Do you love and appreciate the benefits of technology as much as I do? I have found it to be especially useful when when it comes to financial management. And give that it’s one of life’s necessary evils, anything that streamlines it is a plus in my book!
It’s becoming increasingly true that “there’s an app for that.” When it comes to finances this is indeed the case. There are more money management mobile phone apps than you can shake a stick at. So the question becomes:
How many of these apps does one really need?
Well, I have narrowed down the list for you to my top three. As a money coach and personal finance blogger, I know how important it is to keep in close contact with our financial lives, but I’m also a huge advocate of ease, simplicity, and efficiency. Leveraging the power of one’s mobile phone is an excellent way to accomplish this.
I recommend you explore the three I list below, but if you really want to run with it, there are apps that will keep up-to-the-market-minute informed about the value of your investment portfolio, ones that make sure you have coupons for every purchase, and even one where you can file your taxes from your phone {I kid you not!}.
The three phone apps I’ve chosen capitalize on the “mobile” feature, meaning having the information, function, or feature it provides while you are out-and-about gives you a unique advantage when it comes to money management.
And bonus….they’re all free!
1. MINT {iPhone & Android}
A personal favorite, this app allows you to link, budget, track, and manage all your financial accounts. I recommend setting up your account at mint.com and then synching it to the mint app on your phone.
The app is easy to use and provides a current snap shot of your financial standing whenever you need it. You have the ability to enter cash transactions directly via your phone and it will even search nearby vendors to further streamline things. No need to ever carry a receipt again {unless you need it for the taxman or your expense report!}.
Another mint.com feature I use frequently is their budgeting tool. Once you set up a monthly budget for groceries, cosmetics, clothing, etc., you can deftly check in while on the road to see what your remaining balances in those categories are. It’s a great way to stay on top of your financial goals!
2. CHECK REGISTER APPS
Ditch your old-school paper and pencil checkbook for one of these electronic versions and always be informed of your current account balances. Loot {for Android} and Balance {for iPhone} both let you enter transactions as they happen live time, support multiple accounts, and auto-calculate your remaining balance.
3. SHOP SAVVY {iPhone & Android}
With this app you use your phone’s camera to scan any product bar code or QR code while you are out shopping. Once the product is identified, it searches for the best available price — be it at a shop down the road or at an online retailer. Never having to wonder if you got the best deal on something: priceless!
Obviously there are tons of financial apps out there, many that will be of benefit based upon your particular needs. But if you start with these three you will be SO good to go and off to a running start.
Do you have any favorite money management mobile apps? If so, I’d love to know about them and how they’ve been helpful. Please share your thoughts with me in the comments below.
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