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Right shopping apps can save money, consumer expert says
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More consumers are using their smartphones during their trips to the grocery store. The right apps can save time and money, experts say. - photo by Bill Gephardt
More consumers are using their smartphones during their trips to the grocery store. The right apps can save time and money, experts say.

Some people consider grocery shopping a necessary evil, but the digital explosion of shopping apps is changing the process for millions of Americans. More than two-thirds of the 1,200 shoppers surveyed in the Ninth Decimal Mobile Audience Insight Report said they use their smartphones to find coupons. Additionally, 59 percent say they use their smartphone or tablet to create shopping lists.

Theresa Hunsaker, a food economist, says using these apps absolutely can save money.

"I have seen people save $75 to $100 a month on their grocery bill," she said.

Hunsaker says the first thing she checks when looking into a shopping app is its cost to consumers. She warns some apps can get quite pricey for a budget-conscious shopper.

"It can be as high at $20, $30 a month, depending on the different features. Bar code scanning, whether it's the use of leftovers, really whatever. It really adds up. We're talking from 99 cents to $21 and $25 add ons," she said.

Hunsaker says many free apps will deliver the basics. However, they're usually limited in their scope.

"So I might be able to get one that gives me my grocery list, that will plan my menus, but it won't lead me necessarily to the items on the shelves that are on sale that are on my list, or vice versa," she explained.

The challenge for consumers is figuring out which apps will suit their needs, she said. To save money, she recommends consumers get serious about menu planning, shopping lists and checking out consistent ads.

"They have to decide on what features are going to save them the most time and money," she said. "To me, it's no big deal to open up my iPad and move from one free app in menu and list-creating to what's on sale in my area off that."

Hunsaker says fee apps like Food Planner add ingredients from downloaded recipes to your shopping lists. She then uses a coupon app like Flipp to find sales in this area.
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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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