Budgeting in 2015 With Your iPhone

ByMike Moffit

This is more of a “life hack” suggestion than a tale of tech, but I think it applies to those of you looking to get more out of your iPhone…

Let’s face it, a lot of us feel troubled while trying to keep track of our budgets. A lot of people, myself included, spend from the same account that their income goes into.

Google has a service that’s been out for a while called Google Wallet. This isn’t news, and some of you probably use it already, but I’ve started carrying it in lieu of cash. Google Wallet is basically a debit account that can be used at any credit card location and ATM. There are no fees attached, and it can be loaded from your checking account.

The best part of this service, for myself and others I know, is the fantastic app for both iOS and Android. The app allows you to track your spending and use, and load money from your bank account at any time. Also, unlike other services, the transfer is practically instant, taking 30 seconds to put more money on the card, versus some similar services which take up to a week or more to complete a transfer.

This card has become my spending money card. I load it with a specific budget for spending cash each Monday, and reload it back to the amount I’ve set for myself each week. In addition, it also gives you your current balance and recent spending activity on the main page of the app.

The app itself can be secured by Touch ID, which is why I even suggest it. My pocket cash is now on plastic and behind Touch ID and PIN verification, and is tracked easily throughout the week. It’s helped me get a handle on my spending and I’d recommend others try it if they find themselves in a similar situation!

You can download the Wallet app on the iOS App Store, and set it all up with a few simple steps right from your phone.

Editor’s Note: This service requires a Google account and your basic checking account number and routing information.

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