Need help tracking your finances for retirement? There are a number apps available for download to help you do just that. It's truly as easy as clicking a few buttons on your phone.
Mint
If you're unsure of where your money is going, what you have left over or what level you should be stashing away cash for your future, check out this app Mint. It's a product of Intuit, the brains behind TurboTax, Quicken and QuickBooks. It's designed to help you"spend smarter and save more."
You Need A Budget (YNAB)
YNAB holds true to its name. The mobile app garners more positive reviews than the desktop. But both offer insight into budget goals and keeps spending personal habits in the forefront. The tools will help you identify the amounts you're spending (or overspending) in certain areas and where you may be able to scale back. It will also allow you to track your growing net worth as you begin to reallocate those funds to savings.
Loan Calculator Professional
No one wants to head into retirement with an enormous black cloud of debt hanging overhead. The thing is, if you only have an extra $200 to put toward one of your bills, where will it do the most good? This app may help, because it allows you to calculate payments, review the "what if" scenarios for making extra payments and provide amortization schedules.
Smart 401k Calculator
Another resource that's received strong reviews is an app called Smart 401k Calcultor. This particular app helps sort out how to invest in the stock market. It also determines how much you need to live comfortably and even generates personalized advice on how to figure out if your retirement planning and savings are on track. The basic app is free. However, you can upgrade to a membership for additional benefits.
Personal Capital
If you're looking for a better overview of your investments and finances, Personal Capital might be the app for you. The free version of this app allows you to sync all of your investment accounts in one place. It will analyze your portfolio, including asset classes, individual securities, industries and market caps. It also provides insight into your 401(k) fees (i.e. if you're paying too much), track your net worth and provide some cash flow management options.
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