Recently for Christmas I finally purchased my beloved iPad after thinking about it and talking about it for some time… This is a purchase I’ve delayed for a couple months in order to purchase it at a time I had the extra money, and in order to follow my financial 30 day rule for saving money.
Now that I have the new iPad, I am really stoked and am already sucked into the Apple black hole. I now use it as much, if not more, than my laptop and especially like it for keeping up with my blog.
I know many of you don’t have a tablet device and may be in the market it for one (doesn’t have to be the iPad) so I’m here to encourage you to pull the trigger and get one – once you have the money of course!
With this post I want to point out the excellent tools I use on my iPad to track my finances and keep up to date with my blog. These apps are not exclusive to the iPad but can also be put on an android device like the Nexus tablet (and others).
If you don’t have an iPad or tablet – never fear – tablet applications are basically just web portals with the same type of access that you can also receive via the internet through your computer’s web browser.
Now onto the tools…
Financial Tools
Banking Apps – I’m now officially converted over to my iPad for checking my bank account, paying my bills, and tracking my credit card spending. I personally use the US Bank app, as this is where I do my banking, so fortunately for me I really love it.
This isn’t to say I exclusively use my iPad for checking my bank account online, but it is to say that using my banking app is amazingly convenient and makes the web experience extremely enjoyable as everything is laid out exactly where I desire it (as if I designed it myself).
I know there are many banks out there, so every app will be different – but I betting the principle still applies across the board. Banking applications on the iPad are awesome and make this routine task of checking my account, much more enjoyable.
Brokerage Apps – Many of us have a 401k, 403b, or a ROTH IRA. (…at least I hope you do). We also have stocks that we purchase and trade outside of our retirement accounts. For me, having my brokerage accounts right on my iPad makes me so happy in this regard. I can track my IRA accounts, trade and track stocks, and receive alerts right at my fingertips.
Many of these brokerage apps also have ‘mock’ trading available on their tablet applications. This allows you to create portfolio scenarios so that you can ‘practice’ trading – so to speak – before actually risking real money. I use this tool all the time for “play trading” options and analyzing credit spreads.
In many ways I find the ‘mock trading’ tools more fun than many of the games provided on these devices. (Yes, it’s better than angry birds)
Market Tracking – Maybe you don’t want to login and check your full brokerage account, and just want to quickly check the S&P 500 or your favorite stock. Tablets are especially great for this as well…
I personally use two applications, Yahoo MarketDash and StockTracker. Both do a great job at presenting the financials of the company I’m tracking, including excellent charts, alerts, and up to date news information.
Mint – If you’re into budgeting and managing your money (aren’t we all?), then you are going to love Mint. If you already use Mint, then you are going to love it on the iPad.
Personally, I just started using Mint, and think I’m really going to like all the features and information it provides. Even in this short amount of time, it’s easy to see that Mint rocks for keeping you on budget and tracking your expenses!
Blogging Tools
WordPress App – This app is by far my most used iPad application for blogging. On the WordPress app, I can check my dashboard which includes a lot of the information I want to quickly see, including incoming links, visitors’ statistics, and other important admin information.
But clearly to me, the best tool is the commenting area of the app. Keeping up and replying to comments is “super-easy” with this tool. I don’t have to log into my account every time I want to approve a new comment, or reply to something that catches my eye. I am already logged in on the iPad and am ready to rock and roll.
Twitter & Facebook – If you’re a blogger, than I’m willing to bet you have a Twitter and Facebook account for your blog. Both applications run amazing well on a tablet and smartphone device. So much so, that I personally haven’t checked Twitter or Facebook on my computer in over 3 months.
Why, you ask? Because the apps themselves are so simple and user friendly for everyday use – there is just no reason to go online anymore through a regular browser. I can do everything I want, right on my iPad.
Create Your Own – One of the coolest things I enjoy about the iPad is that even if an application doesn’t exist for a certain website I enjoy visiting; I can create a home screen link (similar to an app) and set it on my desktop for easy access.
I personally do this for checking my Alexa information, my Google AdSense account, and of course Yakezie – the best blogger network on the planet. Essentially, the opportunities are endless in this regards!
My Conclusion – Why should you Care?
So, why do I bring all this up and gloat about the iPad and its features?
For me it’s simple, it’s all about time management and improving my efficiency. Most people reading this article probably know what I’m talking about when I say that “life is busy.”
If you’re a blogger, than life is crazy busy!!! As blogging is a massive time eater in your everyday life. In many ways you can spend hours upon hours working on your blog and never feel done. Because of this, anything I can do to save time and improve my efficiency in my everyday tasks is of immense value.
Is this the only reason I use an iPad? No, I also use it because I love technology… but, it’s clearly the most valuable time saving tool I own next to my iPhone.
Readers, what are your thoughts about using an iPad or Tablet device in your everyday life? If you own one, how has it improved your life efficiency? If you don’t want one, please share with me why?
