Buzz
As a personal finance expert, I’m always exploring new financial tools and apps, searching for the most effective and user-friendly options. Although I haven’t tried every app available, there are a select few that truly stand out, which I rely on daily to manage my finances.
Of course, my financial needs may differ from yours, but here’s a look at what I currently use to track my spending, monitor my accounts, and save for future goals. Some areas are intentionally left out, like micro-investing apps, which don’t align with my current financial strategy, though they might work well for you.
Chase Bank
I use Chase because there’s almost always a branch nearby in NYC, and I appreciate the ease of access to its ATM network. The app is straightforward and includes all the essential features I need. The only thing I wish for is daily text alerts with my account balances instead of just email updates. This is definitely the app I use most frequently, as it’s linked to my primary checking and savings accounts.
Qapital
I recently switched to Qapital after using Digit for a while. Though I enjoyed Digit, paying $3 per month for a personal finance app felt unnecessary when there are free alternatives available. To be honest, I’m not as fond of Qapital, but it’s free and simple to navigate. It integrates with IFTTT, and I use it to set up specific savings goals. For example, during a spending freeze, I created rules to automatically transfer money into savings when I made purchases at certain places. Right now, I’m saving for a vacation.
Credit Karma
I’m a big fan of Credit Karma’s app, which gives you access to your credit score and a summary of your credit report, along with personalized tips for improving your financial situation. As with most free apps, though, be cautious about the financial products, such as credit cards, they promote. Sure, they need to make money somehow, but that doesn’t mean you should rush to buy what they’re offering.
Coinbase
I use Coinbase to remind myself to stay updated on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies (though I haven't invested in any through the app).
Mint
I don’t use Mint as frequently as I probably should (I previously used PocketGuard for budgeting, but ended up deleting it because I rarely opened it). Still, I keep Mint on hand for when I want to take a deep dive into where my money is going.
Clarity Money
Clarity Money isn’t strictly a budgeting tool, but I use it in that way. It’s great for tracking transactions and offers simple tips for improving your financial habits. The app categorizes your spending and lets you search how much you’ve spent at specific stores or websites in a given month (for instance, you can check your total spending at Amazon during February). Another feature I appreciate: it lists your recurring bills and subscriptions, helping you cancel them if necessary. Like Qapital, you can also set goals in Clarity Money. This is one of the apps I use most frequently, right after my Chase app.
Fidelity
When I need to make adjustments to my investments, I typically do that on a desktop, but I find it convenient to have Fidelity’s app for quick check-ins. It also offers valuable market news and analysis, which I find helpful.
What about you? What are your favorite apps to use?
