Rewardspinzone.org

Tech Blog

Best Casino Hotel

Develop critical tech skills

Mint is going away, but these easy budgeting apps can take its place

If you’ve been using Intuit’s Mint app to help you budget, automatically collect your expenses, put them in useful categories, and remind you to pay them, then you were probably a bit shocked to find out that Intuit will be folding Mint into its other financial service, Credit Karma. Originally, the final date was going to be January 1st, 2024, but now, Mint will officially disappear on March 23rd, 2024.

Credit Karma’s main service is to offer advice about financial products based on your credit score, which means this may be a good fit depending on how many of Mint’s features will be moved to Credit Karma. But it’s too soon to tell. (According to Intuit, “some of the most popular Mint-like features are available on Intuit Credit Karma,” which isn’t the most encouraging phrase I’ve ever seen.)

This could be a problem for a lot of current Mint users. The service, which became part of Intuit’s library of financial software in 2009, has been popular as an app for people who don’t know that much about finances and don’t really want to know. It tracks expenses, helps you create a budget, and warns you if you’re getting into trouble. (It also, like many free commercial financial apps, keeps up a constant drumbeat of promoting various credit cards, bank accounts, and other products.)

Luckily, there are now other apps out there that can also offer similar services. None of them are free, and none of them are quite Mint-like, but they could be useful if you need something to help you stay within a budget or save toward a goal. Here are five worth checking out.



Quicken Simplifi

 
Quicken Simplifi dashboard showing accounts, a spending plan, upcoming expenses, $235.67 spent, and top spending categories.
Quicken Simplifi’s dashboard organizes your finances into several easy-to-understand categories.

Quicken is, of course, one of the better-known financial app companies, and it has a load of different products. Quicken Simplifi is the most basic, and obviously, the company is hoping that it can gain some users from Mint’s exit. How do I know? Because you can now have one year at 50 percent off.

Like Mint (and most of these products), Simplifi pulls info from your various accounts in order to help you track your finances. (You can also import the CSV file from Mint, although you will lose your categories.) The top-page dashboard gives you a rundown of several aspects of your finances, including how much you’ve spent recently; upcoming automatic payments; a spending plan that you can use to see if your outgoing finances are outstripping your incoming finances; a spending watchlist, which you can use to watch specific categories, tags, or payees; and trackers for investments or savings goals. You can select each to get more details, but all are also separately accessible via a side panel.

I found Simplifi quite easy to get used to. Its interface isn’t quite as friendly as Mint’s was, but it does offer a great deal for a little under $50 a year, especially if you’re looking for a way to easily track your finances.

Cost: First year, $24 billed annually; after that, $47.88 a year.

Tiller

 
Google Sheets spreadsheet with Tiller Foundation Template on top of page, Tiller Spending Trends on top of spreadsheet, and various headings such as “Spent Yesterday” and “Spent Past 7 Days” beneath it.
Tiller uses Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to help you organize your finances.

Tiller is also looking to pick up a few ex-Minters; at the time I wrote this, the front page announced that it was time for Mint users to “graduate” to Tiller. The question is, of course, whether they want to — while Tiller has a lot of advantages, it also has a rather steep learning curve.

Unlike most apps, which give you the choice of either associating with another account or creating an email and password, Tiller only lets you sign in with either a Google or Microsoft account. You do need to register a credit card to sign up.

Once you’ve entered the info for your first account, you are invited to set up your first spreadsheet, which will be in either Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. (A pop-up questionnaire assesses your skill level with spreadsheets.) Once you’ve added all your accounts, you then get to install the Tiller Money Feeds add-on, which is basically a template attached to your spreadsheet.

Tiller moved my accounts into a Sheets spreadsheet without issue. This is actually an advantage, especially for those of us who have experienced too many app disappearances — even if Tiller went away tomorrow, all of your data would already be there and available.

After you’ve installed the template, Tiller runs you through a step-by-step lesson on how to use it. Each tab on the spreadsheet handles a different feature, such as spending trends, transactions, yearly budget, etc. Each time you launch the extension, it will automatically update your accounts (although there was a warning that there are a few accounts that will have to be manually updated).

In short, if you’re comfortable (or even prefer) managing your finances via a spreadsheet, then Tiller’s template should make things a whole lot easier for you. However, if you’re an ex-Minter who wants something that’s simple and automated, Tiller may not be for you.

Cost: Free 30-day trial (with a credit card), then $79 a year.

