Check out 10 free iPhone apps

From locating the cheapest gas or the best deals on your favorite products, there’s an iPhone app to do it and make your life easier. In the last two years Apple has sold 40 million iPhones and iPod touches. And with the company slashing the price of the phone down to $99, you may find there’s a little more room in your budget to join the mania.  If so, make sure you take advantage of the 50,000 applications and services available for download in Apple’s App Store – many of which won’t cost you a thing and will lighten your daily load and even save you money!

Check out these 10 free apps:

Cheap gas. With rising gas prices on the horizon for summer, save a few extra bucks using this app that lists the lowest gas prices in your area.

Where. Whether you’re looking for great places to eat, in need of a coffee fix, searching for the cheapest gas or upcoming concert event — Where can get you there and more.  When you’re on the go, this location-based application connects you with the people and places around you.

Mint. Keep track and manage your personal finances anytime from anywhere. Mint allows you to have secure access to your bank and credit card accounts, complete with colorful data charts to keep you on top of your budget. The tool will also alert you when your credit card balances are running low.

CardStar. Lighten your load and replace those bulky discount, reward and membership cards in your wallet with CardStar. After initially entering in a store’s name and your barcode number, at checkout you can simply pull up the onscreen barcode and the cashier will scan it in.  Your wallet’s thinner and you get the discount!

Mobile Banking. Many banks, including Bank of America, Citibank, and Chase, provide free apps that allow you to manage your banking right from your phone.  In a touch of a button, you can find the nearest ATM, check balances and pay bills.

Howcast. Need to know how to change a tire or how to unclog a bathroom sink drain? Howcast provides how-to-videos to get you through life’s puzzling tasks – no matter where you happen to be.

Stanza and eReader. Have a huge bookstore at your fingertips – free of charge!  These two apps offer access to thousands of free classics, in addition to eBooks from top authors.

Now Playing. Find out what movies are out and when and where they’re playing close to you.

OpenTable. Make online reservations in a flash with OpenTable, which combs nearby restaurants and books a table for you. When it comes time for the bill, CheckPlease can calculate the tip and split the check amongst your dining companions.

EXTRA: While not free, Save Benjis (99 cents) is a great tool to have in your arsenal of apps.   It allows you to compare prices for just about any product, find the cheapest price, read available reviews and buy the item instantly.