Latest posts by Kumiko Ehrmantraut (see all)
- What is Your Starting Balance & Why Does It Matter for Your Budget? - November 25, 2020
I am hoping this post answers the question, “What would you recommend for so-and-so?” From everything helpful, to all that is dreadful, I have tested many different apps. I hope you discover something new here that helps you with your busy life!
YNAB
Well hello there YNAB! There seems to be almost a cult-like following for YNAB (You Need A Budget). I have personally tested the YNAB budget software, and I also became a believer. Are you thinking, what the heck is YNAB? This nifty little software package has 4 defined rules.
- Give every dollar a job
- Save for a rainy day
- Roll with the punches (even when you make mistakes)
- Live on last month’s income
Being able to live on last month's income is the desirable end outcome for using YNAB. Something I think we all strive for. Do you need a budget? Head on over to YNAB and grab a different experience to budgeting.
Download the You Need a Budget (YNAB) iOS app.
CREDIT KARMA
Credit Karma definitely is the winner in my eyes when it comes to getting a free credit score. Whoa, hold your horses! Did I just say it was free! You bet your little bottom I just did. This is a free credit score tracker that I have been using personally for over 4 years. Back in the crazy debt days of Kumiko, I discovered this little gem from a friend. At this point in my life, my credit score really took a beating, so I thought to myself “Why not?”. What a life saver!! I wrote a more detailed post on this product I think you should check out. (Does Your Credit Score Need A Boost?)
Download the Credit Karma iOS app or go to CreditKarma.com now to check your credit score.
DIGIT
Do you want to save money without even thinking about it? Poof, your dreams have come true! Link your bank account to Digit (I know, I know…it's safe), and it will automatically start inspecting your spending. In about 2 days, it starts shoving itty-bitty amounts of your money into a savings account. The great thing about Digit, it's very smart computer brain knows exactly how much to shove into that savings account without you even noticing it's gone. If you have problems with the very powerful rule of paying yourself first, or just have trouble saving in general, this is a great thing to look into.
EBATES/RAKUTEN
You don't even have to think about this one. In fact, stop what you are doing and go get yourself signed up for Ebates (now known as Rakuten)! It literally gives you money back on online purchases and then depending on your time preferences you have selected, a check will be on it's way to you. Before shopping online, go on over to Ebates / Rakuten, search for the store you want to shop from, and wa-bang! – money in the mail. The money you receive is for percentage points back on your online purchases. So if you online shop – which is everyone I know – go score some extra savings at Ebates / Rakuten! Mind blown, I know!
Sign up for Ebates / Rakuten and save money >>
SHARE WITH ME YOUR FAVORITE APP DISCOVERIES!
I think I’ll be downloading Credit Karma and Digit right now!
Digit is an amazing little app! Thanks for the comment Inez!
Thanks a bunch for this guide! I just started using WalletHub, and it’s also pretty great! It’s totally free as well, but it shows me a new score every day! You should deff try it, see what you think of it.