In this day and age, it's almost guaranteed there is an app for anything and everything. I mean, Apple even trademarked the phrase, "There's an app for that."
Most young adults use their social media and music apps primarily, and whatever Apple or Android throws on there as a stock app, but what about the apps that actually better your life? There's plenty of those, you just have to find them and learn how to use them.
A few apps I find helpful in my life.
1. TurboTax
It's tax season, so of course this is going to be my number one app to help you adult.
It's free. It's easy. They file for you. They save your files if you want to print later.
Basically, it's awesome, and I'm not sure why everyone isn't using TurboTax.
2. Mint
For everyone who has major budgeting problems, this app is for you. It's through the same company as TurboTax (Intuit), and they hook up to all of your accounts, whether it's your credit card or your bank account. Mint tracks every purchase you've made, as well as any deposits and withdrawals.
From then on, Mint calculates how much money you can spend a month on anything you could think of such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, gas and groceries. Basically, you learn the harsh reality that you should probably be spending more on groceries and less on drinks at the bar.
3. Digit
Alright, alright, I realize this isn't an app, but they contact you via text so I'm counting it. Plus, saving money is a young adult's vice.
Digit is a company insured by the FDIC that connects to your checking account. It calculates your income and spending, and then saves an appropriate amount of money away in a third party account. You can withdraw, choose to save more and view your Digit account either on their website or through text.
I've saved a few hundred dollars through Digit, and it's saved my butt a few times.
4. Yummly
Now, this app probably isn't for everyone, but for those of you who are trying to maintain a certain diet or who enjoy cooking, Yummly is perfect for you.
It allows you to find and customize recipes, as well as create shopping lists and save dishes for later. During down time for school, I typically flip through the app to help me decide what I'm eating for dinner or dessert later that evening.
I promise, once you know how to cook and what you like to eat, it'll come in handy.
5. Drink Water Free
I guarantee there's a few people out there thinking, "Why would I need an app to tell me to drink water?"
Almost 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated, which is why this app is actually really important. It sets up daily reminders for you to drink water throughout the day, and it also sets up goals. If you ever wish to pursue proper hydration, download drink water free and get ready to go to the bathroom a lot. That's your body thanking you.
6. Waze
Who hates traffic and cops? Because I know I do. Waze is a GPS navigation app that helps you detect both, as well as accidents, radar cameras and even the best spots for cheap gas prices.
7. Pocket
How many times are you in class or at work, and a friend sends you a video or you want to read an article? The app Pocket allows you save whatever it is you want to view for later. Get rid of all of those tabs in your Safari and just check it all out in your Pocket. Convenient, I know.
While there are plenty of other helpful apps for your banking or Target and Safeway needs, the apps above I find to be the most helpful on a weekly, even daily basis.
