Monthly Archives: October 2017

Simple Pleasures: A Relaxed Weekend at Home

“When you’ve had a busy week, sometimes you just want to relax around the house.  Use some of these following tips to help create the best possible spaces around your home.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

The AHS Top 10: Best Money-Saving Apps for Budgeting

Who doesn’t like to save money?  Check out these Apps and see which ones might work for you!

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Budget apps

Whether you’re saving money for the upcoming holiday season or following up on that long-ago resolution to pay off all of your debts, these money-saving apps can help you stay on track.

1. PocketGuard (Android, iOS)

Want to know how to stay in the clear and out of the red zone on your accounts? PocketGuard can take care of that. The app securely accesses your accounts while simultaneously factoring in your spending habits to let you know how much you can afford to spend each day.

2. Wally (Android, iOS)

For added convenience and flexibility when it comes to expense tracking, Wally lets you manually enter your spending or take photos of your receipts. To save you a step, it can even identify your location. And all along the way, the app will adapt to your spending habits and help you achieve your savings goals.

3. Personal Capital (Android, iOS)

If you want to focus more on planning for the future and your investments, Personal Capital is the money-tracking app for you. In fact, thanks to its dedicated advisors, you’ll know if you’re paying too much in fees in addition to being able to get help with your asset allocations.

4. Spendee (Android, iOS)

Spendee not only lets you see a breakdown of your spending over time; it goes even further to show what specific items and categories you’re spending your money on. The best part? You can simply snap photos of your bills and receipts for easy organization.

5. Mint (Android, iOS)

Want to see your entire financial picture in one place? Mint can handle that. It not only tracks your expenses across all your different credit, checking, savings and investment accounts; you can even add in assets, such as cars or houses, to get a better sense of your net worth.

6. Mvelopes (Android, iOS)

Sure, you may have heard that the envelope system is the only way to truly ensure success when it comes to budgeting. But why bother with the physical paper when you can utilize the same system on your phone? The best part is that, when you charge something on a credit card, Mvelopes automatically moves that amount of money out of your “spending” envelope and puts it into an envelope set aside for paying your credit card bill. Genius, huh?

7. Digit (Android, iOS)

Using the Digit app is possibly the easiest, no-brainer way to save a few extra bucks without even trying. In fact, when it comes to putting money in your savings account, Digit handles it all. Every few days, the app uses its spending tracker and moves a small amount of money — whatever you can safely afford — over to a savings account. And, don’t worry, you’re never going to go into overdraft mode. The creators of the app guarantee it.

8. GoodBudget (Android, iOS)

GoodBudget is similar to Mvelopes; however, it’s designed to be synced across all of your devices and the web so you can share the progress with your family members. This app is great if money management is a team effort in your household.

9. Albert (iOS)

Want a personal financial advisor without paying for a personal financial advisor? Albert’s your man (or app, rather). Teaming up with various financial institutions to get accurate advice, Albert can help you make a plan and stick to it. What’s more, you can save and withdraw money straight from the app free of charge.

10. You Need a Budget (Android, iOS)

When it comes to apps that help you save money, You Need a Budget (YNAB) goes over and beyond. More than just an app that observes and analyzes your spending habits, YNAB actually tries to improve those habits — resulting in an entire lifestyle change.

Want to see more of our tech favorites? Check out our top ten security apps, our top ten home renovation apps and our top ten voice-controlled devices.

Originally Published by American Home Shield

6 Halloween Must-Do’s to Keep Little Trick-or-Treaters Safe

“Halloween is only a few weeks away so it’s time to start making sure your ready.  In addition decorating and getting enough candy, be sure to make sure your home is safe for all the little Trick-or-Treaters.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Color and Pattern Make These Backsplashes Stand Out

“Ready to add a little something different to your Kitchen that won’t break the bank?  Try adding a colorful backsplash.  In most cases you can even do it yourself!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team