Apps to Help You Conquer Your Budget

Managing your finances can be overwhelming. Luckily, modern technology has made it easier than ever to keep a close eye on your spending, investments, savings accounts and more. All you need is a smartphone, a mobile banking app, your account information and a little fiscal responsibility. Get started with this roundup of top budget apps.
 

1. Mobile app from your own financial institution

   First, and probably the most easily accessible, is your financial institution's own mobile banking app. For Mountain America Credit Union members, our mobile app allows users to securely check balances, view transaction history, transfer funds, pay bills, locate nearby branches and ATMs and make mobile deposits anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, it gives users access to money management and budgeting tools to track long-term savings goals, monitor all of your financial accounts in one place, visualize your spending habits, track your net worth month-to-month and more.

    
2. Mint

   Mint is quickly gaining popularity on the lists of best personal budget apps.Created by the minds behind QuickBooks™ and TurboTax®, Mint offers a real-time look at your financial accounts and FICO® Score. This free tool lets you personalize alerts to remind you when bills are due and is available on Android and iOS systems. Users can add their own categories, pay bills, split ATM transactions into separate purchases and set budgets with active alerts. It also monitors your spending habits and will eventually include targeted budgeting tips.

    
3. Zelle®

   In case you haven’t used it yet, Zelle® is a convenient way to send money to friends and family.* Simply enroll in Zelle® with a participating financial institution or in the Zelle® app. Then, have the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number on hand. Users can send money, request money and split expenses with people they know and trust in just a few taps. Zelle® is available to Mountain America Credit Union members in our mobile app. You don’t have to wait to receive the money. It shows up in your bank account within minutes!* Send money with Zelle® through your mobile banking app or download the app on iOS and Android devices.

    
4. PocketGuard

   What do we all want to know about our money? How much we have and how much we can spend—that’s exactly what PocketGuard shows you. After calculating your bills, contributions to any savings accounts and spending, this free financial app lets you see what’s left in your pocket for that day, week or month to spend. If you’re looking for simplified budgeting that helps keep you from overspending, PocketGuard is for you.

    
5. Personal Capital

   Another great app to help you budget is Personal Capital. It comes with free budgeting software and also includes tools to help you track your spending, wealth and investments. Personal Capital is great for investors, as well as those trying to reach their retirement goals.

    
6. Mvelopes

   Have you ever tried the envelope budgeting system? Did you find it easier to control your spending when all you could spend was the cash in an envelope but got annoyed with carrying around cash in an envelope? Mvelopes acts as a way for you to digitally follow the envelope budgeting system. And as a bonus, they offer some of the best live support around. You have three plans to choose from, and while each comes with live support, you can even get two monthly sessions with a financial trainer with the Mvelopes Complete plan.

    

Along with downloading a budgeting app, here are some other practical budgeting tips:

• Keep it simple


• Review your current spending habits


• Set a realistic budget


• Track every single expense


• Prioritize expenses, debt and goals


• Account for every dollar earned


• Leave money for unexpected expenses each month


• Regularly track your budget (weekly is a good place to start)


• Make any necessary adjustments.

We know how hard keeping to a budget can be. But we also know how important it is that you know how to set a budget and stick to it. Modern technology is a true budgeting friend. Follow these budgeting tips and take advantage of any of these top budget apps to help you start, manage and stay on track of your budget—and hopefully, this time around, it will be a lifelong skill.