These days, we have so much power at the tips of our fingers. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out which tools and apps are actually worth using. Fortunately, I’ve put together a list of 12 amazing apps to use, that can help you narrow down the list.
Social Media
Yes, social media has its uses! You can use it to stay in touch with friends and family or even start a business with it these days. While social media is certainly useful, I do want to add a little caveat with this one. Use it in the ways that will help your life, but don’t get so caught up in it to the extent that it becomes a distraction. It’s easy to get sucked into different social media platforms and scroll endlessly, viewing things that don’t matter to you or really help you in any significant way.
Also, it’s important to remember that not everything you see on social media is true. From some “news” you see on social media, to the political opinions of your friends, or even the lavish lifestyles people are leading. What you see on social media is often an exaggeration of the truth.
To get started, I recommend checking out Twitter!
Financial Apps – Investment, Banking, Betterment, And Personal Capital
I know this is a pretty broad category, but it’s mainly personal preference. Whatever bank you use, download and install their app. It will make your life and managing your money much easier. In addition to your banking app, download the app for at least one brokerage and start investing. Even better, set up some automatic investments using those two apps.
Other than that, there are a multitude of other financial apps that can help you out. Betterment is good if you need to create some short-term funds, and Personal Capital offers a lot of free financial tools (as well as some premium services).
This is another area where it’s a bit of a “pick your poison” scenario. I enjoy WhatsApp and its features, but there are several great apps out there for sending instant messages, so it’s all about what you need out of one. Of course, if you like the default messaging apps that come with your phone, that’s great, but I find that most tend to be lacking.
Games
What’s wrong with a few games to kill some spare time in waiting rooms? I don’t have a lot of space on my phone, so I like to keep the games relatively lightweight. Besides, I don’t spend much time gaming in general (much less on my phone), so I don’t really need to bog it down with anything intensive either. Personally, I like downloading puzzle games, like sudoku or kaguro, but there is a gaming app out there for just about everyone. Find the one that strikes your fancy and enjoy it!
Gmail
I have multiple email accounts, and almost all of them are through gmail. Consequently, that makes gmail a must on my phone, just for my own sanity. It makes managing all of my accounts on the go quick and easy. This has to be my main “crutch” app that I couldn’t really function (in the modern world) without.
Maps
If you have a fairly routine lifestyle, or know your area very well, you might not need this app. Unfortunately, I’m constantly going to new areas, and businesses near me are constantly being sold or moved, so it’s necessary every now and then to avoid getting lost. Besides, sometimes its a lifesaver when it reroutes around major traffic jams.
Amazon Shopping
Need something? Don’t have time to go to the store to pick it up? Amazon helps a lot with that, particularly when I have a busy week. I usually order on my desktop, but having the app on your phone is also extremely convenient when you’re on the go. Sometimes, with how hectic life gets, Amazon can be a huge timesaver!
Venmo, Zelle, Or Cash App
In the modern age, it seems to be increasingly important (and convenient) to be able to transfer money to other people quickly. Fortunately, there are tons of apps and tools on the market now which do that for you well. My favorite is Zelle, which is really easy to use because it’s built into one of the banks I already use, so it’s the fastest and most reliable option for me. My second favorite is Venmo, as a backup to Zelle when other people can’t or won’t use it. I tried Cash App before, but I’ve had several issues with it when I did, so I can’t personally say I’m a fan.
Evernote
Honestly, any note, to-do list, or memo app will work perfectly. Right now, Evernote is most reliably one of the better options on the market, but it may have more features than what you need. If you take a lot of notes, get an intensive note app like Evernote. If you have issues keeping tracking of everything you need to do, download an app for to-do lists or agendas. Personally, I just stick to the plain and simple note app that came pre-installed on my phone, because that’s all I really need for my purposes.
Calm
Need some help with meditation? Anxiety? Sleep? Then this is the app for you! It’s not the right fit for everyone, but if you have issues there, then I’d recommend at least trying it. For all you know it could really help you out.
YouTube Studio Or WordPress
Now, this app won’t really apply to everyone, but it helps YouTube content creators stay on top of all their YouTube content. It also gives creators the analytics tools they need to know what content people like the most, so they know what to deliver to their audience. Of course, if you’re a blogger (like me) then the WordPress app will be better suited for your needs, for many of the same reasons.
Audible And Podcasts
Audiobooks are amazing. I’m not gonna lie, I still generally preferring reading a book normally. However, life has other plans for me and a lot of the time I don’t have the luxury to read as much as I’d like. Fortunately, with an Audible subscription, I’m able to keep up with what I want, by using up time I normally wouldn’t be able to use for reading. For example, when I’m driving I can now listen to an audiobook. Alternatively, when I’m doing yardwork or other chores I can just plug in headphones and keep listening.
So, audiobooks have been a great way for me to keep enjoying books. Alternatively, any app for podcasts could suit this niche as well. You can learn, or be entertained, while you’re on the go for completely free! So, if audiobooks aren’t your thing, check out some podcasts.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about different apps that are potentially useful! Not all of them will be right for everyone, but I’m sure each has the potential to make your life a lot easier. If you have any other suggestions that you think are worth mentioning, be sure to leave a comment.
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