidence that I'm getting the lowest price possible.

Slice

How You Save: Organizes online-shopping email, such as order confirmations and shipping info

How It Works: You provide up to five addresses where you get email (they can be Gmail, Yahoo!, AOL, Hotmail or iCloud/MobileMe). The app sorts through your in-boxes to gather and organize all your shopping-related messages, including receipts for online purchases and vouchers from daily-deal sites.

Why I Love It: It saves me a headache! I don't have to search my email in-box — which is a mess — for receipts, and I can track packages easily.

Coupon Sherpa

How You Save: Helps you search for — and then redeem — coupons

How It Works: You browse for online, printable or mobile coupons by retailer or product type, either on CouponSherpa.com or via the mobile app. Take printable coupons to the store the old-fashioned way; for mobile coupons, just show your phone to the cashier to get the savings.

Why I Love It: I get the savings without investing hours clipping and organizing. And no rifling through an envelope at checkout.

Next: How about an app that saves money on gas! »