12 Legit Ways Alexa Can Save You a Ton of Money (Every Month)

You use your Alexa to turn the lights on and off, check the weather, and queue your favorite songs — but do you know how to use Alexa to keep more money in your bank account?

If not, keep reading to learn some smart money moves you can make just by using Alexa.

Using the Alexa app to build a grocery list is convenient, but it’s also a game-changing money saver if you take advantage of a feature called Alexa Shopping List Savings.

To get started, open your Alexa app to search for featured rebates and offers, then tap to add the item to your grocery shopping list.

Once you’ve purchased the items at your favorite grocery store, scan their barcodes and your receipt. Amazon will reward you with an Amazon gift card.

When the urge to purchase something strikes, say, “Alexa, add this item to my wish list.”

Give yourself time and space to think by building a list in the Alexa app titled “wish list” or “purchases to review.” Revisit the product a few days later.

If you still feel the same way about the product after having some time to think, consider buying it. Otherwise, delete it and move on.

Once you’ve set up your home and work locations on the Alexa app, you can ask, “Alexa, how’s my commute?” to get a quick look at traffic conditions on your typical drive to the office.

If Alexa lets you know about an accident or traffic jam, see if you can plan out an alternate route that wastes less gas, money, and time.

Small tasks like changing your oil or cleaning the gutters are easy to forget, but tackling them regularly can help you avoid home repairs or car issues that will drain your bank account.

If you have a hard time with preventative maintenance, put Alexa to work by saying things like, “Alexa, remind me to change the HVAC filter on the last day of every month” or “Alexa, remind me to check the fluids in the car on the first Saturday of every month.”

Smart plugs from Amazon sync with Alexa to turn any electrical outlet into an audio-activated switch.

Commands like, “Alexa, turn the fan off” or, “Alexa, turn off the TV” can ensure you actually follow through on turning off electric items that aren’t in use, which can trim your power bill.

Alexa also works well with gadgets like the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Using your Alexa app, you can set Alexa to save money and energy by automatically adjusting your thermostat when no one’s home.

Plus, if you purchase an Amazon Smart Thermostat, a follow-up email from Amazon explains how to take advantage of rebates on smart energy purchases from your local utility companies.

How often have you wasted money at the grocery store by buying something you already had at home? Cut down on accidental repeat purchases by using Alexa to create a reverse grocery list.

Once you’ve set up the list on the Alexa app, tell Alexa to take notes as you itemize everything in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, like: “Alexa, add salt to my reverse grocery list.”

Simply open the app on your next shopping trip to avoid unnecessary buys.

If your bank supports an Alexa connection, ask questions like, “Alexa, how much did I spend at Target last month?” or “Alexa, how much money did I spend on food today?”.

Get a quick look at where your money goes and use that information to set (and stick to) a budget for the month.

Avoid late payment fees by asking Alexa to remind you to pay bills on time.

For instance, if your rent is due on the first day of the month and you have a tendency to lose track of the day, say, “Alexa, remind me to pay my rent at eleven o’clock on the first day of each month.”

Ask Alexa questions about concepts or terms you don’t understand and start boosting your fiscal vocabulary.

Use Alexa to get familiar with common financial principles that can help you make retirement planning moves or learn how you can earn more on your savings.

Of course, asking “Alexa, how much money do I need to retire?” isn’t a substitute for a financial advisor, but learning to define terms or finding financial resources can be very useful.

Depending on your bank, you might be able to use audio commands to tackle basic banking tasks like checking your balance or transferring money.

Saying “Alexa, what’s my checking account balance?” saves time compared to opening your bank app — but it’s also a handy way to make sure you have enough cash to make a purchase without overdraft fees.

Instead of buying groceries at the same store out of habit, use Alexa to save money on your everyday purchases.

Ask, “Alexa, find me the best deal on bulk paper towels” or “Alexa, show me what’s on sale at Whole Foods this week” to start making more calculated, deal-driven purchase decisions.

With the tips we listed above, Alexa is more than a handy device to make things easier at home.

It’s also another money-saving tool you can use to save money and build your wealth as you minimize expenses.

Who knows, you might even be able to retire early once you’ve harnessed the financial powers this device offers.