Blog Post: Applications for Managing Your Finances

The following was written for an assignment for a class called "Business Communication" in Winter 2023-2024.

Please note there were certain formats and content criteria for this assignment.

In this particular assignment, I had to write copy for a financial blog.

Best Applications for Managing Your Finances

Over the years, this blog has discussed various methods and tools to organize and manage your finances, but everyone’s financial situation is unique and everyone manages their money differently according to what works best for them. We have compiled various different applications and money-management systems that can help you organize and reach your financial goals. Remember, not every system will work for everyone– try them out until you find the one that works for you!

1. Spreadsheets

Using systems like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can be a useful tool to manage your debt, savings, budget, and even investments all in one place. Spreadsheets are easily transferrable and accessible, highly customizable, and are can be made fairly automatic, making them a great option to organize everything all in one place.

2. Applications

There are also online applications more specific than spreadsheets which companies have built specifically for managing your finances, including budgeting, investments, and more.

Our top free picks for IOS and Android users are listed below:

Lending Tree	Money Manager
Originally a website known for being a loan referrer, Lending Tree now offers an app with expense-tracking functionality along with features like account balance surveillance and the ability to monitor your net worth. Download for IOS	Money Manager is one of the top rated financial apps for Android. Many users cite a clean display and personalized options in the various favorable reviews. Download for Android

3. Physical Methods

If you’re one of those people who works better in hard copy, many different money management techniques may work for you. While it may be a bit more difficult to organize things like investments, many people use these methods for their budgeting and debt management.

There are many printable worksheets available online, like this free customizable sheet from NerdWallet that uses the 50/30/20 budgeting method. Cash stuffing is another popular hard-copy budgeting method that utilizes zero-based budgeting where you set aside cash for various expenses and when you run out, you’re done spending in that category.

Additionally, budget planner books are available at Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you get your office supplies. In terms of a particular brand, we’d recommend The Happy Planner, which offers various layouts, themes, and sizes, allowing you to find the right fit.