Money Smart Apps - Budgets And Savings

Since 2010 we've heard "there's an app for that." So why not use an app that will help you accumulate and invest a penny here or there without the limits of a brick-and-mortar institution? There are numerous apps on the market that let you do just this. As always, make sure to research apps and websites before entering any personal information.

  • Mint - this app "brings together everything from balances and bills to your credit score and more. It’s your financial life, in one place that’s easy to understand." Mint is intended to give an overview of finances and help create a budget.
  • You Need a Budget (YNAB) - "Combines easy software with Four Simple Rules to help you quickly gain control of your money, get out of debt, and save more money faster." Similar to Mint but requires a fee and more hands-on management. 
  • Acorns - "Automatically invests your spare change." When connected to a checking account, this app collects the change left after rounding up your purchases and puts it into exchange traded investment funds.
  • Digit - "Saves for you so you don't have to think about it!" Digit is similar to Acorns but works by grabbing random amounts like $2.00 one day and $5.00 a few days later
  • Tip Yourself - "You tip everyone else, but what about yourself? Tip Yourself! You Earned it!" This app is works like a swear jar or a piggy bank except you transfer small amounts of money from a linked account. 

Check out these links for more info:

11 Apps to Automate Your Savings

These Apps Are the Perfect Money Saving Tools for Lazy People Like Me

Budgeting Software Showdown

Saving App Showdown