smartphone

How Much Time Do Gig Apps Really Save You?

Carrie Kirby — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 20:15:43 +0000

Time… where does it all go? The 2017 Annual American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that people with full-time jobs spend more than two hours a day on chores including cleaning, cooking, and shopping.

The gig economy claims to rescue us from this time crunch with a host of apps that relieve us of the need to shop, do laundry, care for pets, or cook. But do they really save you enough time to be worth the money? Let's look at some of the chores and errands we all have, and the apps that claim to save us time by taking over those tasks.

1. Grocery shopping

Most people shop for food once or twice a week, spending an average of 43 minutes in the store each trip, plus travel time. This means having a gig worker shop for you could save you two hours each week — more if you live far from a store, your store tends to be very crowded, or you shop more than twice a week.

While grocery delivery from just one store or warehouse, in the form of Peapod, Safeway.com, or Amazon Fresh, has been around for awhile, the appeal of getting your groceries through a gig app is that you get to choose what store the items come from, and deliveries can often be scheduled in as little as an hour. (See also: 6 Ways Having Your Groceries Delivered Can Save You Money)

The cost

Instacart, Postmates, and Shipt (owned by Target) all charge a per-delivery, annual, or monthly fee for groceries delivered by gig workers driving their own cars.

For Instacart, it's $3.99 to $7.99 per order, or $99 a year.
Postmates charges $9.99 a month or $95.88 a year, or a variable per-delivery fee of up to $20 per order.
Shipt, which delivers in 257 cities, charges $14 a month or $99 a year. If you choose to tip the delivery person, include that in your cost as well.

Also keep in mind that the per-item prices you're paying through these services might be more than the prices at the store. Instacart acknowledges markups on its site. For instance, for my main store, Safeway, it says "Item prices are higher than in-store prices in your area." Shipt comes out and tells its users that it's marking up groceries from "select retailers" as a form of service fee.

Cost per hour saved

Of course, you'll still spend some time selecting groceries on these apps and placing your order, but you'll save the time you would have spent driving to the store, parking, walking through the aisles and (worst of all) waiting in line. If you pay $150 a year in fees for one of these services to save two hours per week, that's a cost of only about $1.50 per hour saved. If you only would have spent an extra hour each week shopping, you'd be paying about $3 per hour saved.

Is it worth it?

If you make more than $20 an hour, it's probably a good deal to use a gig shopping app, especially if you don't own a car or work hours that make it difficult to get to the store outside of busy hours.

2. Dog walking

Walking the dog can be fun and good exercise, but if you have a long commute to work, getting the dog out midday can be impossible. Or maybe you're just too busy to give the dog as much exercise as he or she needs.

The cost

Wag! and Rover can send a gig worker to your door on demand or on a schedule to take out the pooch, at a cost of about $20 to $30 per 20- to 30-minute walk.

Cost per hour saved

If you're only saving the time it takes to walk the dog, you're spending about $1 per minute, or $60 an hour, which makes this service a pricey way to save time. However, more people probably use these services for workday walks. If you work 30 minutes from home, that $30 fee could be saving you 90 minutes, when you consider the walk and the round-trip travel.

Is it worth it?

If you're home, probably not. No matter how busy you are, it will likely do you good and might even make you more productive to get out for a walk with your pet. But if you're at work, it may be a good deal. (See also: How to Make $400+ a Week as a Pet Sitter)

3. Food delivery

Of all purported time-saving gig apps, food delivery apps such as Uber Eats, Caviar, and Postmates (for takeout, not groceries) make it hardest to pin down the benefits. Before these apps, you could already pick up the phone and order takeout, or hop in the car and hit the McDonald's drive thru.

So what do the gig apps add to the bargain? Each has its specialty. Caviar focuses on restaurants that didn't previously offer delivery, so you're probably saving driving time, parking, and waiting in line to pick up an order from a busy spot. If you're comparing ordering through one of these services to driving to the restaurant and having a sit-down meal, it might save hours, but for those who enjoy the restaurant ambience, that might not be a win.

The least time one of these apps can save you is the time of placing an order by phone, which by my count saves only about three minutes — but since ordering on the phone is annoying, those might be the best three minutes you ever saved.

The cost

Uber Eats charges fees of $2 to $8, depending on the distance of the customer to the restaurant, plus surge pricing if applicable. Caviar charges a variable delivery fee plus an 18 percent service fee. Postmates' $9.99 a month or $95.88 annual membership covers food delivery as well as groceries; non-members pay delivery fees of $3.99 to $9.99 per order or more during surge periods.

Cost per hour saved

Let's assume that the true time saved by ordering food through a gig app is 30 minutes, the time you'd take to place a phone order for takeout and drive to pick it up. If you order once a week through a Postmates annual membership, and tip $5 on each delivery, the service is costing you $7 per half hour saved, or $14 per hour.

Is it worth it?

If you order food often from restaurants that don't offer delivery, yes. For those bored with their regular delivery spots, these apps can really spice things up. But if you prefer to cook at home, eat at the restaurant, or have regular favorites who deliver, these apps may not be worth trying for you.

4. Doctor visits

It might be a shock to learn that some doctors are embracing the gig economy. But a host of startups are making it possible for doctors to make house calls or practice telemedicine in their spare time, or as their main practice.

If you're having a heart attack or just lost an appendage, clearly convenience isn't going to be the deciding factor and you'll need to head straight to an emergency room, preferably in an ambulance. However, if you have a urinary tract infection, a rash, you need an order for a strep test, have a suspected case of the flu, or just need a prescription refill, a doctor's office, urgent care, or emergency room visit can eat up hours of your life. In some practices I've used, just calling to make an appointment can take 15 minutes or more waiting on hold.

Then there's getting to the doctor's office and sitting in the waiting room — average wait times range from 15 to 27 minutes, depending on the city and type of doctor.

In contrast, the app Doctor on Demand can put you on a 15-minute call with a freelance doctor within five minutes. Then there are apps that allow you to schedule a house call with freelance doctors, such as Heal. For simple complaints, the potential time savings ranges from one hour on an easy doctor visit to five or more hours for one of those nightmare ER waits.

The cost

Doctor on Demand charges $75 for a 15-minute consultation, and they work with a number of employers and insurance companies. Heal charges a $149 flat fee, and also accepts a number of insurance plans.

Cost per hour saved

For an office visit, assuming you pay the app out of pocket, and your insurance copay for your regular doctor would have been $20, it may cost $55 to $79 to save one hour. If you can use one of these services to avoid an ER visit, the cost might be about the same, and you could save at least two hours.

Is it worth it?

If you can use one of these services to avoid an emergency room visit for a non-emergency, it could be very worthwhile.

