iPhone Apps to Get you Started

When it comes to my finances, some days I find myself stretched so thin that I’m lucky to find my debit card in my bag, let alone follow a monthly budget. Having control over your cash flow, however, will not only take some stress out of your life, it will empower you to make good financial decisions for yourself and your family. If you’re superhuman, no need to read on, but if you feel me and happen to have an iPhone, here are some apps that will help you go from emptying your purse at the check-out aisle to financially fabulous.

1. Mint:

The best way to account for your cash is to make a budget. Mint does this for you by connecting securely to your financial institutions and keeping a record of your financial actions. It creates categories, such as groceries, dining and gas, keeps a log of how much you spend in each category, and then lets you know how much you have left to spend. It also includes free charts and graphs for a clear budget breakdown. Even better? It’s free!! Download the app here.

2. Pocket Money by Catamount:

Pocket Money functions in the same way as Mint, with a little more depth. Not only can you make budgets and keep track of your finances automatically, you can also transfer, withdraw and deposit funds and do split transactions. Rated the #1 finance app in many countries and #2 overall in Taiwan, Pocket Money is a pretty good bang for your buck. Try it for $4.99 here.

3. Envelopes:

This is a very simple budget app. Create different envelopes for different categories, and deduct from each specific envelope after you spend. The difference between Envelopes and apps like Mint and Pocket Money is the fact that you have to manually deduct the amounts. A great app though if you prefer to do it yourself or want something simple and straightforward.  Try it for $0.99 from iTunes.

4. BillMinder:

Seeing too many late fees on those handy e-bill statements? We’ve all been there. Have the money sitting in your bank account forget to pay the bill. With this app, effortlessly keep track of monthly bills and mark them as paid or unpaid. You will also be able to access your biller contact information every month to further streamline bill-paying. Try the app for $0.99.

5. ATM Hunter:

Never get into a frenzy again trying to find an ATM. This wonderfully useful app takes advantage of the GPS built in to the iPhone to locate the nearest ATM and provide you with a map of the location. Try it here.

6. Tipulator:

Calculating a tip is usually a no-brainer, but, once in a while, anyone could be in enough of a rush to make that simple math a little trickier. Never be stingy again with this quick tip calculator. Download the app here.

7. PayPal:

PayPal Mobile is the best way to transfer money to anyone from anywhere. The app is totally secure and users have access to their PayPal account information 24-7 from anywhere. Download it free here.

8. DailyFinance:

For those of you who invest or follow the stock market, this free app is your perfect companion. Get real-time stock market news and quotes. You can also easily track portfolios and create useful charts and graphs. App available from AOL Money and Finance.

9. E*Trade Mobile:

Another great investment app, E*Trade was one of the first out there. Have access to portfolios and quotes and carry out trades. Try it free here for 60 days.

10. Bloomberg Mobile by Bloomberg (free):

For the trading diva, however, the other apps might just have to move aside – Bloomberg also has an app for iPhone. User will have full, real-time access to market news and stock analysis from Bloomberg itself. Try it here.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Alvina Lopez, who writes on the topics of accredited online schools.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.

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