Most of us are addicted to the general social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine…. ok, that was a joke. Whether you are a student and an entrepreneur, time is extremely valuable to you. Technology has made it easier to manage your life. It seems like every time we turn around, there’s a different mobile app that’s been added to the market that we have to download immediately. Some add value to our lives, while others don’t. There are four apps that I have found to increase my life’s productivity.
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- Mint
This app helps me to manage money wisely. It combines all of your financial accounts so you are aware how much money you have. You can also add your utility accounts, so you can keep up with your bills. The best thing that about the app is that you can set financial goals. For example, when I decided to start my 2nd business, I already knew how much I need to start, $10,000. Through my 2nd savings account, I’m able to keep track of that goal. Another feature I absolutely love about this app is their budgeting tool. I’m able to set limits on certain categories like food, clothing, etc., and if I go over it, then I get a text or email alert.
- Dropbox
This app helps me to keep my documents at hand anytime that I need them. Dropbox is a cloud storage software like Google Drive. It replaced the jump drive that I used to carry in my bag or on my key chain. You can also download Dropbox as a separate drive on your computer. I prefer Dropbox over Google Drive because Dropbox’s core business is cloud computing so they are always updating their systems. They have an excellent two-part security method if you access your account from a different computer. Anytime I want to retrieve a document like a pdf or my business plan on demand, I can pull up a readable file to present to anyone.
- Evernote
This app helps me to organize my notes when I’m working on a project. Evernote is note taking software that works as an app and also works on your computer. I started using Evernote when I was college and I was taking notes in my business class. I used it for my assignments and my case studies. The best feature is the web clipper where I would able to save and attach articles, blogs, and web pages to my notebook. Because of their new limitations that require a paid subscription, I use other comparable apps like Pocket for categorizing and saving web pages and Wunderlist for making to-do lists.
- Brain Focus
This app helps me to focus on one specific task at a time. Brain focus is a time management app. I used it when I was studying for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). My goal was to do 150 hours of study time. The app tracked my time and also allowed me to take breaks. In addition, it silences all the alerts and ring tones. You can use it to focus on projects. Unlike with most time management, with Brain Focus you can label and organize the projects, so you can view on the dashboard exactly how much time you put towards a task. You can export it to a CSV file with their pro upgrade. Right now, I’m using it to get in my time for learning how to program or code.
They are a few other apps that I use on a daily basis: SworkIt, a personalized fitness app; Duolingo, a language learning app; Kindle, an e-reader app. Most of these apps are cross platforms so they work between PC, laptops, cellphones, tablets, etc. and information is easily transferred, sometimes offline. The key is to let your electronic device maximize your time by increasing your productivity.
