When you fail to properly manage your finances, money that could be put to good use tends to slip through the cracks. You could also find yourself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated at times. But getting organised could be easier than you think. If you want greater control over your finances and you’re ready to buckle up when it comes to money management, we have 10 resources to help you manage your family finances. These helpful apps, websites and online tools could be the first step to getting into shape financially.
1. The Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service provides information on just about everything you need to know about money. Their website has tonnes of detailed information on mortgages, debt, insurance, benefits and so on. It’s a government organisation so you can count on them for free, impartial money advice.
2. This is Money
This is Money have all the latest money news on a personal finance level or larger scale topics like property and investments. These articles are all easy to follow with the financial jargon kept to a minimum. This is Money can keep you on the ball with all of the latest UK financial issues as well as sharing helpful guides on mortgages, bills, pension and lots more.
3. Revolut
If you haven’t already heard of Revolut, it’s an app that allows you to exchange money with no hidden fees. You can transfer money from your bank account to your Revolut account which can be a big help when it comes to budgeting.
Revolut can also be useful for sending your children pocket money with their prepaid junior card. This could be ideal if you’re ready to start teaching your kids about money management.
4. Money Dashboard
Money dashboard allows you to manage all of your accounts in one place. This handy app was voted the best personal finance app in 2017, 2018 and 2020 by the British Banking Awards. But what’s so great about it?
Well, this app automatically categorises everything from household bills to eating out giving you a clear view of where your money goes each month. Since understanding where your money goes is a crucial step in creating a budget, Money Dashboard can help you on your way to improving your money management skills.
5. Google Sheets
Google Suite is Google’s free browser workspace. It’s essentially a free online alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite. What’s really handy about this is you can create shared documents, which is ideal if you and your partner or spouse are budgeting together. If you use Google Sheets (similar to Excel), you can create a shared spreadsheet which can be reviewed and updated by both parties. You can even get Google Suite on your phone for updating your budget while on the go.
Fancy trying it out for yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a budget with Google Sheets.
6. Moneybox
The Moneybox app allows you to earn interest on your savings and if you like, you can even round up your spare change on purchases and put it to good use. It can help you to work towards your savings goals and bring together your old pension pots to see all of your money in one place with Moneybox Personal Pension.
One of the main features of Moneybox is that it can also be used to invest in well-known companies like Netflix with three different investment options: cautious, balanced and adventurous (we would, however, suggest that you seek professional advice if you wish to begin investing). Just head over to their website to find out more about how Moneybox works.
7. Mrs Mummypenny
Mrs Mummypenny is a popular UK personal finance blogger and YouTuber. Lynn Beattie keeps it simple when she discusses money. Her website is a great way to brush up on the best ways to save money on everything from shopping to household bills. Oh, and Lynn also has a podcast which is perfect to pop on in the car during your daily commute or next time you’re tackling the washing up.
8. Squirrel
The Squirrel app is another popular budgeting app that allows you to split your salary into bills, goals, and a weekly allowance. This app costs £2.30 a week. Some of the perks of Squirrel include having your own FCA regulated account, unlimited personalized savings pots, support from real people 7 days a week, bill money kept safe until bills are due, budgeting help and the option to cancel without notice at any time.
9. Chip
Chip is another finance app but this one is a little bit different. The award-winning Chip app focuses on savings. Their FAQs answer any questions about setting up an account and using the app. This app could be ideal if you’re focusing on hitting a significant savings target.
10. The Times Money Mentor
The Times Money Mentor is a go-to resource for information on finance. The categories it covers include saving and investing, family and career, mortgages and property and pensions and retirement.
These categories are broken down even further into more specific information hubs such as relationships and money, which offers financial advice to couples on everything from living together to marriage and divorce as well as general family finances.
Now that you’re armed and ready with these practical resources, you can get to work on streamlining your finances. If you want to find out more about finances and life insurance, why not head over to our blog where we share straightforward advice on life insurance as well as helpful articles for parents.