YNAB

 
YNAB page with a “My Budget” menu on the left, a red rectangle with “_16.97” on top, and various categories below, some with long green lines underneath the category name and dollar amounts on the right.
YNAB uses colors to help you figure out when you’ve gone over the line budget-wise.

YNAB (for You Need A Budget), like Mint, is for people who want to create a budget and track their expenses as easily as possible. When you start it up for the first time, you go through three steps. First, you set your budgetary targets by filling out a form that covers a variety of possible outlays, including rent, utilities, grocery spending, money for vacation, entertainment, etc. Then you add your various savings or checking accounts — you can either link to those accounts or fill them in manually. Finally, you assign that money to your various expenses — and if you’re in a hurry, there’s an auto-assign button that does it for you. You can then look them over and tweak any of the expenses, categories, or assigned payments that are there.

Once that’s done, you’ve got your main budget page, which gives a clear indication of where you are financially. Under each expense, a green line means it is covered or you’re on track to cover it while an uncovered expense gets a gray line, and any expense that is only partially covered gets a yellow one. The amount of money that you have left is shown on top.

If you’ve assigned more money than you have (either manually or through automatic uploads), that amount on top goes negative — and bright red, so you can’t miss it. A button called “Fix this” lets you “unassign” money from one of the categories — for example, from your entertainment budget.

YNAB imports QFX, OFX, QIF, or CSV files and will export your data in CSV format should you want to.

I was really impressed by YNAB’s friendly interface and flexibility. It costs more than the other apps listed here, but if you’re looking for a simple way to try to stay within your budget, this may be worth the few extra dollars.

Cost: Free 34-day trial (no credit card needed), then $14.99 a month or $99 a year.

Copilot

 
Copilot dashboard with menu on the left and various rectangular windows on the right showing monthly spending, transactions to review, assets and debt, and top categories.
Copilot’s dashboard gives you a rundown of your monthly spending and lets you review each transaction.

Copilot is definitely pushing for the new Mint crown — the front page says that it is working on a direct transfer of Mint data and has a waitlist for those who don’t want to switch until then. One caveat: this one is only for macOS and iOS systems. Once you download the app, you can sign up with your Apple account or an email.

Like YNAB, you can either connect to your accounts or fill in your data manually. There is, nicely, also a demo account to practice with if you’re not sure whether you want to fill in your own quite yet.

Copilot divides your transactions into three types: regular (such as rent, subscriptions, or groceries); internal (money you move between two accounts, such as when you pay a credit card bill); and income.

Your dashboard is where you’ll see a summary of all your transactions: how much you’ve spent that month against how much you’ve budgeted for, your recent transactions, your top spending categories, and what you’re expected to be paying over the next couple of weeks, among others. You are invited to review each transaction and check it off — or, if you need to, change its category or type or delete it. According to Copilot, it uses an AI system that will become more familiar with how your expenses are categorized after a while. In addition, you can mark a transaction as recurring and (via the menu on the side) see how many of your recurring transactions still have to be paid that month.

If your spending goes above that month’s budget, the monthly spending line chart on your dashboard will go up into the red; you can also be notified. (Copilot offers a variety of notifications, including when you get paid, if you’re getting close to an overdraft fee, or when a large purchase has hit, among others.)

Copilot is an interesting financial app. It wasn’t as simple to set up and understand as YNAB, but others have found its AI features to be very useful over time. If your devices fall into the Apple ecosystem and you’re willing to spend a little time “teaching” Copilot how to treat your finances, it could be a rewarding experience.

Cost: Free one-month trial (credit card needed), then $13 a month or $95 a year.

Monarch

 
Dashboard for Monarch, with menu on left, a window saying “Congratulations, Barbara, you’ve set up your account” and other windows for spending and recent transactions.
Monarch is simple to set up and work with.

Monarch was not originally part of this roundup but was suggested by several of our commenters as a good Mint alternative. And obviously, the company (like several of those covered above) also thinks so: it has extended its usual seven-day free trial period to 30 days and is offering a 50 percent discount for the first year with the code MINT50. It even has a special “Move from Mint to Monarch” option that imports the Mint CSV file and allows you to confirm your categories and tags.

As you set Monarch up, you’ll be guided through a process of registering your accounts, customizing your categories, creating a goal, and creating a plan. The process takes a while, but it’s easy to understand. You can set up notifications, share with family members or financial advisors, and set goals (such as paying down credit cards or saving for a vacation) and then allocate specific amounts to those goals. A calendar lets you see all your recurring expenses (paid and unpaid) at a glance. You can even create rules — for example, you can recategorize anything spent above a certain amount at a specific merchant.

