By Lora Sasiela, Financially Smitten
Oh, how I love technology, especially when it comes to money management. As 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." And 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 is: How many of these apps does one really need?
Well, I have narrowed down the list for you. 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 am going to share the top three apps you need to be a success at managing your money on the go. The ones 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!
Top 3 Phone Apps for On-the-Go Money Management
1. MINT (iPhone & Android)
A personal favorite, this app allows you to link, budget, track, and manage all your financial accounts. It's best to set up your account at mint.com and then synch your account 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 with the app 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 feature that 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 with your remaining balances in those categories. It's a great way to stay on top of your financial goals.
2. CHECK REGISTER APPS
Ditch your paper and pencil old-school 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 barcode 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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Financial therapist and founder of FinanciallySmitten.com, Lora Sasiela, speaks to both psychological and practical financial matters, inspiring women around the world to get clear and confident when it comes to money. Her work has been featured in national magazines such as Marie Claire, Glamour and Redbook.