For office visits, if one of these programs is covered by your insurance, it seems like a worthwhile thing to try. If you have to pay out of pocket, the time-saving would be worthwhile for high earners or those with very busy doctors offices.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Apps That Help You Save on Prescriptions

Kat Tretina — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:00:12 +0000

If you have an ongoing health condition that requires prescription medication, you're well aware of how expensive it can be. Rising medication costs have increasingly hurt consumers' wallets — and their health. In fact, in a recent survey by Consumer Reports, 17 percent of respondents said they didn't fill a needed prescription due to cost.

However, skipping your medication because you can't afford it can put your health at risk and can worsen your medical conditions. Thankfully, there are apps that can help reduce your costs and make your prescriptions more affordable. (See also: The One Question You Need to Answer to Choose the Best Health Care Plan)

1. Easy Drug Card

The Easy Drug Card is a discount prescription app you can use to save money on your prescriptions, if you don't have insurance or if your insurance won't cover the cost of your medicine. What sets the Easy Drug Card apart from similar apps is that you can also use it to save on your pet's medications, too.

With the Easy Drug Card, you get a discount of up to 80 percent off your prescription price.

2. FamilyWize

FamilyWize is a free app where you can download or print off a discount card and use it at any major pharmacy. This app is for everyone, whether or not you have insurance. Hand the card to the pharmacist, and they'll enter the card's information. The FamilyWize card is accepted at all major pharmacies, and the average savings is 40 percent per prescription.

3. GoodRX

Most people go to the same pharmacy to fill all of their prescriptions. It's easy and quick, but you might be paying a premium for that convenience.

Prescription drug prices can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy, even if you have insurance. For example, if you needed to fill a prescription for Lipitor in the Orlando area, you'd pay $23 at Walgreens. But, if you're willing to drive to Costco, you'd pay just $10 for the same exact medicine.

However, you don't need to call each pharmacy to get a quote. GoodRX is an app that helps simplify the process. Just download the app and enter the name of your prescription and it will list the price of the medicine at local pharmacies near you. Even better, GoodRX also posts coupons you can use at each pharmacy to save money, too. (See also: 7 Smart Ways to Invest in Your Health)

4. ScriptSave WellRX

ScriptSave WellRx helps you find the lowest price on your medications and offers discounts to help you save even more money. Just enter the name of your medication and zip code, and the app will tell you which local pharmacy offers the cheapest price. Download the ScriptSave WellRX savings card, and you'll save up to 80 percent on your prescriptions. It's especially helpful for those without insurance or who have very high copays.

5. CVS ExtraCare

With the CVS ExtraCare app, you can manage your prescriptions and sign up for the Health Rewards program. With this program, you can earn credits that can be redeemed for Target coupons.

You earn a $5 coupon for every 10 credits you earn:

Fill or refill a prescription: 1 credit
Fill or refill a 90-day prescription: 3 credits
Sign up for pharmacy alerts: 1 credit
Sign up for email reminders: 1 credit
Get a flu shot or vaccine from an in-store pharmacist: 1 credit
Add prescriptions to your online account: 3 credits

As you can see, these credits add up, and you can use the coupons on most items in the store, including food, gifts, or housewares.

6. Walgreens

The Walgreens app is a comprehensive tool you can use to manage your family's prescriptions. You can transfer prescriptions, order refills, and even chat with a pharmacy expert through the app.

The app can also help you save money by earning points for filling your prescriptions:

Earn 100 points for every 30-day prescription picked up in-store.
Earn 300 points for every 90-day prescription.
Earn 100 points per vaccination.

Those points can be redeemed for discounts at the register.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Things You No Longer Need to Keep in Your Wallet

Dr Penny Pincher — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:00:12 +0000

I recently noticed that most days, I never take my wallet out of my pocket at work. I always bring my lunch, and since I don't need to pay for anything else during the day, my wallet is basically dead weight. I decided to stop carrying it around altogether.

This walletless arrangement was convenient while I was at work, but I needed to remember it when I stopped to buy groceries or gas on the way home. After ending up in the checkout line without a way to pay a few times, I decided to set up mobile payment on my smartphone to avoid needing to run out to my car every time I forgot my wallet.

After my success leaving my wallet behind, I've come to realize that if you have a smartphone loaded with the right apps, you no longer need to carry around most of the things that are in your wallet. (See also: 5 Things to Never Keep in Your Wallet)

1. Credit cards

Mobile wallets allow you to use your smartphone instead of a credit card or cash to pay at a growing number of stores and restaurants. These apps are linked to one or more of your credit card accounts and transmit a payment code via near-field communication (NFC) technology to the retail terminal. Security measures are similar to using a chip card that produces a unique payment code for each transaction.

Here are some mobile wallet apps to check out:

2. Checks

Writing a check is one way to transfer money to someone else, but there are apps out there today that allow you to send money from your bank account to anyone simply by using their email address or username. Using a money transfer app means you don't need to carry checks in your wallet anymore.

Here are some mobile payment apps to check out:

3. Coupons

My coupon collection outgrew my wallet and overflowed into a small accordion file that I keep in my car. Is there any way to replace all of these paper coupons with something more convenient? The answer is yes; there's an app for that.

Here are some mobile couponing and cash back apps to check out:

4. Store loyalty cards

I used to carry several store loyalty cards in my wallet. These cards have a barcode on the back that the cashier scans so you can get perks and discounts when you shop at your favorite stores. But since you can ask the cashier to look up your store loyalty account using your phone number, you really don't need to carry the card around in your wallet. If you want a way to use loyalty cards without looking it up with your phone number, there are smartphone apps that can carry digital copies of your store loyalty cards.

Here are a few store loyalty apps to check out:

5. Contact info and account numbers

Another thing that keeps my wallet fat is business cards and small pieces of paper with important information written down — addresses, phone numbers, travel rewards program account numbers, and my consignment store account numbers. There's no longer a reason to carry stuff like this around and risk losing it or having it stolen. There are apps that let you store digital notes and keep contact information organized and available all the time.

Here are some digital note apps to check out:

6. Insurance cards

Every six months, I get new insurance cards for my car insurance policy and put one in my wallet. I also carry cards for my health, dental, and vision insurance policies. If you're putting your wallet on a diet, you can get digital insurance cards from many insurance providers to keep on your smartphone. If you want to take matters into your own hands, you can simply take a photo of your insurance cards and show the photo when someone needs your insurance information.

7. Photos

Wallet-sized photos were made for carrying around in your, well, wallet. But it has been decades since I've shown anyone photos in my wallet — I use my phone instead. I can store thousands of photos on my phone versus only a few in my wallet. Not to mention I can take pictures with my phone, too.

Apps to check out:

8. Receipts

It can be handy to keep receipts in your wallet in case you need to return something, but this can quickly make your wallet unwieldy. Use a smartphone app instead to digitize and organize your receipts and slim down your wallet.

