Financial tools to consider when dealing with expenses

Expenses is the outflow of money, the payment for the product or services we receive. Our expenses come and go on either daily, weekly or monthly basis. It is a type of financial burden classified into: variable expenses which includes groceries, electricity and clothing; fixed expenses such as rent, utility bills and loan payments; intermittent expenses such as taxes that are paid quarterly; and discretionary or non-essential expenses such as vacation, dining out and gifts. 

We must understand how to manage our expenses well, to get in control of our finances. We have to completely understand how much we earn and how much we spend on a regular basis therefore we need to record our spending activities in details and all our earnings. This will give us a clear overview of our cash flow on a specific period. This will also make us realize our spending attitude and how we value our hard-earned money which is detrimental in managing our finances properly.

Consider using some financial tools to help you better in dealing with your expenses. A lot of them can be availed for free online, so you don't have any excuse not to use them as much as you want.


Budget Tracker

One of the best free spending tool apps for smartphones is the Goodbudget. If you are familiar with the envelope budgeting method or you used to do this technique, then you can easily understand how to use the app. The user will have to plan out his or her budget and visualize the money in envelopes just like in the old school days wherein you will set aside and categorize your money in 20 envelopes. The basic account is free but you can upgrade for unlimited envelope usage for $7 a month or avail a more practical plan which is $60 for one year.


Budget tracker and planner

Mint, a free budget planner and tracker is downloadable via the Appstore or Google Play. It has more features than other apps of its kind such as saving goals, net worth, investments and credit score apart from income and expenses. Users also have options to link to their bank account and credit cards to manage finances more conveniently.


Debt Management Tools

Loans and debts are among those fixed expenses we need to settle monthly or bi-monthly. We have to pay them on time, else we will pay more on interests and penalties and that will negatively affect our financial situation. Before anything gets too late, we should consider using any of those available debt management tools online to prevent a more serious financial burden. There are debt management tools that also offers programs and resources to manage debts and also features tips about debt consolidation, debt settlement and credit counseling. If you want to know more how this can help you achieve a debt-free future, check here.


Whatever your financial goal is - to balance your expenses with your earnings, to save for the future or start a retirement fund, these tools are of great help for your daily financial habits. They are also essential when you are trying to manage your debts or getting rid of debts for your future financial stability and security. These tools come in handy especially during this period of economic uncertainties.