I don’t know if you saw my recent article on Money Saving Mom about how I budget using a modified envelope system (no CASH involved!), but if you missed it, you can check it out here. This has worked well for me for several years.
I’m a little old fashioned and like the paper and pen method, but maybe it’s time to move from saving paper receipts to an app.
When I started searching for a good one, I found one from Dave Ramsey. It’s called Every Dollar and it’s FREE.
I just downloaded it and have already set up my January budget via the app. The difference for me will be that instead of saving my receipt to put into an envelope labeled with that category (food, gas, etc.), I will simply enter the transaction on the app. This app will instantly calculate what I have remaining in my budget. The line items were already set up (food, phones, mortgage, etc.) The only thing I had to do was put in the amount I “planned” to spend. Then, I will enter my transactions under the appropriate category once I pay for something.
I think this will work for me because I can see myself getting in the car and immediately opening this app on my phone and typing in the transaction. Maybe this is something that will benefit you as well.
I’m all about organizing, especially this time of year, and I love it when I find something that is user friendly and specific to my needs. This one has promise!
(I may update this post after a few months to let you know how it goes!)
Kathy