Here are some receipt organizer apps to check out:

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Phone Plans That Offer Cheaper Roaming Charges While Traveling

Nick Wharton — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:30:11 +0000

For years, traveling internationally with a cellphone has lead to exorbitant roaming costs and astronomical charges racked up accidentally along the way. Though phone plans have improved considerably over the past few years — with carriers making international access a key part of their services — using your phone abroad can still be costly. There are also massive differences between what each company offers, and it can be difficult to determine which one to select if you spend a lot of time on the road. (See also: 8 Ways to Save on Smartphone Costs While Traveling)

To save you from running up unforeseen bills on your travels, check out these five phone plans that offer cheaper roaming charges.

1. AT&T International Day Pass

The International Day Pass from AT&T allows you to take your existing plan with you on the road so you're able to use your data, minutes, and text message allowance. It covers you in over 100 countries, is easily activated online or by calling them, and once it's added to your device, it stays there ready to go for each time you head abroad.

To qualify for the International Day Pass, you need to have a Mobile Share Plan or the AT&T Unlimited Plan. Conveniently, you only pay the $10 daily fee on the days that you actually use your package, rather than for each day you're abroad.

2. T-Mobile One Plan

T-Mobile's One Plan aims to be the simplest, most transparent plan on the market and this objective remains the same when it comes to taking it abroad. There's no need to change any settings on your account before your trip because international roaming comes as standard.

You're able to use your unlimited data in over 140 countries, but only with speeds of up to 128 kbps. This is fine for browsing the web or checking emails but no good for streaming or downloads. If you need higher speeds, you can upgrade to the One Plus plan for $10 per month to get 256 kbps. Texting is also free with the plan. Depending on how many lines you have, prices T-Mobile plans can be as low as $40 per month.

3. Sprint Global Roaming

With Sprint Global Roaming, international roaming coverage is enabled at no extra cost in more than 200 countries. In 165 destinations that are deemed "low service areas," the package also includes free texts, free data and low-speed data, and calls at just 20 cents per minute. It should be automatically configured on your smartphone without you having to do anything, so you can simply up and go whenever you want without having to worry about changing your package.

The service supports data speeds of up to 2G, which is good enough for basic web usage and things like map navigation, but won't cope with streaming or downloading. If you're a heavy user or need quicker speeds, Sprint has high speed data add-ons that will give you speeds up to LTE. In most destinations the cost will be $5 per day or $25 per week, and you can add this service even if you're already abroad. Sprint's basic plans start at $40–$60 per month.

4. Verizon Travel Pass

Verizon's Travel Pass plan is virtually identical to the AT&T International Day Pass, allowing you to take your existing plan with you to over 130 countries for a daily fee. In Mexico and Canada, you'll pay an additional $5 per day, and $10 per day in other countries. You'll be able to use your talk, text, and data.

You only pay for the days that you actually use the service, and not for each day that you're abroad. Verizon's regular unlimited plans come in at $75 per month for a single line and go as low as $40 per line ($160 per month) if you have four lines.

5. Google Project Fi

Google's Project Fi virtual network came up with a unique way of pricing its plan to give people the ability to only pay for what they use. You pay a flat rate of $20 per month for text and calls, then you pay $10 per GB of data that you use. The plan's simplicity means that it remains exactly the same providing you're in one of the 170+ destinations where they provide coverage.

One thing to note with Project Fi is that you have an extremely limited number of phones to choose from that are compatible with the network.

Alternatives to using mobile roaming data

Regardless of which provider you choose, there are pros and cons to using your data package abroad. However, to keep the costs down, there are ways to reduce your time spent using roaming data. (See also: Technology Hacks for the International Traveler)

Buy a local sim card

Depending on where you go, local sims are often the cheapest way to get data at a far lower price. Having used these all over the world, in my experience, they usually range in price from absolutely free to around $10. You can then access local prepaid rates that tend to be cheaper than international roaming rates.

Stick to Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi hot spots are available virtually everywhere, many are free of charge, and they can also provide quicker speeds than cellular data services. If you're able to save your online activity for when you're in range of one, or at your hotel or in a coffee shop with Wi-Fi, you'll save even more.

Extend your data

There are lots of apps available that help to extend your data by compressing it, so you use less than you ordinarily would. Many apps also have options in their settings to compress their data usage, including the Chrome browser, Facebook, and Instagram.

Turn off background data usage

Lots of apps use your data even when they're not actually being used, which can lead to those unexpected, and unbelievably high bills upon returning home. Your process to restrict or turn off background data usage depends on what model of phone you have. You can ordinarily do this in settings or on specific apps.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Ways to Protect the Data on Your Smartphone

Amy Lu — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:30:10 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on ways to prevent smartphone data breaches, how to save money at Lowe’s, and things that are worth paying top dollar for.

Best Money Tips: Easy Ways to Beat Smartphone Addiction

Amy Lu — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:30:10 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on ways to overcome smartphone addiction, financial advice that you should ignore, and small ways to recharge this summer.

5 Smart Ways to Save on Smartphones

Samantha Stauf — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:30:37 +0000

Phones and phone service plans are an almost inescapable part of modern society. Every few years, we must choose a new cell phone and a new service plan to invest in. It's a modern necessity that can take up a huge chunk of our monthly expenses.

Don't worry, there are several strategies that can help save you money on this necessity. (See also: The Smart Way to Pay for Cell Phone Service)

1. Repair the Phone You've Got

Do you have a glitchy or damaged phone? Tired of dealing with it? Don't sign up for a new phone just yet. Nearly every town has one or two smartphone repair shops that might be able to fix your phone.

The diagnostic tests to determine if the problem can be fixed are typically free. The actual repairs can run anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the device, the problem, and the store. That's still expensive, but it might be worth it if it prevents the need to purchase another $300 to $700 phone.

2. Sell Back Old Devices

If you determine it's time for a new cell phone, don't just throw the device in the trash. Many businesses have cell phone trade-in programs.

What exactly are trade-in programs? You sell the devices that are not currently being financed by a carrier or business to the store for cash. That's cash you can use to purchase your next phone. How much money you will receive is based on the following factors:

The phone type;
The phone's ability to power on;
If the phone has cracks on the screen.

The following stores have trade-in programs: Gazelle, Amazon, uSell, Best Buy, Walmart, EcoATM, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile.

You might also want to check out Trade-Up programs from various cell phone carriers and stores. Trade-Up programs allow you to trade in your old phone and put the money directly toward your next phone purchase.

3. Don't Purchase Phones Directly From Cellphone Carriers

Amazon, eBay, Best Buy, and even Costco (pretty much any store other than the traditional phone carriers) can offer cheaper smartphone options. You should shop around to see if you can find new, used, or refurbished phones for a cheaper price.

If you find a phone, you should check that the phone will be compatible with the cellular provider you use. (Some smartphones are locked to only work with certain providers.)

4. Purchase an Unlocked Smartphone

Why purchase an unlocked phone? Unlocked phones have the following benefits:

They're available at a variety of stores;
They aren't tied to one particular phone provider;
They can be slightly cheaper;
They allow the use of your phone on international trips;
You're able to leave a provider and take your phone with you.

