#PINNED: These apps will help you be smarter with your finances

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Saving money is not really a priority now, we know. We have the pandemic and the seemingly blasé response of the government to it to worry about. However, that doesn’t mean that we should neglect saving for a literal emergency – we don’t know what the future holds for us, so wouldn’t it be better for our mental health (peace of mind) to have a safety net in case things get even more pear-shaped?

The numerous online shopping apps and the multitude seller contacts on your phone clearly show that you need help organizing your finances. It also doesn't help that this pandemic isn’t doing your retail therapy tendencies any good. Guilty? Check out these apps to help you be smarter with your finances—from keeping your finances in order to helping you save some coin.

Budgeting and Expense Tracker

Designed by mindandi / Freepik

1. Money Manager

If you prefer being detailed on your financial records, you might want to try Money Manager. It’s easily customizable which makes it easier to tailor it based on your needs. You can add photos of your receipt in your logs for easier documentation, and then backup your data later on. Aside from your transactions, the app also lets you track your savings, insurance, loans and real-estate. It’s also a great app if you want to manage all your accounts—Checking, Savings, Emergency Fund, etc.—in one place.

Available on Android and iOS

2. Fudget

If you prefer simple and straight to the point user interface, then Fudget is perfect for you. It has a no-fuss design that lets you create a straightforward list of your income and expenses. They don’t have the complexity of categories and accounts. This is perfect for quick daily logs of your transactions — no frills, no complicated instructions!

Available on Android and iOS

3. Monefy

If you want the simplicity of Fudget, but also want to have the categories just like in Money Manager, then this app is a good middle ground for the two previously mentioned apps. It doesn’t have as many customizable features but it also gets the job done. It’s perfect for those who still want their logging experience quick and easy while still being a little bit more detailed on their records by having the liberty to categorize transactions together.

Available on Android and iOS

4. Fortune City

This app gives the whole tracking of your finances a different take by incorporating it into a fun game where you can build your own city for every transaction that you log into the app. This is perfect for users especially beginners who still aren’t used to regularly logging their finances. The app also rewards you achievements for every milestone you unlock which can help you get more motivated to develop your habit of tracking  your cash flow. It takes away the stress of managing your finances by blending in the fun and relaxation in gaming.

Available on Android and iOS

Savings Tracker

Designed by Freepik

1. 52 Weeks Money Challenge

We’ve all heard about the 52-Week Savings Challenge where every week, you’re supposed to save a certain amount to reach your annual goal. If you’re someone who gets fuelled by accomplishing goals and is G to take on that challenge, then this app is for you. This app helps you get more motivated to achieve your savings goals by breaking it down to smaller amounts that you tick off weekly.

Available on Android and iOS

Rebate and Discount

Designed by tirachardz / Freepik

1. Shopback

For when you need to shop (keyword: need), Shopback is a great app to get some cashback on your purchases online. They have many partner stores including Zalora, Foodpanda, Nike, Grab Food, and Air Asia. For every purchase you make, you get a percentage of your money back. No matter how small, it still adds up for some extra savings on your end.

Available on Android and iOS

2. Metrodeal

Get updated with vouchers with huge discounts for things you need to buy. They offer great deals for restaurants, buffets, spas, hotels, gadgets and more. Just remember that you only have to watch out for discounts on items you need, not on items you think you need but in reality is not really that much of a necessity.

Available on Android and iOS

3. Booky

Booky, just like Metrodeal, also offers lots of vouchers. They’re famous for offering Buy 1 Take 1 promos from various restaurants. If you’re thinking of ordering takeout or having your food delivered, you may consider the restaurants offering promos on Booky to help you save more. Aside from food, they also offer deals on beauty, fitness, relaxation, and other activities.

Available on Android and iOS

During these trying times, we all don’t really have a choice but to learn how to get smarter with our finances. We don’t know what could happen tomorrow, so if we can, we should start avoiding our shopping apps and start using saving apps instead. These apps, when used wisely, can be helpful tools to us and make our lives a little bit easier.