Tech Tips for Money Fun
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Money Fun
As a new year begins, people everywhere are setting goals or resolutions to be better at something. Many times resolutions include taking better care of oneself, spending more time with family, or working harder to get that dream job. Many people also want to learn more about money management… How do I save to buy that new house, car, or phone or to be able to take that family vacation we have been dreaming about?
In today’s world, our children most often see us paying with debit cards, credit cards, or even our phones! This can make the concept of money harder than ever for our children to grasp. Although children today may rarely use paper bills and coins as payment when they become adults; understanding the value of money, including knowing how to count coins and make change, is the foundation for being able to better understand their own finances later.
We, at BridgingApps, have noticed a lot of new apps hitting the virtual stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) that aim to help all people learn how to better manage their money. The best part? Many of them can be useful in helping teach our children everything they need to know about money; from how to count coins and spend money wisely to how to set a good example by saving up to buy those big ticket items!
Apps for children of any age who are just beginning to learn about money: Here are some apps we love for helping children become more familiar with money by learning to identify and count coins and bills while having fun playing games.
Count Money!
By Horizon Business, Inc.
Count Money is a simple app that focuses on counting coins to match the given number. Select the difficulty level and number of problems in the settings screen. Progress through the difficulty levels until you master counting money.
Price: FREE
Next Dollar Up
By Limited Cue LLC
Next Dollar Up is an app that teaches money management skills. The concept is an alternative strategy to help develop independence in money management by using the whole dollar concept.
Price: $1.99
Toca Store
By Toca Boca AB
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a virtual store for early learners. They can take turns as a storekeeper and customer while learning counting and pretend play skills.
Price: $3.99
Jungle Coins
By Andrew Short
Jungle Coins is an engaging, easy to use educational app that teaches kids coin math in multiple languages.
Price: $2.99
Apps for teens, young adults, and parents who want to manage their money more effectively or need help saving money:
The following apps are helpful for older children and adults by giving us the tools to be wiser with our money. Perhaps you want to help your older child or teenager manage the money they are earning through allowances or a first job? Maybe you just need a little help getting your family back on track or want to set a new savings goal to purchase something special. Check out these apps to see if one is a good fit for you and your family.
Greenlight Debit Card for Kids
By Greenlight Financial
Technology, Inc. Greenlight is the perfect bridge for those just starting on the path to financial independence; with both custodial and user platforms, Greenlight enables caregivers to monitor and control their child’s spending, while still offering the user choices in their spending.
Price: FREE
RoosterMoney Allowance Manager
By World Learning Ltd
RoosterMoney is a new and adaptable app for families looking to keep track of allowances. For families that lose track of money-earned for chores, RoosterMoney is the app to keep you organized.
Price: FREE
EveryDollar Easy Budgeting App
By The Lampo Group Incorporated
EveryDollar is a budget-planning app, based on Dave Ramsey’s principles, that allows users to easily track their budget and spending on a monthly basis. The app is designed for adults and gives them the ability to easily see where they spend their money each month.
Price: FREE
Digit: Save Money Effortlessly
By Hello Digit Inc
Digit is an app that tracks and evaluates your spending habits to determine how much is available for savings. The app pulls amounts that seem to go unnoticed into a savings account, called “Rainy Day” making automatic withdrawals from your bank’s checking account into a savings account.
Price: FREE
Clarity Money and Marcus
By Clarity Money
Clarity Money is a free app to help you save money, plan your budget, track your spending and expenses, keep a watch on your credit score, and manage all of your linked accounts in one easy place.
Price: FREE
Website: https://www.marcus.com/us/en/clarity-money
YNAB (You Need a Budget)
By You Need A Budget LLC
YNAB is a digital product that supports financial goals. It will help you break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money using its four rule system.
Price: FREE
Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her children who have special needs. Amy Barry is the Content Manager and Editor at BridgingApps and mother of five children. Amy Fuchs is the Program Coordinator at BridgingApps and a former special education teacher.
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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2020 Magazine
