Technology has been of great help in the recent years; and thanks to smartphones, there are apps out there for pretty much everything. We rely on apps for ordering a ride; finding our way around town; picking a place to have dinner; checking the news or the latest fashion trend alerts… the list goes on forever.
Thanks to the wonderful minds that come up with new apps every day, tracking your spending and staying within budget is not longer a challenging task. You don’t have to carry a little notepad and pen everywhere you do, as budget apps for personal finance now fit conveniently in your phone! In this article we have a quick look at how these apps can help you stay within your budget.
They Offer Convenience
A simple icon on your phone that serves as a great solution for managing your money – can it get any easier? Many of the apps on the market today carry features that enable you to see your budget in real time, categorize your spending, and even take pictures of your receipts as a way to create quick transaction entries. And let’s admit it, everyone’s a little bit addicted to their phone; with an app readily available, it would be impossible to justify not keeping up with your budget.
They Provide Smart Search
Okay, it may not be called “Smart Search”, but the majority of apps automatically break down your expenses to fall under logical, relevant categories. That way, when you want to easily track your spending, you can search how much you’ve spent on utilities, eating out, shopping, groceries, travel and entertainment in any chosen period of time. You can even create separate lists for cash and credit card spending if you so choose.
They May Cost Less than Your DIY Budgeting System
Although buying the actual app may set you back a few dollars, some of the apps are actually free and you only have to pay for some advanced features (I personally use one of those). Besides, think about all the times you could have lost your notepad and pen at a café and had to buy a fresh set and start again! On the other hand, some paid apps allow you to access the service completely for free if you are a student, while others gift you a free annual credit report. Not too bad, huh?
You Have to Start Somewhere
Just like everything in life, we are slowly switching from paper based tasks to digitized options. When it comes to personal budgeting, financing, and spending tracking, a convenient app on your phone can go a long way. Apps these days carry impressive added features like categorizing your expenses, and the option to take a picture of your receipt and have it immediately register in your balance. Whichever app you decide to choose, try to stick with it for at least 30 days before making your final verdict. Remember, you are taking some serious steps towards financial responsibility, and building habits takes time.