I’m often asked about my financial toolkit and the specific apps I use. The reality is I’ve tried so many and learned the best apps that work for my situation.
I want you to know that many of these apps do have monthly service fees. I am okay with paying for a service that does the work I need it to do. The saying is true: you get what you pay for. But, these apps are robust, and for a few dollars, a month makes my life easier and helps me achieve goals.
Money Management
I want to be that person that says I love budgeting. I don’t. I use budgeting (cash flow calculation part) as part of my financial planning and goal-setting process. However, I use net worth and spending trackers to keep me on target to achieve my goals.
Truebill – I love the simplicity of the spend tracking app. I connect all my accounts, and it monitors and gives alerts based on my spending. Additionally, they can negotiate or cancel subscriptions.
Personal Capital – the app connects with my accounts and can track my net worth. It has other features, but I use it to get a bird’ eye view of my net worth.
Investing
I am all about long-term passive investing. Recently, however, I’ve gotten into some active investing. These are the apps I use that help me continue to build wealth.
Public – I really enjoy their community feature. You’re able to view the stocks I own and stocks on my watchlist. So if you want to see what I’m doing publicly, get started with this app (iOS only right now). Follow my Public portfolio. Promo: Get $10 worth of DIS, PTON, TSLA, SHOP, ZM, AAPL, AMZN, etc.> Public
M1 Finance – This is where I house my index and ETFs. An easy-to-use app that lets me set it and forget it. I’ve set automatic transfers per week, and it’s auto-invested. There are no minimums and no fees.
Credit Monitoring & Scores
Self: My score jumped 87 points using their credit builder product. They don’t even pull your credit report and will report to all three credit bureaus. Get started with Self.
Credit Karma – I’ve used Credit Karma forever, and I like seeing where my scores are with 2 bureaus. Getting alerts is my favorite part of the app, so I know what’s happening with my credit monthly.
Learn more about credit reports and scores here.
Spending Apps
I don’t particularly appreciate spending more than I have to spend. So, I use cashback apps to reduce the cost of an item. I’ve used these apps to help me save money that I could add to savings goals or debt payoff.
Rakuten – it’s my primary shopping portal and cashback app. It’s effortless to use. Every purchase I make online starts with Rakuten. And with their Chrome extension, I’m alerted if potentials cashback or coupons are available. Promotion: $30 Signup bonus > Rakuten
For the Kids
I have 9 nieces and 3 nephews. You can imagine how expensive that can be. So, instead of buying toys, I’ll buy little trinkets and save money for them in separate accounts. They’re getting older and now use Goalsetter, which allows them to set up their own savings goals. I can easily contribute to their goals and send them cash gifts. What I love about Goalsetter is the focus on financially educating these kids. Promotion: $5 signup bonus > Goalsetter
My Business Stack
The following are the tools used to help run phroogal.com.
Siteground: By far, the best hosting I’ve used with stellar support and uptime. I’ve been with them for 5 years. Get hosting with Siteground at a reduced rate of $4.99 per month using my link. I do suggest getting the 3-year plan as the introductory rate doesn’t carry.
Convertkit: The easiest to use email marketing for creators. Create opt-ins and downloads for subscribers. Get your first 1000 email subs free with this link.
Appsumo: Deals upon deals for small businesses. I’ve gotten lifetime deals on truly amazing products. Some duds, but for the price, it’s well worth it. Get lifetime deals on software and tools that can help you grow your business. Use this link to get $10 off your first order.
Google Workspace: Has been the best platform for email, cloud, voice, and virtual meetings.
Rocket Lawyer: Get the legal forms you need using templates for NDAs and freelancers. Get started with Rocket Lawyer free for 7-days.
Canva: All-in-one design platform makes it easy to create for Instagram, ebooks, forms, and more. I have their Pro plan, and it’s nice to create folders and share them with designers. Try Canva out for yourself.
Nav: Make sure you start establishing your business credit. Nav helps you access your business credit profile from DUNS. Handy tools. Free and premium. Learn more on setting your business for better credit.
Gusto: Pay yourself income. Gusto makes it easy for solopreneurs to pay themselves as employees and do all the payroll tax filing and paying. The fee is simple and affordable. Learn more about Gusto for your business.
I’ll continue to update this list. Let me know your thoughts. Do you use any of these apps? Do you have suggestions?