If you decide to purchase an unlocked new, refurbished, or used smartphone, you need to keep in mind that you will most likely need to either purchase or receive a SIM card from a store or the cellular provider you opt to use.

Cell phone companies have different plans for unlocked phones. These plans typically have monthly payments like more traditional phone plans. Or, you can opt to just purchase pre-paid SIM cards from stores like Amazon and Best Buy.

5. Choose the Best Plan for You

Don't just sign onto the first provider you stumble across. You should check out a wide variety of plans before signing up. Consider your usage habits. Don't automatically sign up for the cheapest plan not knowing how much data you use each month. You'll be in for budget-breaking overage charges. But don't just sign up for the unlimited plan, either, just to have a safety net from possible overage charges. The only thing worse than paying for using too much data, is paying for data you'll never use.

Plan comparison sites can help you get a general sense of how much various phone providers cost. Two sites that can help you determine which provider offers the best plans are MyRatePlan.com and WhistleOut.com.

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Tools and Gadgets Your Smartphone Can Replace

Damian Davila — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:30:27 +0000

Cameras, phones, GPS devices — we all know about those. But did you know that your smartphone can replace a wide range of esoteric tools and devices? From the scientific calculator to the credit card reader to the remote control, here is a list of tools and gadgets you can replace with your smartphone.

1. Math Software

Yes, your smartphone already comes with a calculator and a scientific calculator. However, those calculators will give you little help when facing the challenges of a quadratic equation, system of linear equations, or inequality with absolute value. (See also: 11 Useful, Genius Math Tricks That Are Actually Easy)

This is where Photomath comes in, allowing you to snap a pic of virtually any type of math problem. The app then solves that problem for you, and showing you step-by-step instructions. Think of this app as one of those bulky Texas Instruments calculators on steroids! And the best part is that downloading the app is free.

2. Check Deposit Machine

It's Saturday, you just got that $600 check that you've been waiting for, and there's no way you can get to the bank before closing time. You also have no clue how close the next ATM that accepts check deposits is. Instead, you could endorse your check, add a note "for mobile deposit only," snap a pic of it, and receive up to $200 the next business day.

As early as 2009, many banks around the country have issued a smartphone app that allows account holders to do mobile check deposits. Most financial institutions make the first $200 of a mobile check deposit available for withdrawal the next business day, and the rest of the funds available on the second or third day for withdrawal. Contact your financial institution for more details and applicable rules.

3. Thermal Imaging Camera

Drafty windows are one of the sneaky home money pits that sap your savings. Hiring a contractor to check this out for you can cost you hundreds before even starting to fix the problem. The Flir One Thermal Imager is a device that turns your smartphone into a thermal imaging camera, allowing you to find drafty windows and other poorly insulated spots.

While you'll have to invest about $250 in a Flir One Thermal Imager, you can quickly make back that money by lowering your energy bill by up to 10% per year and taking advantage of rebates and special offers from Energy Star products used in your insulation projects.

4. Credit Card Reader

Since about 40% of Americans carry less under $20 in cash on them and 9% of them carry no cash at all, you shouldn't be surprised that it is even harder nowadays to get your friends and relatives to pay you back that $15 they owe you.

But you do know that your debtors have a debit or credit card laying around! So, leverage a credit card reader from PayPal or Square and start accepting card payments on your smartphone. While the two companies mail you the first credit card reader for free, PayPal and Square charge 2.7% and 2.75% per U.S. debit or credit card swipe, respectively. Paying up to $0.41 for having your $15 today instead of in two months isn't a bad deal at all.

Got no Internet connection? No problem, Square's app allows you to collect payment as long as you reconnect to the web within 72 hours from the time of the card swipe.

And if you want to forgo the phone attachment, you can also choose from several apps that allow users to transfer money to each other directly. (See also: 6 Mobile Payment Tools You Should Start Using Today)

5. Car Diagnostic Tool

As cars are becoming smarter, they all provide much more information than you think. With the Automatic Pro, you can connect to just about any car's standard diagnostics (OBD-II) port and unlock the data in your car's onboard computer. Most cars manufactured since 1996 have this port and are compatible with the Automatic Pro (here's the full list).

By investing about $130, you'll become a "car whisperer" and pay zero fees for unlimited monitoring. As a bonus, the Automatic Pro connects to many apps, such as Expensify and Freshbooks for invoicing mileage driven.

6. Level

How many times have you needed a level to hang a frame, mount a TV, or adjust the height of a table? A bubble level can cost you anywhere from $5 to $50 at your local or big box hardware store. Not to mention that you have to drive there, stand in line, and drive back, delaying your start time by up to a couple of hours to start that home project.

Instead, you could download a free level smartphone app, such as Bubble Level for Android devices or iHandy Carpenter for Apple devices, and get to work right away.

7. Universal Remote

At my home, we used to have a separate remote for the DVD player, the TV, the cable box, and the air conditioner. That was until we discovered that a smartphone can connect to many electronics and home appliances through its built-in infrared (IR) blaster.

While there are many universal remote controller apps out there, Peel gets top marks because it connects your smartphone to TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, entertainment portals such as Roku and Apple TV, audio systems, and home appliances such as air conditioners and heaters. You can download Peel for free, but you may need to purchase the Pronto 360-degree IR blaster, depending on the connectivity options of devices that you want to control.

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This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Bluetooth Trackers

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:00:08 +0000

If you tend to lose things (like your keys, phone, or wallet), then you need a Bluetooth tracker. It can help you find lost or misplaced items using your Bluetooth connection. These tracking devices can quickly find your lost belongings, so you can get out the door more quickly.

You can attach a tracker to your bike, electronics, keys, and anything else you tend to lose. You can even leave a tracker in your car, so you can always find your parking space when you’re shopping or using street parking.

What Is a Bluetooth Tracker?

A Bluetooth tracker is a small gadget that you can attach to important items that you’re worried about losing. Once you attach the tracker to your item, you can track it through the app. The tracker will emit an alarm so you can find your item in no time, or you can use a map on your device to find the item. It can save you time and frustration, making your life easier and less stressful.

Top 5 Bluetooth Trackers

Tile Mate

The Tile Mate is an updated version of the original Tile. It is now 25% smaller and has a hole in the corner, allowing you to easily hook it onto your keys or bag. It also now comes with four preset ringtones so you can customize the alarm sound.

You can easily track an item with the free Tile app. The app automatically records the last known location of your item on a map, so you can quickly find it. You can also make it ring when you get close. The small tracker can also find your phone by making it ring, even on silent. The durable, reliable, sealed, waterproof tracker has a sleek design and very good range. The best part is that if your item is stolen, you can mark it as such on the app. Then, any Tile that is within range of your item can alert the network of your item’s location so you can get it back in no time.

