Although contemporary hip-hop would lead us to believe that life is all about getting that new Bugatti, the reality is usually more like Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” for most of us. And while jetsetting and partying on cruise ships sounds like fun, many people can’t afford those luxuries. That’s not to say you can’t create some personal wealth, however it requires that you stay on a budget. After all, how do you expect to stack money if you can’t even hold onto the money that you have?
Budgeting, it seems, is sometimes even more crucial than initially saving your cash. By staying on a budget you’ll make sure that you’re financially stable for the long run. Don’t think it’s important? Ask MC Hammer and he’ll let you know.
Here are the 10 best apps and podcasts to stay on budget.
10. Moneywise App
Platforms: Android
Price: Free/$7 for Pro
If you’re always on your phone, like most of us are these days, Moneywise is a great free app that will cover all the basics. With the ability to manage all your budgets from your phone, and to create individual budgets for things in your life, like entertainment, food, or travel, you’ll be able to allocate just enough funds in each category to stack your savings.
9. My Budget Book Pro App
Platforms: Android, iOS
Price: $2.99
My Budget Book Pro is an app that serves as an online budgeting tool. Are you compulsive and need to set limits for yourself on your purchases? Then My Budget Book Pro is perfect for you as it has built in monitors and limits for the things you need to buy month to month.
8. Entrepreneur on Fire Podcast
Platforms: iTunes, Desktop
If you’re a young entrepreneur, you understand the importance of maximizing your capital in order to succeed. And while you’re probably busy managing your startup, you also need to make sure you have your own personal finances in order. Learn from the best on tips and tricks for personal budgeting.
7. The Disciplined Investor Podcast
Platforms: iTunes, Desktop
An important thing to remember when you invest is that your investments are not liquid capital, and budgeting is just as important as your personal finances. The Disciplined Investor talks about strategies when you’re investing and tips on your own personal budgets and finances.
6. Clark Howard Podcast
Platforms: iTunes, Desktop
Budgeting sucks because you can’t always buy what you want. Clark Howard’s Podcast shows the consumer what they can do to maximize each purchase. If you still want to buy, but need tips on how to save money, spend less of it, and avoid rip offs, this is the perfect podcast to listen to.
5. Wallet – Budget Tracker (App)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Desktop
Price: Free
Wallet from Budget Bakers rules. If you’ve been looking for a safe place to store your financial documents online, Wallet is the perfect tool for you. It allows you to have access to your finances and documents in one place, on the go, and best of all–it’s free.
4. Mint (App)
Platforms: Desktop, iOS, Android
Price: Free
If you need practical tips on how to improve that credit, or budgeting techniques Mint is an amazingly user-friendly application made by Intuit. It allows you to set budgets like many of the other apps, but also ties it to your credit report and helps you improve your credit score. Made by the same people who developed TurboTax, you know you can trust Mint with your finances.
3. Cash (App)
Platforms: Android
Price: Free
Another nifty app that allows you to track multiple bank accounts, stocks, and other financial holdings. Though it’s only on Android, this app offers more flexibility and is free to use.
2. Home Budget (App)
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: $5.00/Month
Home Budget is a great, user-friendly application that allows you to break up your expenses into separate “envelopes” so you can stay on top of how much you are spending for specific items. Additionally, it has an awesome feature that allows you to sync your budget with someone else in your house, to make sure everyone’s on the right page. The only downside to this app is the cost of $5.00 a month, or $19.99 if you buy it for iOS.
1. Google Wallet App
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free
We use Google for everything else, so why not finances too? Google Wallet is not only a tool that allows you to send and receive money online, it’s also a place that will help you budget by giving you a comprehensive breakdown of your spending habits. Because you allocate money to your wallet through your bank account, you can make sure to not overspend.
Ultimately an app isn’t going to keep you on budget. It takes dedication and self control to limit your spending habits, and no app is going to do that for you. If you are going over budget because you just aren’t tracking what you’re spending, these apps can come to totally change the way you handle your personal finances, but always remember the responsibility falls on your shoulders.
