Don’t worry, be appy

Technology puts a wealth of tools at our fingertips, and there’s no shortage of smart phone apps and web-based tools that can swing your money skills from zero to hero.

Australians are a connected bunch. It turns out 13 million of us (that’s more than half the population) have access to the internet. In fact, the average Australian owns three internet-connected devices with laptops (75%), smartphones (70%) and tablets (55%) leading the charge.

So we like to head online. But no matter whether you prefer to shop, chat or simply browse on the web, chances are you’re not making the most of everything the internet offers.

That’s because there’s a whole raft of money management tools available online, yet research by ME shows only 15% of Australians are using financial apps or web-based tools to boost their money mojo. Here’s how you can benefit.

Low cost. Big value

If you’re not familiar with money management apps, it’s fair to say the benefits all flow your way.

A recent survey by ME found digitally-savvy Australians who use financial apps or web-based tools swear by them. Nine out of ten say they would continue to use the apps or tools, or use them more frequently than 12 months ago, which suggests they offer great value in terms of better money management.

It turns out apps can make a difference across the full spectrum of money management. Among people that use money-based apps, ME’s study found the greatest value was attributed to apps and web-based tools that help us:

• Pay bills on time (41%)
• Stick to a budget (30%)
• Reach savings goal (28%)
• Reduce debt (24%)
• Buy property (24%)

The bottom line is that Australians who use web-based tools and apps are gaining real value from them and making important inroads to achieving their personal finance goals.

And with our financial world more complex today than it was for previous generations, and it is critical to make carefully considered, well-informed decisions. Money matters play a significant role in our wellbeing, and that makes financial literacy a valuable personal asset, and a big money saver over time. Quite simply, it pays to be informed.

Try some yourself

If you’re not convinced, check out a few apps for yourself. If cash is tight, head to the federal government’s free, award-winning apps – TrackMySPEND, used to record spending while you’re on the go, and TrackMyGOALS, which lets you set, plan, track and manage savings goals.

Or, for effortless saving give Digit a go. Remember Richard Pryor’s character Gus Gorman in Superman III, who programs his employer’s computer system so that it transfers all the fractions of a cent rounded down into his bank account? Well Digit sort of works in a similar (though far more legal) way. It automatically scans your income and spending patterns, and transfers a small amount of savings it thinks you won’t need to a separate account. Clever.

Or to beef up your financial literacy check out at ed, the online school of money brought to you by industry super fund-owned bank ME. ed can help you with the basics of buying a home, creating a budget, and managing a home loan, and more.

These tech savvy tools are typically super low cost or free, yet they can make a valuable difference to your financial wellbeing.

Members Equity Bank Limited ABN 56 070 887 679 Australian Credit Licence 229500.