The non-replaceable battery lasts at least one year from activation. The Tile Mate works with Android and iOS devices, as well as electronics with Bluetooth 4.0. It is an Amazon best-seller and is recommended by Wired, PC Advisor, PCMag, The Wirecutter, TechCrunch, BuzzFeed, and USA Today. It also has outstanding online reviews, including nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Tile Slim is another option that is a bit slimmer, so you can more easily carry it in your wallet.

Currently $24.99 on Amazon

TrackR bravo Generation 2

The TrackR bravo Generation 2 has a sleek, simple design. The coin-sized device has two-way tracking capabilities and a distance indicator to let you know when you’re getting close to your item. It can quickly find your phone by making it ring, even on silent, or you can login to the website to see its location on a map. Thanks to custom separation alerts, if you leave your item behind, both your phone and TrackR device will ring to notify you.

The durable, effective tracking device has a one-year replaceable battery. You can also share important items with friends or family, so everyone can locate your items. The best part is that if your item is stolen, you can mark it as such on the app. Then, any TrackR that is within range of your item can alert the network of your item’s location so you can get it back in no time. In fact, TrackR claims to help find one million items every day.

This is available in a range of colors. It works with iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth 4.0 and has Alexa integration. It is frequently recommended online by publications like The Wall Street Journal and Tom’s Guide.

Currently $22.50 on Amazon

PROTAG Duet Bluetooth Tracker

With the PROTAG Duet Bluetooth Tracker, you can manage multiple valuables at once. It has two-way tracking for valuables attached to your Duet and your phone. The compact tracker features a Smart Alert to alert your phone when items are left behind, a Smart Locator to record the last GPS location, and a Smart Radar to scan an area of 30 meters to find valuables. It also has mobile protection, which allows it to capture a photo of the thief and record the SIM number. The replaceable battery should last about eight months.

This works with iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth 4.0. It is available in a range of colors. It is frequently recommended online by publications like The Wall Street Journal and Tom’s Guide. Some reviewers find the device to be faulty, but it is one of the most popular on the market.

Currently $29.90 on Amazon

XY3 3rd Gen Item Finder

This started as a Kickstarter campaign and the XY3 3rd Gen Item Finder is now one of the most popular Bluetooth trackers on the market. The new XY3 is water-resistant and five times louder than before. The exclusive KeepNear notifications let you know when your item is out of range, so you’ll know if you’re leaving something behind. It can quickly find your phone by making it ring, even on silent, or you can login to the website to see its location on a map. The best part is that if your item is stolen, you can mark it as such on the app. Then, any XY3 that is within range of your item can alert the network of your item’s location so you can get it back in no time. The small, lightweight device uses a standard, easily replaceable CR2032 battery.

This is available in eight different colors. It works with iOS and Android devices via a Bluetooth Low Energy signal. It has great reviews and is frequently recommended online.

Currently $25.43 on Amazon

CUBE

The CUBE uses a simple app to find your valuables in no time. It features the last known location on a map and uses Bluetooth to tell if you’re near your item, with up to 100-feet range. It also has a separation alarm to alert you if you left something behind. It can locate your phone with ring, vibrate, and flash, even if the app is not running. The waterproof tracker also works as a shutter button for your phone’s camera. It includes an extra battery, which should last you a year and can be replaced.

This works with Android and iOS devices, as well as most Bluetooth devices. It has great reviews and is frequently recommended online.

Currently $25.00 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best Bluetooth trackers. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Earn Extra Income With Your Smartphone Camera

Kat Tretina — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:30:31 +0000

You no longer need to carry around a digital camera to capture in-the-moment photos. Today's smartphones feature fantastic cameras with surprising quality and clarity. For example, the latest iPhone 7 boasts a groundbreaking new camera, including the ability to take RAW photos and capture images in low light.

The new camera quality in smartphones means they can be a tool to create a small photography side business. If you love taking photos and have a great eye, you can turn your artistic vision into cash, right from your phone.

These three sites will pay cash for your smartphone photos. Here's how to get started.

EyeEm

EyeEm is one of the largest smartphone-picture platforms, with over 18 million creators. Available to both iPhone and Android users, you can sell photos for anywhere from $20 to $250, depending on the license.

EyeEm also allows you to upload photos from your computer, so you can edit photos from your smartphone before posting them for sale.

Foap

Foap is a free app for iPhones that allows you to sell your photos. Once you sign up for an account, you upload your photos. To use any of your photos, a customer must purchase a photo license for $10; Foap keeps $5, and you get $5 as the artist.

The great thing about Foap is that you are not limited in how many times you sell a photo. If that one adorable picture of your dog appeals to customers, you can sell it 100 times or more.

Fotolia Instant

With the Fotolia Instant app, you can upload images from your Android or iPhone directly to Fotolia Instant Collection, which is a subset of the site dedicated solely to smartphone images for brands looking for stock images.

Fotolia Instant allows you to include a model release, add keyword information, and manage every aspect of the sales process. You get a 33% commission for every photo you sell. Once you reach $50 in sales, you can request your payout via PayPal or Skrill.

Tips for Selling Your Photos

While you can turn your smartphone into a money-earner, the stock photo market can be crowded with other sellers. To increase your chances of customers buying your pictures, try to think from their point of view and what they need. Most shoppers are small business owners and bloggers looking for stock photos.

They likely will need your photos for various purposes, so:

Make sure your photos are large enough that they can be resized without getting blurry or grainy.
Take advantage of your location. If your city has well-known landmarks or shopping districts, those areas can translate to very popular photos.
You can also get inspiration by checking out blogs and looking at the stock photos they use for ideas for what shots sell.

Turning Your Phone Into Cash

Instead of just snapping selfies and paying for an expensive data plan, turn your smartphone camera into a cash-earning machine. If you love taking photos and have a unique point of view, you can turn your camera into a decent side hustle. Post photos on various sites to maximize your chances of earning extra money, and keep adding fresh content to keep customers coming back.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

15 Ways to Prevent Your Smartphone From Wasting Data

Andrea Cannon — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 11:00:09 +0000

Do you burn through your smartphone data in the first week of the billing month? Are you constantly paying overage charges for additional data? We've got some tips to help prevent your smartphone from unnecessarily wasting data. This will save you money every billing cycle and ensure that you have the data you need to get you through the month.

Unlimited data plans would be the ideal solution for many of us, but most phone companies just don't offer those types of plans anymore, unless you're willing to start a family plan. Even if your phone carrier does offer such a plan, they are usually very expensive. Instead, try some of the tips below to see if they can help you get the data you need, without going over your allowance.

1. Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Is On

Usually, the biggest problem is that a person has turned off their Wi-Fi and has just forgotten about it. Before we begin talking about ways to save data, make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on in the first place. Once your Wi-Fi is turned on, you should try leaving it on at all times, if possible.

2. Turn Off Cellular Data

Cellular data is used when there is no Wi-Fi connection. This will allow you to use the Internet wirelessly, but will eat into your monthly data allotment. Consider turning off your cellular data whenever you aren't using your phone.

