What Financial Apps Should You Be Downloading?

Whatever your problem is, there is a smartphone app out there that can help you get through it. Do you need to learn a new language? You can download an app like Duolingo, Busuu or Babbel on your phone and use it to master another language. Do you want to detox from scrolling on social media? Then, you can download social media blockers like AppBlock, Freedom and Cold Turkey to get your scrolling habits under control.

And, what if you want to get your finances on track? There are plenty of apps that can help you accomplish this ambitious goal. Read ahead to find out what types of financial apps you should add to your smartphone now.

Mobile Banking App

Does your bank have an app? You should download it as soon as possible.

Mobile banking apps are meant to make managing your money much easier. You don’t have to take as many trips to ATMs or bank branches to adjust your accounts. As long as you have your smartphone nearby, you can make adjustments from anywhere.

For instance, your app might offer a convenient feature like mobile check deposit — this is when you take a photo of your paper check and submit it through the banking app. This should deposit the funds into your account. You don’t have to travel all the way to an ATM or bank branch to deposit the check.

For the sake of cybersecurity, you should be careful about doing personal banking while connected to an insecure network (for example, public WiFi). Make sure that you’re on a secured, private internet connection or use your mobile network’s data when you’re doing sensitive activities, like banking. Another option you can try is signing up for a virtual private network — this should keep cybersecurity threats at bay.

Budgeting Apps

If you’re not following a personal budget, you need to fix that. A personal budget can give you clear spending guidelines throughout the month, and it can prevent you from slipping into financial trouble.

For example, you might find that you don’t have any money left over for urgent expenses that fall into your lap. You’d have to turn to a different solution, like an online loan, to help you cover the expense in a short amount of time. You just don’t have any savings stored away.

This is a mistake that budgeting can resolve. Start by using budget percentages to separate your income into three categories: needs, wants and savings. An emergency fund should be included in that savings category. With an emergency fund, you can pay off urgent expenses immediately after you encounter them. You don’t have to apply for an online loan or other borrowing solution. You’ll have the means to handle the problem on your own.

A budgeting app will help you create a comprehensive budget with your three overarching categories.

What budgeting apps are there?

• Mint
• You Need a Budget (YNAB)
• Goodbudget
• EveryDollar
• PocketGuard
• Empower
• Simplifi
• HoneyDue

Bill-Cutting Apps

If you’re having trouble squeezing some savings out of your budget, a bill-cutting app can help you. Bill-cutting apps will analyze your bank accounts to find recurring subscriptions that you might want to cancel. For instance, you might subscribe to too many online streaming services that you don’t really use. If you don’t need these subscriptions anymore, you can cancel them through the app and pocket the savings.

Some bill-cutting apps will also contact your bill providers in an attempt to negotiate better rates for you.

What bill-cutting apps are there?

• BillShark
• Rocket Money
• Billcutterz
• Trim
• BillAdvisor

After using one of these apps, you’ll find that you have plenty of savings to put away every month.

These apps can help you get your finances on track from this point forward. Start downloading them to your phone and say goodbye to your money problems!