It might only be March 10, but I’m already dreading the unsavory date that lies just a month away. Sometime between now and then, I have to go through all of my 2009 records so I can optimally configure my tax return. Problem is, my finances are so disorganized that getting everything together becomes a task itself. Even if I had someone do my taxes for me — and they’re not complicated enough to warrant that — I would still have to figure out what in the world I did the previous year. This year, however, it might be a bit easier. I started using my BlackBerry to keep track of my finances, and I’ve found that it has enabled me to make a habit of it. Before, when I used a pen an paper, I’d always forget to write down my transactions when I got home. Now, though, it’s a reflex to reach for my Berry when I buy something or take cash out of the ATM.
I’ve gone through a few applications, searching for the best one. I used the ones listed in our personal finance BlackBerry apps, and I gave a real long look at ProOnGo Expense. More recently, though, I’ve been using Mobile Checkbook by Mobatech. It’s simple, yet it allows me record and view all of my financial activity. I have set up all of my accounts, including my checking, savings, and credit card accounts. I even created an additional savings account to represent my investments.
From there, management is easy. I just record transactions as they occur. I can schedule payments regularly each month, so Mobile Checkbook automatically makes the adjustments. For instance, I have my gym membership, my cell phone bill, and my rent on auto-pay. Because I might not remember these transactions, the recurring feature on Mobile Checkbook helps plenty. I’ve even adopted the habit of hitting up Mobile Checkbook when I make PayPal transfers.
The next step, I believe, is to have the application integrate with my accounts, so when I hit Transfer Funds, it actually makes the transfer, rather than just a recording of it. That requires an enormous level of security, though, so I don’t quite expect it anytime soon. But when I’m toting around Mobile Checkbook it’s the only improvement I can really think of. I don’t even miss the receipt capture feature in ProOnGo.
You can get Mobile Checkbook for $7.99 from now until March 31, when the price gets bumped up $2. It works on BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2 and above.
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
Use your BlackBerry to track your finances with Mobile Checkbook
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
Use your BlackBerry to track your finances with Mobile Checkbook