The best budgeting and finance tools for home and business

The Mint budgeting app has been folded into Credit Karma, owned by Intuit. It’s been around since 2006, so it’s a shame to see it go. Worry not! There are other options out there.

What to look for in a budgeting app

Don’t just blindly choose the first app that pops up when you search for budgeting apps. There are several factors to consider when selecting the one that fits your needs best.

Security

Most budgeting apps have you connect your credit cards and bank accounts and enter personal information, including your most delicate passwords. That’s a lot of faith given to one app.

With hackers being a constant concern, security should be your number one priority when choosing the right budgeting app. Do they have a history of being hacked? Does the application offer two-factor authentication? Be sure to check the security settings of an app before making a final choice.

Cost

Budgeting apps typically have a free option, but many require upgrading if you want premium options. This doesn’t mean you should avoid the paid apps, but you’ll want to ensure the purchase is worth it for your budgeting needs.

Features

Not every app is created equal. Some will let you track all your financial accounts, and some are more limited. Investigate a few apps before choosing so you can see which features are the most valuable to you and if they are worth paying for. Now onto the apps.

You Need A Budget (YNAB)

When you look up the best budgeting apps online, you’ll probably find YNAB. That’s because it has a ton of robust features you can use to take charge of your personal finance goals.

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5 best budgeting apps to help get your finances in order

People worldwide have had their finances upended by the stressors the pandemic created. Unemployment, unforeseen medical expenses and a fluctuating economy have made everyone understand the importance of budgeting and personal savings.

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I’m a clover, not a fighter: A thrifty shopper found a $655 gaming graphics card in mint condition for just $8 at Goodwill. But don’t expect the same deal anytime soon; Goodwill usually flags high-ticket items to sell on their website instead. I’m stopping by the next Goodwill I see!

5 budgeting worksheets to keep you on track in the new year

Managing your money can be challenging if you do it alone. First off, you’ll need solid mathematical skills to crunch the numbers yourself. A single miscalculation could throw a wrench in your financial plans if you go down that route.

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Money-saving tip: See all the apps you're paying for and cancel the ones you don't use

Do you have ongoing subscriptions to streaming services like Hulu or Netflix? Chances are you do. Most of us use at least one streaming service for entertainment, whether for listening to music, podcasts or binge-old movies.

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Remember when your mom nagged about toys and games everywhere? That old stash could be worth a fortune. That mint Pikachu card? A cool $6 million. Pristine SNES games and special-edition Barbies? Thousands. Even an old Nintendo 64 is worth a pretty penny.

Are you paying for Android apps you don’t use? Here’s how to cancel them

It’s so easy to get roped into a new subscription or two when you’re using your phone or tablet. It starts with those enticing free app trials and ends with months and months of autopayments for services you aren’t using.

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6 useful tech hacks to help you save money

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the world. In its wake are lives ruined and countries with stalled economies, failing businesses and skyrocketing unemployment rates.

This scenario is fully playing out here in the U.S. as financial experts continue to sound the alarms that it’ll most likely be a long recovery, meaning many months to several years before we are back on solid ground. If you or someone you know has lost your job, there may be a solution. Tap or click here for companies hiring despite the coronavirus.

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5 best apps to track credit card rewards

Travelers and shopaholics love their credit cards because of the many perks they come with. You can buy everyday items like groceries or gas and earn miles, cash back and even points for streaming or delivery services.

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