3. Find Data-Hungry Apps and Services

While turning off cellular data is the best way to prevent unexpected data usage, it is usually a last resort for most people. That's because when cellular data is turned off, you can't use your personal hotspot or send and receive MMS text messages.

Instead, you may want to disable cellular data only for certain apps and services. On an iOS device, visit Settings > Cellular to determine which apps are using the most data, so you can turn off cellular data for those specific apps.

4. Turn Off Automatic Downloads

Your data may also be used for automatic downloads or for services like iBooks and Safari's reading list. On an iOS device, you can turn this off with Settings > iTunes & App Store > Use Cellular Data for automatic downloads, Settings > Safari > Use Cellular Data for Safari's reading list, and Settings > iBooks > Use Cellular Data for iBooks.

5. Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist

Consider turning off your Wi-Fi assist whenever you aren't using your phone. Wi-Fi Assist automatically uses cellular data when the Wi-Fi connectivity is poor, which could be using up your data when you aren't expecting it.

6. Turn Off Background App Refresh

Your apps are automatically refreshing their content in the background. By turning off the refresh, you can preserve battery life and data. On an iOS device, you can do this under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

7. Turn Off iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive can automatically upload backups of your apps, which can use up data when you're least expecting it. Consider turning off your iCloud drive altogether.

8. Turn Off iCloud Photos

When your iCloud photo library is turned on, your phone will automatically upload and store your entire photo library and iCloud. This can quickly eat away at your data, so consider turning it off.

9. Turn Off Data Roaming

To restrict all data to Wi-Fi, including email, web browsing, and push notifications while you're traveling, turn off data roaming. You can do this on an iOS device with Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.

10. Use Low-Power Mode

If your phone offers a low power mode, it is best to leave this on whenever possible. This mode temporarily reduces power consumption until you have fully recharged your phone. When it is on, your phone won't refresh apps, fetch mail, or automatically download updates, which can save your battery and data.

11. Turn Off High-Quality Music Streaming

If you are listening to music without a Wi-Fi connection, you may be using up your data. With higher-quality music, more data is needed to stream it. You can shut off cellular data for your music altogether through Settings > Music > Use Cellular Data. This will only allow you to listen to music when Wi-Fi is available. You can also simply disable high-quality music.

12. Use Lower-Quality Video Streaming

When you're watching a YouTube video and don't have access to Wi-Fi, consider viewing the video at a lower resolution. Click on the three dots on the video and select a lower resolution, like 144p.

13. Listen to Spotify Offline

If you prefer to use Spotify, consider setting your favorite playlists to "Available Offline." This will allow you to play your favorite songs without streaming.

14. Adjust Your App Settings

If you frequent social media apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, consider adjusting the settings on these apps. For instance, on all three social media apps, you can set it to auto-play videos only when you're connected to Wi-Fi (or not at all). Usually, these apps are set to auto-play videos using both Wi-Fi and data, which can use up your data to download the video, even if you weren't planning on playing it. On each of your social media pages, visit Settings to make the adjustments.

15. Call Your Cellular Provider

When all else fails, you can simply call your cellular provider for advice. There may be an error, which is no fault of yours. Otherwise, your provider can usually track down where most of your data was used, so you have an idea of which apps or services are draining your data. Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon also offer a rough estimate of your data usage online.

How to Turn Off Apps and Services

If you aren't sure how to turn off cellular data, iCloud, or background app refresh, look under Settings. They are usually all under the General or iCloud sections. However, every phone is different, so if you are having trouble, ask your phone service provider or phone manufacturer for help.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Smart Way to Pay for Cell Phone Service

Andrea Cannon — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 09:30:28 +0000

The average person spends just under $100 per month on their smartphone bill. This can be a hefty amount for any single person or couple to contend with, especially if they're trying to save money. Fortunately, there are some cheaper options available, but it's important to first decide if a prepaid or postpaid plan is right for you.

Prepaid (Off-Contract) Plans

Prepaid contracts mean less commitment, and maybe even less money, but does it make sense for your lifestyle?

Benefits of Prepaid

With a pre-paid plan, you won't have to worry about a contract, a credit check, late fees, or activation fees. You simply pay for what you need at the beginning of the month and enjoy a cellphone with less commitment and no binding contracts. The major phone carriers also charge less for their prepaid plans than they do for their traditional plans.

In the event that you aren't happy with the prepaid phone service that you chose, you can always switch to another plan later with no penalties. You can even test out a phone plan to see if it offers reliable coverage in your area. Then, if you find that you need better coverage in your area, or feel another carrier would offer better coverage when traveling, simply make the switch.

Keep in mind that each cell phone carrier will have its own stipulation on which phones you can use. For instance, some carriers will require you to purchase one of their smartphones, while others will require you to bring your own unlocked phone, and you will just need to pay an additional $10 for a SIM card. Before you sign up for a prepaid plan, make sure that they will accept your phone of choice.

Who It's Right For

If you tend to go over your cell allowance every month, then a prepaid plan can keep you in check, so you don't overspend. If your teen wants a cellphone, then a prepaid plan is the best way to go as it will limit how much they're able to talk and text every month, and you can even set up approved numbers and usage times, so they aren't calling their friends in the middle of the night.

Cheapest Plan

With so many prepaid options available, you can still stick with the big name providers, and save money in the process.

Verizon has popular prepaid phone plans, starting at only $30 per month. They will even give subscribers an extra 1GB of data per month if you set up automatic payments.

Sprint offers three popular prepaid plans, starting at just $35 per month for 1GB high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.

AT&T offers plans starting at only $30 per month (with an additional $5 per month discount if you set up automatic payments), but you can also choose from plans that allow you to pay $2/day or $0.25/minute.

T-Mobile offers affordable prepaid plans, including a $30 per month plan, which includes 5GB of data, unlimited text, and 100 minutes of talk time, which is ideal for anyone who doesn't use their phone for talking much. T-Mobile and Cricket also offer good prepaid family plans. If you make calls to other countries, then Ultra Mobile (from T-Mobile) offers a range of plans, which include unlimited texting and calling overseas, and starts at only $19 per month.

If you don't need data, then you can easily find a $25 prepaid plan that includes unlimited talk and text through T-Mobile, Metro PCS, or Cricket Wireless. Straight Talk, Boost Mobile, and Virgin Mobile also offer affordable, straightforward prepaid plans.

The Wirecutter also recommends Consumer Cellular, which offers service similar to AT&T's, at a reduced price. Their most affordable plan is only $10 per month (per line) and allows family members on the same plan to share minutes and enjoy free calls between those phones. If you have the time to compare, there are a lot of other viable options, from less popular cell phone service providers.

Postpaid (Contract) Plans

It might be the more reliable option, but does that make it the best?