A list of features on the left lets you view your accounts, your various transactions, and your cash flow; you can even get some advice on how to reach your goals.

I was impressed with Monarch’s interface and its ease of use; the only time I had to resort to its help files was to find out how to import my Mint data, and that was quickly explained, accompanied by a (largely unnecessary) video. While Monarch isn’t exactly Mint, it is geared toward Mint users — in other words, those not familiar and / or comfortable with financial dealings. I would put Monarch and YNAB on the same level; which of the two you should choose depends largely on your own preferences.

Top 10 Mobile Apps for Productivity in 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, staying productive is more important than ever. With the right tools at your fingertips, you can manage your tasks, organize your schedule, and keep track of your projects effortlessly. Here are the top 10 mobile apps for productivity in 2024 that can help you achieve more with less effort.

1. Todoist

Todoist continues to be a favorite among productivity enthusiasts. This task management app allows you to create and organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with others. With its intuitive interface and powerful features like project templates and integrations with other tools, Todoist helps you stay on top of your to-do list effortlessly.

2. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, databases, and calendars. Whether you’re planning a project, taking meeting notes, or managing a team, Notion’s flexible and customizable interface lets you organize your information in a way that works best for you. Its collaboration features make it ideal for both personal and professional use.

3. Trello

Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize tasks and projects. Its simplicity and visual approach make it easy to see what needs to be done at a glance. Trello’s powerful integrations and automation features, known as Butler, help streamline your workflow and save time.

4. Microsoft OneNote

OneNote is a digital notebook that lets you capture and organize notes, ideas, and information. With its ability to create notebooks, sections, and pages, you can easily structure your notes and find what you need quickly. OneNote’s collaboration features make it perfect for sharing notes and working on projects with others.

5. Evernote

Evernote has been a staple in the productivity world for years. This note-taking app allows you to capture ideas, tasks, and important information in various formats, including text, images, audio, and web clippings. With powerful search capabilities and organizational features, Evernote helps you keep everything in one place and accessible from any device.

6. Slack

Slack is a communication tool designed to streamline team collaboration. With channels for different projects or topics, direct messaging, and integrations with other productivity tools, Slack helps teams stay connected and work efficiently. Its search functionality ensures that you can easily find past conversations and important information.

7. Google Keep

Google Keep is a simple and intuitive note-taking app that allows you to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and set reminders. With its color-coded notes and labels, you can easily organize and prioritize your tasks. Google Keep’s integration with other Google services makes it a convenient choice for users already in the Google ecosystem.

8. Asana

Asana is a robust project management tool that helps teams plan, organize, and track their work. With features like task assignments, due dates, project timelines, and custom workflows, Asana makes it easy to manage complex projects and ensure everyone stays on the same page. Its visual timeline and workload views provide a clear picture of project progress and team capacity.

9. Forest

Forest is a unique productivity app that combines task management with a focus on reducing distractions. When you need to concentrate, you plant a virtual tree that grows while you stay focused. If you leave the app, the tree dies. Over time, you can grow a forest that represents your dedication to staying productive. It’s a fun and engaging way to build better focus habits.

10. RescueTime

RescueTime is a time management app that helps you understand how you spend your time on your devices. By tracking your activities and providing detailed reports, RescueTime helps you identify productivity patterns and areas for improvement. With features like goal setting and focus time, you can take control of your time and work more efficiently.

Conclusion

With the right productivity apps, you can streamline your tasks, organize your schedule, and stay focused on what matters most. These top 10 mobile apps for productivity in 2024 offer a range of features to suit different needs and preferences, helping you achieve your goals and make the most of your time. Whether you’re managing personal tasks, collaborating with a team, or working on complex projects, these apps can help you stay productive and efficient.

The Evolution of Mobile Gaming: From Snake to AR

The mobile gaming industry has come a long way since its inception. From the simple, addictive game of Snake on early mobile phones to the immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences available today, mobile gaming has evolved dramatically. Let’s take a journey through the history of mobile gaming and explore how it has transformed over the years.

The Early Days: Snake and Simple Games

In the late 1990s, mobile phones were just starting to become a common sight, and with them came the first mobile games. One of the earliest and most iconic mobile games was Snake, which was pre-installed on Nokia phones. The game was simple: navigate a growing snake around the screen, collecting dots while avoiding collisions with the snake’s own tail. Despite its simplicity, Snake was incredibly addictive and set the stage for mobile gaming.

