Back in September, my husband and I decided to use credit cards for 30 days. The reason behind that was to prove that if you just use credit cards alone, you may actually be spending more money.
This was the case for us. While we did earn some rewards, we actually spent more money than normal. That meant using a credit card actually cost us money.
We realized that the issue was not so much using credit cards, but rather just tracking our spending. In fact, that is the issue no matter how you shop — credit, debit or cash. You need to track your spending. By doing so, you will reduce your chances of overspending.
Also see: What is Cash App?
But, how do you do this? With cash, we talk a lot about the envelope system. That is a simple way to do it, but I also know that it is not for everyone. Many just don’t want to use cash. Others really need to use credit for the rewards. Whatever way you shop, the trick is to track every. single. penny.
The best way to do this is by using an app. There are lot out there, but honestly many of them just don’t work. Fortunately, I found a way to set up your budget AND your spending. The app is – You Need A Budget.
We normally use cash and envelopes for our spending. During the month of October, we went back to using cash and decided to just use the app instead of envelopes. What was amazing is that it worked JUST as well! What I loved even more was that my husband and I had access to all of our spending on our own devices. It was instant. So, when he would enter that he spend $20.41 at the grocery store, I’d see it on my phone almost instantly. That was so helpful!
The way it works is so simple. First of all, you get the program on your computer. You can then download the app on your devices (Android or Apple).
Once you have it downloaded, you just simply create your budget. You can set up spending limits for your groceries, clothing, fuel…..anything you want. As you shop (be it with cash, credit or debit), you just go into the app and enter the amount you spent for that category. You can see how much you have spent all month long and know how much you have “left” to spend until your next pay day. It really helps you get a much more control and to see where you are spending your money.
It isn’t even just about what you spend at the store, it can also help you save money! For instance, if you pay your vehicle insurance every six months, you can actually budget in that amount into that category. Each month, that money is “set aside” from your budget to cover that expense. Then, when it is time to pay the bill, the money is there. No struggling to come up with it.
Another great feature is that you can schedule your transactions. That way, you can see that payment was made and is taken out of your account. Now, it doesn’t actually tie to your bank account, but this app allows you to get a really good view of your spending. Isn’t that just awesome!?!?
The things this app can do is amazing. The developers actually kept REAL people in mind when designing this app. Check out these features:
- Recover from mistakes. Revert to a past budget with a single click.
- Reconciliation wizard. Quickly and easily reconcile your bank statements.
- Unified account view. See all of your accounts in ONE place (easier to find that one transaction you need).
- Pay once for all devices. No need to pay more to get the app on mobile devices. Pay once and you are done.
- Tutorials. They really take the time to help you learn how to make the app work.
- Free 34 day trial. You can absolutely try it risk free for a full 34 days. This allows you a full TRUE months’ worth of transactions so you can see how it really works.
If you are stoked to try this app, you’ll want to visit You Need A Budget. Go ahead and try it free for 34 days. Then, once you are in love with it, you will pay $60. It is the best $60 you will ever spend.
Now, here is a unique idea – -why not gift this to a couple getting married or to your college student? You can easily purchase a gift license to that your recipient. This is the perfect gift for anyone (I mean, who of us can’t use more help with our budget)!!
I honestly can say that I did not find a single negative when using this app. I just kept finding more and more things I loved about it the more I used it.
This app just works. That is the best way to say it. It does what it says it will do. As long as you are willing to take the time to track your finances, it will help you do the rest.
You Need A Budget. The only budgeting app you need.
This was a sponsored post on behalf of You Need A Budget. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any parties.