The tech market is rich with money apps for your phone or tablet devices, all you need is the time and patience to set things up and you’re off and running.
The best part is that many are free, but the worst part is that some require more work than others in getting familiar with and organising – so allow 15 minutes to half an hour to do just that. Plus it also helps to have your account passwords handy.
There isn’t a one stop shop for all your money management needs, but some do come pretty close and will allow you to manage everything from your tax, super, bills and your spending habits in the one place.
Here’s some of the most resourceful ones we’ve tested at Financy HQ and which passed the financial planning test at AssetPlan Advisory.
Pocketbook
How much? Free and compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.
The appeal of this app is that it syncs in with your bank accounts, which will either make you nervous or say thanks.
It can take a little time to get use to in order to make sure you are using it correctly. But once you have that down, you can use it to track your transactions, bill payments and other fees charged to your account.
There is also a nice and prominent “safely spend” feature which reminds you all the time how much discretionary income you have after your bills are covered.
TrackmySPEND
How much? Free and compatiable with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.
It doesn’t sync your bank accounts but it does allow you to engage with and manage how you spend your money against a budget. You do have to take the time to input your spending data in though, which some people may find annoying.
It’s been developed for MoneySmart and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
MoneySmart Financial Calculator
How much? Free Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.
Again, this one is the brain child of ASIC.
It provides users with instant calculations for mortgages, interest-free loan deals, and superannuation products.
It’s pretty handy when you need information/data on your own money interests as you go.
Super Calc
How much? Free Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
This app is a more of a “every now and then” resource that provides you with an indication of what your superannuation will look like when you retire, and provide you with general planning tips in line with Australian legislation. It is a tool brought to users by Super Toolbox and Rice Warner Actuaries.
If only it synced with each super fund for individual member accounts!
The official Australian Tax Office (ATO) app
How much? Free Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.
The ATO app is a great resource for getting a tax hit and staying on top of your obligations.
It features key dates, information and even news you can access on the go.
You can even login to do you tax on the go, look for lost super, calculate various tax payments and access the mygov portal – which opens a whole new world.
The only annoying feature is the amount of times you are prompted to put in your password. This could prove a turn off for some users.