The Rise of Java and Symbian Games

As mobile technology advanced, so did the complexity of mobile games. The introduction of Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and Symbian OS allowed developers to create more sophisticated games with better graphics and gameplay. Games like Bounce, Space Impact, and the mobile versions of classic arcade games gained popularity. These games were still relatively simple, but they demonstrated the potential for mobile gaming to be more than just a novelty.

The Smartphone Revolution

The launch of the iPhone in 2007 revolutionized the mobile gaming industry. The combination of a powerful touchscreen device and the App Store opened up new possibilities for game developers. Suddenly, mobile games could have complex graphics, rich sound, and intuitive touch controls. Popular games like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, and Fruit Ninja became global phenomena, proving that mobile gaming could be a major player in the entertainment industry.

Social and Casual Gaming Boom

With the rise of social networks like Facebook, mobile games began to integrate social elements, allowing players to connect, compete, and collaborate with friends. Games like FarmVille and Candy Crush Saga leveraged social connections to enhance gameplay and increase user engagement. The casual gaming boom made mobile gaming accessible to a broader audience, including people who had never considered themselves gamers before.

The Era of Free-to-Play and In-App Purchases

As the mobile gaming market grew, so did the business models. The free-to-play model, where games are free to download but offer in-app purchases, became the dominant strategy. Games like Clash of Clans, Pokémon Go, and Fortnite utilized this model to generate significant revenue. While this approach has been controversial, with concerns about addictive spending, it has undeniably shaped the industry and allowed developers to reach a wider audience.

The Advent of Augmented Reality (AR)

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the integration of augmented reality (AR) into mobile games. AR technology overlays digital content onto the real world, creating immersive and interactive experiences. Pokémon Go, released in 2016, was a groundbreaking AR game that encouraged players to explore the real world to capture virtual creatures. Since then, other games like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Minecraft Earth have explored the potential of AR, offering unique and engaging experiences.

The Future of Mobile Gaming

The future of mobile gaming looks incredibly promising, with advancements in technology continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible. Here are some trends to watch for:

  1. 5G Connectivity: Faster and more reliable internet connections will enable more seamless online multiplayer experiences and reduce latency in games.

  2. Cloud Gaming: Services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow players to stream high-quality games on their mobile devices without needing powerful hardware.

  3. AI and Machine Learning: AI can create more intelligent and responsive game environments, providing more personalized and challenging experiences for players.

  4. VR Integration: While VR is still primarily associated with dedicated headsets, future mobile devices could incorporate VR elements for even more immersive gaming experiences.

Conclusion

From the simple joys of Snake to the immersive worlds of augmented reality, mobile gaming has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for mobile gaming are endless. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s no doubt that mobile games will continue to entertain, challenge, and engage us in new and exciting ways.

The Rise of Mobile Banking Apps: Transforming the Way We Manage Our Finances

Mobile banking apps have become an integral part of how we manage our finances, offering convenience, security, and a wide range of features that simplify banking tasks. Here are some key ways mobile banking apps are transforming the financial landscape:

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Mobile banking apps allow users to manage their finances anytime, anywhere, providing 24/7 access to banking services. From checking account balances to transferring funds, users can perform a wide range of transactions on the go.

2. Enhanced Security

Mobile banking apps employ robust security measures, such as biometric authentication and encryption, to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. These security features help build trust and confidence among users.

3. Personalized Financial Management

Many mobile banking apps offer tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning. By analyzing spending habits and providing insights, these apps help users make informed decisions and manage their finances more effectively.

4. Mobile Payments and Transfers

Mobile banking apps facilitate seamless payments and transfers, allowing users to pay bills, send money to friends and family, and make purchases online or in-store. Features like mobile wallets and contactless payments further enhance convenience.

5. Customer Service and Support

Mobile banking apps often include features for customer service and support, such as chatbots and in-app messaging. These tools enable users to get assistance quickly and easily, enhancing their overall banking experience.

6. Future Trends

As mobile banking apps continue to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative features and technologies. This includes AI-driven personalization, voice banking, and integration with other financial services, such as investment management and insurance.

In conclusion, mobile banking apps are transforming the way we manage our finances by offering convenience, security, and a wide range of features that simplify banking tasks. As these apps continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly important role in how we interact with our finances, offering more personalized and seamless experiences for users.