Benefits of Postpaid

Many cell phone users cite the most important benefit of postpaid plans is the reliability. For instance, if you're having trouble with your coverage, it can be more difficult to get a timely solution on a prepaid plan, especially if you don't choose a plan through one of the major carriers. If the data network is congested, contract plans get priority, so you won't experience as many slowdowns in service. Most customers find that they get better customer service with a contract plan as well.

With a postpaid plan, you can go over your limits and simply pay a fee at the end of the month, which is ideal if you aren't sure how much data you'll need. On the other hand, with a prepaid plan where you purchase credit, if you go over your credit, you just won't be able to use your phone.

Who It's Right For

Postpaid plans are great for families. With so many family plans available, you can find the perfect one for every member of your household. Some family plans will allow up to 10 lines on one plan. Prepaid plans tend to top off at about 3GB of data per month, so if you or your family uses a considerable amount of data, then you'll need to look for an appropriate postpaid plan.

If you need a new phone, consider signing up for a postpaid contract, which usually includes a new smartphone at no cost or at a very low cost. Consider the cost of the phone you want (and whether a prepaid plan would even accept it) to see if you'd be saving more money by choosing the postpaid plan and free phone, as opposed to a prepaid plan and the purchase of a new phone.

Cheapest Plan

Virgin Mobile offers the most affordable plan from a major carrier at $35 per month with unlimited talk and texting and 5GB of high-speed data. Republic Wireless offers the best deal for one person at only $15 per month, while T-Mobile and Sprint offer the best deals for families.

The best plan may not necessarily be the cheapest plan. Along with considering the price, you should also consider the network coverage and download speeds. Certain carriers have better coverage in certain areas, so you want to make sure that you go with the carrier who can provide service no matter where you are.

Some employers and schools will also offer discounts for postpaid plans through certain carriers — which can save you a lot. You can also get a discount from some carriers for setting up automatic payments.

If you live in a large city, most carriers will offer dependable coverage there, so you won't have to pay for one of the more expensive plans that offer coverage everywhere. If you live in a more remote area, you may need to pay a higher fee for more coverage.

Which Plan Is Right for You?

Contract plans can have a range of additional fees, like activation fees, monthly access fees, and more. You will want to consider that when comparing whether prepaid or postpaid is right for you. It's important to also take into account how many people will be on your account and how much data you'll need.

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Sites That Will Pay for Your Old iPhone

Kat Tretina — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 10:00:09 +0000

The new iPhone 7 is out, and demand for the latest device from Apple is huge. Along with the hype is a sky-high price tag — the 256GB version with 5.5-inch display costs just under $1,000. To offset the steep cost of the new phone, selling your old one is a smart idea.

Perks of Selling Your Phone Yourself

When it comes to getting the best price for your phone, you have to sell it yourself. If you opt to trade it in with your carrier or an electronics store, you may get as little as $75 for your older iPhone. Considering that you likely spent $500 or more to buy it just a couple of years ago, that's a depressing rate of depreciation. You will get a lot more if you sell it on your own.

These are five places to sell your phone and get the best prices. We used an iPhone SE with 16GB in excellent condition to compare offers.

1. Best Buy

Best Buy's trade-in program offers a surprisingly good value, paying $200 for the phone. The one downside is that you need to trade the phone in person to get cash. Otherwise, if you decide to mail it in, you will get emailed an electronic gift card.

2. Gazelle

With Gazelle, you get an offer for your phone right away. Just select your phone model, storage capacity, and condition, and they will give you a quote. Gazelle offered $170 for the iPhone SE, plus a $20 credit toward the purchase of a new device. Gazelle offers free shipping and pays quickly via check, Amazon gift card, or PayPal.

3. NextWorth

NextWorth offered $142 for the phone, one of the lowest quotes yet. However, they offer more competitive prices on other devices. For example, they offered $150 for the Samsung Galaxy Note, which was more than other sites offered.

4. Gadget Salvation

Gadget Salvation is willing to pay $158 for an iPhone SE in excellent condition. You can ship your phone to them for free and get paid via check or PayPal.

5. eBay

To get the highest price, eBay is often your best option. It requires more work on your part — and you need to be wary of scams — but selling on the popular auction site is more lucrative than going through an intermediary. Several auctions for the iPhone SE 16GB phones have ended with buyers paying as much as $305 for a used phone. Even after paying for shipping yourself, that's a lot more money than you would make with the other sites.

Choosing Where to Sell

While it can be time-consuming, it's a good idea to check each of the sites to see how much you can get for your phone. Depending on supply and demand, some of the sites may offer higher prices at certain times than others. Check each site for a quote before choosing where to sell your phone to get the most money.

Do your homework before trading in your phone, and you can get top dollar for your old device. That extra money can be a huge help in purchasing a new phone and cut down on your out-of-pocket costs.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways Siri Can Be Your Personal Finance Assistant

Tim Lemke — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 10:30:15 +0000

We're still a few years away from having personal robot assistants, but voice-activated applications on most modern smartphones are already making our lives easier. Apps like Apple's Siri or Microsoft's Cortana can be helpful in a number of ways, and are particularly useful as personal finance helpers.

I personally use Siri a lot to help me stay on track with my finances, and I am always surprised at how much the app can help me get information without the need to even type or search the web myself.

Siri won't make you rich, but it can help you be smarter about your finances without a lot of work. Check out these personal finance tasks that Siri and similar apps can help you with.

1. Check Stocks

It's easy to use Siri to track the performance of your investments or the overall stock market. Just say, "I need the stock price for Apple," and Siri will tell you the price and the daily movement. It's also an easy way to check on the ticker symbol.

2. Helping You Calculate the Best Bargain

Quick, what's a better deal? Three 20-ounce cans of juice for $6, or four 24-ounce cans for $9? To find out, you'll need to calculate prices on a per-ounce basis. Asking Siri to perform some simple math will help you learn that the second deal is a little bit better.

3. Driving Directions

Yes, accurate driving directions can help you with your finances. That's because you can plan trips to ensure the shortest route, thus saving you gas. You can also find routes to avoid tolls and bad traffic.

4. Finding the Nearest ATM

You need cash right away, but you'd rather not go to the first ATM you see, because it may not be tied to your bank. To avoid a fee, you can ask Siri to find you the nearest branch of your bank or a surcharge-free ATM.

5. Research Food Ingredients

When you're at the grocery store, you may come across products that like to tout certain ingredients, and you sometimes pay a premium for them. ("Sweetened with agave nectar!") Before you buy, you may want to do a little bit of research on what these ingredients are and whether they are worth paying extra for. Siri and similar apps can help you with this.

6. Set Reminders

You never want to be late paying your bills, and you don't want to be charged for missing things like doctor's appointments. You can use Siri to remind you of important things. All you need to do is tell Siri what you want to be reminded about, and when. ("Remind me to finish this article for Wise Bread at 10 p.m.") There's even location-based reminders, like "Remember to mail the mortgage check when you are near the post office." You can also use Siri to adjust or create to-do lists on your phone.

