06
May
With the iPad’s launch recently breaking records in the U.S. and its U.K. release fast approaching, now seems like the perfect opportunity to take a glance at just a few of the ‘game-changing’ device’s most impressive apps; specifically those which are sure to save you money. Over the past couple of years mobile phones – especially the iPhone, the iPad’s older but smaller sibling – have ratcheted up an impressive number of money-saving, financially rewarding apps, many of which have benefited from the devices’ compact size and portability; price comparison apps that can be used while shopping being a perfect example. Of course in lieu of said portability, the iPad has other benefits in the form of a far larger, higher resolution screen, greater memory, and speedier performance courtesy of the 1GHz A4 Chip. But how does that translate in terms of money-saving-app potential?
For a taster, here are just some of the frugally-minded apps already available to iPad users in the U.S…
Square
The ability to process card payments is the difference between success and failure for many small businesses, and for that reason Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey’s iPad app – Square – is a stupendously valuable piece of software. The app essentially transforms your iPad into a PDQ machine by way of a small card reader which attaches to the iPad; customers can then pay for goods and services by card, sign with their fingertip on the screen and then instantly be sent a digital receipt. The app also keeps an organised record of all transactions, again saving time and money when it comes to accounting. All in all, an extremely worthwhile app.
Pocket Money
Catamount Software’s ‘Pocket Money‘ app is basically a personal finance manager for the iPad, and offers an attractive, extremely simple interface with which to keep track of your cash flow, expenses, debts etc. Multiple bank accounts can be tracked simultaneously with the app and, once your finances have been submitted, colour-coded charts are on hand to translate the numbers into easy-to-digest graphics. These charts and other reports can then either be saved to the iPad, exported via Wi-Fi, or simply sent via email to your chosen destination. Keeping track of savings was never so easy!
Easy Books
Easy Books is a ‘fully-functional double-entry accounting application for the iPad’ and, as the aforementioned Pocket Money app does for personal finances, enables small-business owners to meticulously keep track of their accounts, invoices, statements and VAT. As the financial year comes to an end, this surprisingly easy-to-use piece of software really comes into its own and will effortlessly produce reports such as Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Audit; all ready to be exported to into a spreadsheet. Bookkeeping at your fingertips.
Gilt
Fashion retailer Gilt wasted no time in releasing an iPad app, and thankfully for the budget-conscious consumer it seems the process wasn’t rushed. In terms of usability, the Gilt app scores high marks; pinch and zoom, simple intuitive navigation and a drag and drop shopping cart all contributing to an enjoyable experience. In terms of money saving potential though, the app shines, as Gilt are dedicated to offering luxury brands at highly discounted prices, sometimes offering savings of up to 70%. No wonder then that the app is already an iPad success story.
E*TRADE
E*TRADE Mobile Pro is an impressively comprehensive and powerful trading application for the iPad that enables you to keep an eye on your portfolio at all times. The ability to be constantly in control of such finances could be crucial given the nature of the market, in turn potentially saving you untold amounts. The iPad’s screen is filled with relevant widgets, ensuring you can simultaneously watch your account, real-time financial news, and even streaming video from CNBC.
Kayak
For those lucky enough to be planning trips abroad in the foreseeable future, the Kayak app on the iPad is a must-have. As with the Kayak website itself, the app is dedicated to searching a variety of airlines for the cheapest possible flights to the destination of your choice. The app has been a hit on the iPhone for some time, and it looks to be no slouch on the iPad: a larger screen results in a far more pleasant experience for the user and the ability to view your search history, map and hotel listings without moving from one page to another is a definite improvement. Although incredibly useful in its current state, the app is still in its infancy and its creators are already promising improvements.
Retirement Dashboard
One of the most important things to save money for is your retirement, and it goes without saying that it’s never too early to start planning. Thanks to the Retirement Dashboard app on the iPad, that very task apparently just became easier. After entering a variety of variables such as your current savings, account balances, projected salary and market conditions, the app crunches the necessary numbers and then produces a report from which you can assess your future retirement package. Of course it’s not foolproof due to it relying on a number of predictions, but it’s still worth using should you be generally curious as to the effectiveness of your current savings plan.
4
@John, Go waste your money on an iTampon and in another year wait till they release the new iTampon 2.0 then you’re going to waste another 800 bucks then in a year and a half they are going to release the iTampon 2.5. That’s why I bought a tablet computer, I’ll waste my money once then I can upgrade the software and components.
3
@bob: you will also save yourself a lot of money by not buying food. We would appreciate it.
2
won’t you save more money by NOT BUYING EITHER an IPad or any of these apps?
1
I saved myself $500 by not buying an ipad.