Simply put, budgeting is a spending plan for your money. It’s a great way to understand your own spending habits and can help you save more plus grow your investments faster.
It’s one way to become – and remain – rich! No matter who you are or what your monthly salary is, you should be saving for that inevitable rainy day.
On the flip side, if you find yourself counting the coins at the bottom of your handbag each month or holding your breath as you tap your card in a taxi, it’s time to take control of your finances.
Setting a budget isn’t about cutting all the fun and enjoyable things out of your lifestyle, and you certainly don’t have to be a maths whiz. It’s about being aware of what’s coming into your account each month, and what’s leaving it. When you discover how much can be saved towards financial freedom in the future, you’ll be motivated to do more with your spare change.
The result of budgeting will be an improved, financially-savvy, you. Someone who doesn’t have to worry about when the next bill is going to land in their inbox, or whether they’ll be able to afford that holiday. Finding this balance is incredibly easy with a little help from some of our favorite free apps.
The National Bonds Mobile App allows you to manage the savings element of your budgeting plan, by offering multiple ways in which you can save: via cheque, bank transfer, and credit card, on the go. Also, you can opt for various saving products that can be tailor-made for all segments such as laborers, new parents, new employees, and more. Through the app you can get an instant overview of the latest offers and a countdown to their upcoming Rewards Program draws.
Another app, Wally could be your new best friend. It gives you spending insights, allows you to set goals, and will help increase your savings. Using the app every day will allow it to learn where you spend most, from exact locations to categories such as groceries, entertainment, transport, and more. If you realize you’re spending a little too much on takeaway meals or taxis, Wally will help you budget by category.
The Mint app is also a fresh way of keeping an eye on your expenses. Input your cash, credit cards, investments and bills, and Mint will help you understand where all your money goes each month. It’ll help you pay off debt, and even alert you to increases in the prices of entertainment subscriptions, such as Netflix.