7. Figure Out Tips

What's 18% of $43.95? And how can you split that four ways? Siri can help you. Siri will even know local taxes, to help you calculate checks before they even come.

8. Find Out How Much Things Cost

Using Siri, you can look up pricing information for a wide range of products. If you simply ask "Find me prices for a Toyota Corolla," it will provide you MSRP and invoice prices, plus other related charges, and even shows a chart with historical price information. It's still not easy to do true comparison shopping, but you'll learn enough to know if a particular store is trying to rip you off.

9. Find Budgeting Apps

If you need some extra personal finance help from your smartphone, Siri can help you find it. A simple query like, "Find me some budgeting apps," will give you a list of saving and money management apps from the app store.

How do you use Siri or Cortana or Google Now to help you stay on top of your finances?

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This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Apps That Make Budgeting Fun — No Really!

Ashley Eneriz — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 09:00:10 +0000

Budgeting is not just essential for those who are trying to squeeze two pennies out of one. Tracking expenses and setting spending and savings goals is beneficial for anyone — no matter the amount of your paycheck.

However, tracking every expenditure on paper or through a spreadsheet can be tedious and even cause us to forgo the healthy habit of budgeting a month in. These apps will take the pain and boredom from budgeting, and you might even have fun in the process. (See also: One Simple Thing You Can Do to Start Budgeting Today)

1. Pennies

One of the best things about using Pennies for iOS is that it allows a lot of flexibility. Many people do not work with a set salary and do not know their paycheck amount each pay period. Pennies allows users to create budgets that can be set for weekly, monthly, one-off, or payday budgets.

Another benefit of this simple-to-use app is that you are presented with daily targets of what to spend and how your next day spending will be affected. Knowing a $5 latte will make your budget tight tomorrow might help you forgo unnecessary splurges.

($1.99 iOS)

2. Prosper Daily

How about a little competition? Prosper Daily is a free app that allows users to compete with their previous month's budget to see if they can do better in the current month. The app also connects to financial accounts and tracks spending effortlessly. There is no need to document every expenditure.

Another benefit of Prosper Daily is that the app can protect users from suspicious account activity or duplicate charges. Since it is free, it is a smart idea to download this app just to use it for the account safeguarding feature alone.

Note: Prosper Daily used to be known as "BillGuard."

(Free iOS, Android)

3. CoinKeeper

The envelope system of budgeting is clever, but it can be such a hassle to use. Who wants to carry around different envelopes of cash everywhere with them? CoinKeeper allows users the same benefits of budget envelopes, but all at their fingertips. This is a great financial tool for tactile learners, since users can move coins and designate an amount to each area of their budget.

(Classic version $5.99 iOS, Free version iOS, Android)

4. Digit

Waiting until the end of the month to deposit leftover money into a savings account is unwise. Usually, there is no money left by the end of the month. Instead, use an app like Digit to sock away a little bit of money throughout the month.

The app cleverly connects to a user's checking accounts and looks for opportunities to transfer $5–$50 every two to three days to that user's savings account. However, you will not have to worry about overdraft fees, since the app never takes more than you can afford. The app also comes with a no-overdraft guarantee, which means the company will cover the fee up to two times per member.

(Free iOS)

5. Toshl

Monsters on a budgeting app? Yes, Toshl uses fun creatures and bright colors on its app interface. Toshl is a favorite app among many because it integrates with phone, tablet, and desktop devices. Toshl is easy to use and offers bill reminders, monthly budget summaries, as well as an easy way to export tracking to Excel.

(Free iOS, Android)

6. BUDGT

Don't let variable income keep you from keeping track of how much you make and how much you spend. BUDGT works well with variable income and allows you to easily input expenses and track how much money is left. The best part is that the app is simple and easy to use. It might take a few days to get into the habit of inputting your expenses, but once you get used to it, it can be a healthy habit to transform your spending.

($1.99 iOS)

7. Mvelopes

Similar to CoinKeeper, Mvelopes is a digital version of envelope-based budgeting. The free version can be downloaded on iOS and Android phones, but to get the full, deluxe version, there will be a one-time $95 cost. It will take a little bit of learning time to get into the method of zero-based budgeting. The idea behind this way of budgeting is that every dollar has a designation. This prevents money from being spent thoughtlessly.

If you look at your bank account at the end of the month and see an extra $50, you might mistake it as "free" money and spend it foolishly. With an envelope system, that $50 would have been categorized into savings or even designated towards books or clothing. It is important to give your money a job, or it will be useless to you.

The best budgeting app is the one that is used. If you are serious about making budgeting a regular habit, then you need to find the right tool to work for you. Everyone is different, so if the first app you try doesn't fit your needs or tastes, don't worry. Just try something else.

(Free iOS, Android)

What is your favorite budget app to use? Share with us!

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

smartphone

How Much Time Do Gig Apps Really Save You?

1. Grocery shopping

The cost

Cost per hour saved

Is it worth it?

2. Dog walking

The cost

Cost per hour saved

Is it worth it?

3. Food delivery

The cost

Cost per hour saved

Is it worth it?

4. Doctor visits

The cost

Cost per hour saved

Is it worth it?

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6 Apps That Help You Save on Prescriptions

1. Easy Drug Card

2. FamilyWize

3. GoodRX

4. ScriptSave WellRX

5. CVS ExtraCare

6. Walgreens

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8 Things You No Longer Need to Keep in Your Wallet

1. Credit cards

2. Checks

3. Coupons

4. Store loyalty cards

5. Contact info and account numbers

6. Insurance cards

7. Photos

8. Receipts

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5 Phone Plans That Offer Cheaper Roaming Charges While Traveling

1. AT&T International Day Pass

2. T-Mobile One Plan

3. Sprint Global Roaming

4. Verizon Travel Pass

5. Google Project Fi

Alternatives to using mobile roaming data

Buy a local sim card

Stick to Wi-Fi

Extend your data

Turn off background data usage

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Best Money Tips: Ways to Protect the Data on Your Smartphone

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Best Money Tips: Easy Ways to Beat Smartphone Addiction

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5 Smart Ways to Save on Smartphones

1. Repair the Phone You've Got

2. Sell Back Old Devices

3. Don't Purchase Phones Directly From Cellphone Carriers

4. Purchase an Unlocked Smartphone

5. Choose the Best Plan for You

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7 Tools and Gadgets Your Smartphone Can Replace

1. Math Software

2. Check Deposit Machine

3. Thermal Imaging Camera

4. Credit Card Reader

5. Car Diagnostic Tool

6. Level

7. Universal Remote

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The 5 Best Bluetooth Trackers

What Is a Bluetooth Tracker?

Top 5 Bluetooth Trackers

Tile Mate

TrackR bravo Generation 2

PROTAG Duet Bluetooth Tracker

XY3 3rd Gen Item Finder

CUBE

Earn Extra Income With Your Smartphone Camera