Save Money to Meet Your Budget

Blending technology with food and drink may not sound appetizing, but it can take some of the guesswork out of where to dine and imbibe.

The SpotLuck phone app finds nearby restaurants that have partnered with the app in the hopes of driving customers into the dining establishment. Simply click on the app, spin the wheel and you’ll get a discount at a local restaurant, up to 30 percent. What’s the catch? The coupon to the featured restaurant expires within a 24-hour period. If you choose not to dine based on the roulette’s restaurant of choice, you can still choose from many participating spots nearby and receive 10 percent off. Apple and Android. SpotLuck.com

Be a VIP for beer with a VA BrewPass app. Membership gives you exclusive access to various discounts and more at popular beer destinations throughout Virginia: breweries, cideries, meaderies, tours and restaurants. Think $2 off growler fills, $1 off each beer and 20 percent off food or merchandise and 15 percent off a night’s stay at a B&B. It won’t take long to earn back your membership fee ($3/month or $30/year), and the rest is just gravy. Apple and Android. VABrewPass.com

You don’t even need a smartphone for Dippy Deals, which sends discounts to consumers via text message. Each week, Dippy sends out a text with a list of coupons from local business partners. These may include offers such as “20% off at Carytown Cupcakes,” “$6.99 for any salad at Saladworks” or “Buy one, get one free at Sweet Frog.” If one (or all!) seems intriguing, simply reply as instructed and the deal is valid until redemption or expiration. To start getting free coupons texted to you every week, merely enter your phone number on the website: GetDippy.com