No matter where you are in life, managing your money can be a hassle. Luckily, there are plenty of helpful apps available for iOS and Android devices, designed to help you get your expenses under control. Here’s a look at how these tech tools make it easier to get more from your budget:
Goodbudget
Even if you’re new to the world of budgeting, you’ve probably heard of the envelope system, in which you divide your budget into envelopes labeled for a specific purpose, like gasoline or groceries. You can put a high-tech spin on this old-fashioned method with Goodbudget, an app that features a fairly robust expense tracking system, even on the free version. Forbes recommends it because it also boasts features to help you build your savings and meet your budgetary goals, including educational seminars, videos, and blog posts. Plus, this app even gives you the chance to link a credit or debit card to receive cash-back offers from select retailers.
NerdWallet
If you’re looking for a free app to help you wrangle your personal finances, Investopedia suggests checking out NerdWallet. Thanks to its ability to link to your accounts, NerdWallet can give you a bird’s eye view of your finances. You can review your accounts, income, expenses, credit score, and net worth. It also enables you to categorize your transactions, set goals, and view tips that are tailored to your situation and habits.
Pocket Guard
If you want to take a no-frills look at your finances, try Pocket Guard. This app breaks your money down to the basics — your income, your expenses, and any surplus money you have. However, according to Forbes, this app really shines with its ability to link with your recurring bills. It can even help you use this data to negotiate a lower price for certain expenses, like your phone or cable bills.
Mint
Mint is one of the most prominent expense-management apps on the market. Forbes recommends it for its wealth of advanced features, including the ability to monitor your subscriptions, so you don’t end up paying for services you never use. On top of that, Mint offers tools to help you pay down debt, monitor your accounts, pay your bills on time, and create a custom budget. And while every app comes with the risk of a potential data breach, Forbes praised the app for its rigorous cybersecurity features.
You Need a Budget
Forbes recommends this award-winning app for anyone trying to get expenses under control. It helps you cut back on wasteful spending by giving every dollar a job, enabling you to make the most of your income. You can also chart your progress with the app’s financial goal tracking feature, receive reports on your spending, and even participate in online workshops to help you learn more about money management.
An expense tracker is a good first step towards managing your finances. For more hands-on help, consider consulting a financial advisor.