Published on http://www.aggietownsquare.com on October 7, 2009.
You really can't deny it. Whether you use your Dad's 10-year-old work laptop or have a shiny new Macbook Pro, almost everyone can agree that Apple is just down right cool. Yes, I'm probably a bit biased, but you really can't help but drool over the sleek and simple designs, striking color schemes and incredible top-of-the-line technology. You really can't top a Mac. Windows, Dell, HP, Gateway, they might be good computers, but they just don't have that "cool" factor Mac has. In fact, I'd almost compare Windows to a frumpy, chubby business man and Apple to a hip guy in his mid '20s. Windows man is certainly functional and professional, in his 10-year-old suit and wide rimmed glasses, but Apple man is sleek, modern and comfortable. I think I could be friends with Apple man. He's got a sense of humor, and it seems like he even wants to help make my life a little easier. Hmm ... This would make a good Apple ad. Heck, I could work for Apple's marketing team with these ideas.
All right, enough with the dumb jokes (in case you're confused, check out Apple's TV ads at www.apple.com). One of the amazing technologies Apple offers is applications for the iPhone and iPod touch (you know, the "there's an app for that" ads). "Apps" are purchased on iTunes, downloaded onto an iPhone or iPod touch and used to make life a little more fun, easy or interesting. There really is an app for everything. For just a few dollars (or for free, many cost nothing) you can buy an app to help you track weightloss (Weightbot), read a Shakespeare play (Shakespeare), tune an instrument (Cleartune), check surfing conditions (Surf Report), set the DVR (DirectTV), go fishing (Flick Fishing), create anatomy flashcards (Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards) and the list goes on and on. According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, there were 50,000 available apps in June of this year. And yes, some are less than useful Apps (digital fishing? come on), but there are thousands that can make life a little easier or more enjoyable, including apps to help you save and manage your money. I looked through the app store on iTunes and picked out a few I thought would be useful for a college student to help manage and handle finances.
All right, enough with the dumb jokes (in case you're confused, check out Apple's TV ads at www.apple.com). One of the amazing technologies Apple offers is applications for the iPhone and iPod touch (you know, the "there's an app for that" ads). "Apps" are purchased on iTunes, downloaded onto an iPhone or iPod touch and used to make life a little more fun, easy or interesting. There really is an app for everything. For just a few dollars (or for free, many cost nothing) you can buy an app to help you track weightloss (Weightbot), read a Shakespeare play (Shakespeare), tune an instrument (Cleartune), check surfing conditions (Surf Report), set the DVR (DirectTV), go fishing (Flick Fishing), create anatomy flashcards (Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards) and the list goes on and on. According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, there were 50,000 available apps in June of this year. And yes, some are less than useful Apps (digital fishing? come on), but there are thousands that can make life a little easier or more enjoyable, including apps to help you save and manage your money. I looked through the app store on iTunes and picked out a few I thought would be useful for a college student to help manage and handle finances.
1. BillTracker (99 cents): Being late on a bill is one of the worst things you can do to your credit score. This app helps you manage and schedule all your bill due dates, account and amount information, account history information and gives you a reminder for when the bill is due.
2. Tip Calculator Top (99 cents): This app calculates a tip based on what percentage you'd like to pay. It also easily splits the tip for multiple bills.
3. ATM Hunter (free): No need to enter your address or location. The ATM Hunter is location aware and automatically finds the closest ATM to where you are. You can make the search more specific to find your bank's ATM, surcharge free ATMs, drive-through, 24-hour service and wheelchair accessible. The app then gives you directions to the nearest ATM.
4. Owed (99 cents): This App helps you keep track of items you've borrowed and money you owe.
5. Save Benjis (99 cents): Out shopping and find something you'd like to buy? Want to know if you can find it cheaper somewhere else? Save Benji's allows you to comparison shop to see if any stores or online source carry the item for cheaper (perhaps textbooks?). A similar price comparison app "Compare Me" ($1.99) allows you to compare items that come in different sizes, measurements or packs to find the best deal.
6. Debt Freedom ($1.99): This app automatically sort debts by balance or interest rate to become debt free as soon as possible.
7. Balance (free or Checkbook for $1.99): Avoid overdraft charges with this app – designed to replace a paper checkbook. Just enter your charges and it keeps track of an account balance for you.
8. IXpenseIt ($4.99 or the Lite version for free): This app allows you to access, update, track and view reports of your budget anytime, anywhere.
9. Mobile Banking (usually free): Many banks offer free mobile banking apps, including Bank of America, Citibank, Chase, U.S. Bank and SunTrust Bank.
10. CostCutter (free): This app allows you to see how much money you could save by cutting items out of your spending for weeks, months or years.
11. Gas Buddy ($2.99 – this one is my favorite): Wish you knew where the cheapest gas in town was? Gas Buddy helps you locate and then gives you directions and estimated travel time to the nearest and least expensive gas station.
These are only a handful of the hundreds of apps that can help you save or manage your money. Some of them I could definitely see myself using, and others could be helpful but probably aren't worth the 99 cents. What apps have you used or heard about that could help save money or make managing finances easier and more convenient? Share your comments below.
Sources: http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/06/10/apple-fact-check-50000-iphone-apps/, iTunes, http://www.earnaccountingdegree.com/blog/2009/isave-50-iphone-apps-to-help-you-save-money/
Tip of the Week: Until Oct. 20, Tanger Outlet Center in Park City is selling $1 Pink Cards to receive 25 percent off an item at participating outlet stores. Proceeds from the Pink Cards go to the America Cancer Society. Now in its 16th year, Tanger has donated a total of $6.1 million to the cause.
Each week I'll be sharing a tip or bargain of the week- ways to save money or make the most out of it. Got an idea or heard about a discount? Please comment below or send me an e-mail.
Karlie Brand is a junior in public relations. "Watching Your Wallet" will appear online each Wednesday. Questions or comments can be sent to karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu
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