Jason is the founder of frugal habits - a personal finance blog about eliminating debt, saving your hard earned cash, and giving generously. When not enjoying time with his beautiful wife and two daughters - Jason enjoys the great outdoors, reading a great book, traveling the globe, triathlons, and a good cup of coffee.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I have always used a laptop to do all those tasks, but I see the advantages of a tablet. Perhaps if I win one of come across a large amount of money I might buy one, but otherwise i’ll stick to what I currently do.
Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted..The Cheapest, Easiest and Best ways to learn a Language in 2013
Can’t go wrong if you’re happy with what you’re doing. Best of luck – Glen.
i still don’t have the iPad, but do want one. i am not sure why, really.. peer pressure maybe?.. i think they are darn slick devices, but i am not entirely sure what i would do with them. i have gotten used to the keyboard and when doing blog-related activities, i sure found myself typing a lot.
of course, at one time i said the same thing before switching from a blackberry to an android phone, and that change has worked out pretty well for me
Jefferson @SeeDebtRun recently posted..Was I A Hoarder Or Just Really Lazy?
I think it is great to have and in many ways a time saver – but not a must have. That being said, I wouldn’t trade my back in for the $$.
Welome to the fanboy club
Savvy Scot recently posted..Planning Our 2013 Holiday to Mexico
Amen, brother
I have an iPad, but I’ve only used it twice. Luckily it was one of my Christmas presents from my work so I’m not out any money!
Michelle recently posted..Wedding Budget – Our Expected Costs
Check out the Wordpress app – you will like it.
I gotta admit that I have been jonesing for an iPad for a while now. I could see myself using it to make blogging easier and it would definitely help me manage my finances better.
Kyle @ Rather-Be-Shopping.com recently posted..5 Things You Can Buy for a Dollar But Probably Don’t
It certainly is nice for blogging. I especially like it for managing comments.
We have the money sitting in our cash envelope for an iPad but we haven’t made the plunge yet. While I’d love to have all of these various apps, my wife is still weary of putting too much personal information out there in the virtual world.
Jason @ WSL recently posted..FreeTaxUSA – Review and Analysis by a Tax Accountant
I think that’s a legitimate worry. You are only as secure as the company’s ability and desire to keep your information safe, so I understand completely.
I like my iPad. Because we travel often on weekends, it’s fantastic to pack the iPad rather than a laptop to keep up. In fact, on trips, it’s easy to post messages, track comments and statistics. You’re right: it’s a big timesaver.
AverageJoe recently posted..How Successful People Accomplish More – Two Guys and Your Money 025
I agree Joe – mine has been a big time saver as well. I’m taking mine on a trip here shortly (and leaving my laptop at home) – we’ll see how it goes and if I miss my MacBook at all.
It’s interesting what you’re both saying. I’m about due for a new computer… trying to decide between a Macbook or an iPad & Mac Mini (I have a whole desktop set-up.) I’m also about to revamp my website and start my business blog and social media going, so I’m looking for efficiency, great user experience & ease of use, and mobility.
Has a lot changed more recently, that you’re aware of, with the Wordpress iPad app and the iPad? Most other reviews I’ve seen dated just 6 or 7 months ago have talked about the iPad as geared toward content consumption only & lacking greatly (apps & otherwise) for content creation . Or do you think this has more to do with an individual’s conditioned relationship to the devices?
Rebecca recently posted..Article 1
I’m scared to get on the ipad bandwagon. I am always so far behind on technology. By the time I get an ipad, there will be something completely different out I’m sure!
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..Parenting: Go the Fuck to Sleep
We’ve not yet bought an iPad, though my wife really wants one. We just upgraded her to an iPhone 5 and she has a MacBook Pro, plus my laptop. My concern, or question really is do we really need something else? I see all the benefits, but don’t know that it’s worth the $500+ to have them.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..How to Take the Emotion Out of Investing
Jason, we are putting off getting an ipad although my husband would love one. He’s an apple guy dating way back to the first apples so a big fan through and through. While it would be really handy for him to use an ipad to keep his business going easily from the couch, we have a few other financial goals before purchasing an ipad. I of course have a kindle fire (but that is far less expensive than an ipad). To fund a purchase the size of an ipad requires a bit of planning, don’t you agree?
Suzanne recently posted..Financial Advisor Marketing Idea: Create a Client Service Matrix
I became an apple guy about 4 years ago when I bought my first MacBook. Amazing computer. Still runs like the day I bought it.
For buying an iPad, I recommended buying apple refurbished. Usually about $100-$150 less than new, but with the same warranty.
I, too , am really digging the iPad. Get the keyboard; it makes it a home run situation! Thanks for the post!
Tony@YouOnlyDoThisOnce recently posted..Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude
I haven’t quite gotten to the point where I can rationalize the cost of an iPad, but I’m certainly not opposed to using one!
The Happy Homeowner recently posted..Personal Finance and Lance Armstrong: What You Can Learn from Lance’s Fall from Grace
I bought a a nexus 7 tablet for school so I wouldn’t spend so much on ink printing out readings and it has been pretty useful. I also use apps like mint, WordPress, analytics,as well as the eBay and Craigslist apps.
Ian recently posted..Getting the Most Out of Your Peer to Peer Loans: Part III ~ The Borrower Description