HOUSEHOLD AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: iPhone Apps to Manage Your Life

I am completely in love with my iPhone. Seriously. I cannot say enough how much this little device has helped to make my life significantly easier. It is worth every single penny I paid for it. (iPhone 3G, refurbished, for $79)

Do you remember what Obama said about his Blackberry, how he didn’t want to give it up? Well, if I had to choose between being in the highest office of the land or my iPhone, well, sorry, my country…you lose.

Many people I spoke with before getting my iPhone told me the device was not considered a “powerhouse” in terms of management, but was great for music and games. I must respectfully disagree. Not only am I able to sync with Microsoft Outlook, but I can get all of my email and edit documents on my phone.

Plus, there are the apps.

I have yet to not be able to find an app I need to manage all aspects of my life, which include managing my family in addition to my freelance work.

For those of you who may be considering getting an iPhone but thought that it was extravagant or not relevant for a mother, just consider some of the applications that will really help your life:

• Gas Cubby Lite: a free app for adding your gas purchases, milage, and maintenance.
• Home Budget Lite: it’s just what it sounds like. I can manage multiple accounts from checking to my health care savings account.
• Your Bank: well, the app isn’t called this. Most major banks have an iPhone app so you can access your account on your phone. Uncertain of your checking account balance? Now you don’t have to wait until you get home.
• Menstrual Calendar: yes, I do track this. If you are trying to get pregnant it will also track your ovulation dates.
• Livestrong Daily Plate: track your meals and exercise. Eating at Olive Garden? Their menu is on the app. Old Country Buffet? Same deal.
• iFirst Aid: great for emergencies, especially when traveling. Answers questions for several medical situations.
• ATM Hunter: traveling and need an ATM? Your iPhone will tell you where the closest ATM is.
• Need2P: same as with the ATM Hunter. Moms with children who are toilet training need this app. Actually, any mother needs this!
• Yowza: coupons delivered directly to your iPhone that can be used in the store without printing them first…just show your iPhone at checkout.
• Google Maps: forget printing out your maps before you leave…it’s all in your phone.
• Weather: you don’t need to ask anyone, “Do you know what the weather will be like tomorow?”
• Store Apps: true story–the other day I was at Barnes and Noble with my children. One daughter really wanted a hardback book. She asked me, “Do you think it is cheaper on Amazon?” I pulled out my iPhone and used the Amazon app, checked the price of her book, and ordered it still standing in the bookstore. (The price was forty-five percent less.) At WalMart and want to know if something is cheaper at Target? Use the Target iPhone app. At Home Depot and can’t find the tool you want? Don’t drive all over town…. Talk about quick and cheap comparison shopping!
• TweetDeck: for Twitter.
• BlogWriter Lite: write to your blog from your iPhone.
• Newspapers: everything from the New York Times to USA Today to many local newspapers and news stations.
• Educational Games: spelling and math drills, riddles, SAT prep, history, you name it….
• Plus, all your basics…notes, contacts, tasks, calendars, appointments, photos, etc. I’ve also downloaded several free podcasts to which I listen when I go on my daily walk.

Did I mention how much I love my iPhone?

The downside is, of course, that you have to have AT&T cell phone service (which isn’t available in all areas), and you have to purchase a data plan. Those were both limiting factors for our family. However, many companies give employee discounts for individual and family plans which can help significantly; my husband’s company gives employees twenty-five percent off our cell phone plan. Another option is the iTouch, which is the same as the iPhone but without the phone and camera; then you don’t have to worry about the monthly fees.

Now I have a question for those of you with iPhones: which applications do you recommend? What am I missing?

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