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The best budgeting and finance tools for home and business

The Mint budgeting app has been folded into Credit Karma, owned by Intuit. It’s been around since 2006, so it’s a shame to see it go. Worry not! There are other options out there.

What to look for in a budgeting app

Don’t just blindly choose the first app that pops up when you search for budgeting apps. There are several factors to consider when selecting the one that fits your needs best.

Security

Most budgeting apps have you connect your credit cards and bank accounts and enter personal information, including your most delicate passwords. That’s a lot of faith given to one app.

With hackers being a constant concern, security should be your number one priority when choosing the right budgeting app. Do they have a history of being hacked? Does the application offer two-factor authentication? Be sure to check the security settings of an app before making a final choice.

Cost

Budgeting apps typically have a free option, but many require upgrading if you want premium options. This doesn’t mean you should avoid the paid apps, but you’ll want to ensure the purchase is worth it for your budgeting needs.

Features

Not every app is created equal. Some will let you track all your financial accounts, and some are more limited. Investigate a few apps before choosing so you can see which features are the most valuable to you and if they are worth paying for. Now onto the apps.

You Need A Budget (YNAB)

When you look up the best budgeting apps online, you’ll probably find YNAB. That’s because it has a ton of robust features you can use to take charge of your personal finance goals.

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Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

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Every home needs one

There’s an emergency and your phone is out of commission. Don’t panic — grab an emergency radio. It can be the difference between staying safe and being trapped with no communication. My husband, Barry, owns several!

The Midland ER310 ($69.66) recharges by hand crank, solar power or battery. It’s got a built-in SOS beacon, weather alerts and an ultrasonic dog whistle so rescue teams can find you more easily.
The Midland ER210 model ($49.99) is a more affordable option with the same features, but it’s smaller and has a shorter battery life.
Want a reliable budget option? Here’s one for around $35 with all the essential features you’d need.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Lifesaving feature: Google Pixels now have satellite SOS just like iPhones, so you can text for help when there’s no cell coverage or Wi-Fi. To use it, dial 911 > Satellite SOS > Start and fill out a quick emergency questionnaire. Position your phone until it says Connected. You’ll get a text back when help is on the way.

Everything Apple does with your health data

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The FDA just approved new Apple health features — AirPods as hearing aids, Apple Watches detecting sleep apnea. But what’s happening with your health info? I’ve got the details!

🆕 Bluetooth 6.0 is incredible: One of the coolest new features is channel sounding, which calculates distance with crazy precision — think tracking devices with centimeter-level accuracy. Imagine finding your lost TV remote or some other gadget in an instant. Give it about a year till this tech is ready for you and me to use.

$10 for remote start

That’s what Mazda is charging for its connected features. They used to be free, and there was even an open-source (free) workaround. Yep, Mazda had that taken down. They’re not the only car company charging for previously free stuff.

5 hidden fees costing your small business money

Starting your own business can be exciting, but it often comes with a rocky road ahead. Those rocks will cut into your wallet through several expenses. Miscalculating the daily costs of running a company can hurt you in the long run.

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New to Google Calendar: Dark mode. Click the Settings cog > Appearance and choose from Light, Dark or Device default. If you don’t see it yet, be patient; the update is rolling out.

Cool new Google search trick: Open your camera, point it at something (like a tree), ask a question (e.g., “What fruit is this?”) and Google Lens will find the answer. To use it, opt into AI Overviews here. Yeah, they’re desperate to keep up with OpenAI.

No service? No problem: Spotify’s new Offline Backup kicks in when you don’t have a stable connection. It’s a playlist made up of songs you’ve listened to recently since they’re downloaded to your account. This feature is just for paying users right now.

$9,850,000

Listing price for Bob Ross’ very first painting from his TV show. He created “A Walk in the Woods” live during the 1983 premiere of “The Joy of Painting.” Yes, it features a few happy little trees.

Stop your TV from selling your data

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Remember when a 4K TV cost over ten grand? Now, they’re packed with smart features at a fraction of that price. But there’s a catch.

New Instagram features: Add text to photos by tapping the text button, or throw in stickers via the gallery. Reels got an upgrade, too, with new fonts, animations and text effects. Simply tap the text button, and then hit the animations button and effects button. Plus, you can now upload up to 20 photos in one post.

New cars, AI, and unhappy customers

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Thinking about splurging on a new car? Discover why some of the latest high-tech features might be more hassle than they’re worth and how you can save big by skipping the tech gimmicks.

Death march: Starting with some 2023 models and those released in March 2024, Samsung TVs get seven years of free updates to keep them safe from hackers. No specifics on which models yet, but it’s likely to cover those with AI features. PSA: Before you buy any used electronics, know the EOL (end-of-life) date. More about that here.

43 times out of 100

AI car features are more trouble than they’re worth. J.D. Power polled Americans who drive 2024 models that include tech like facial recognition, a fingerprint reader and interior gesture controls. The feedback? “Meh.” See the top-rated manufacturers and models here.

Now is not the time to upgrade your smartphone

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With Google’s new Pixel phones costing extra for AI features and Apple’s iPhone 16 soon to be released, it’s worth holding off a bit longer.

Is your Wi-Fi router spying for China?

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Federal officials are raising red flags over TP-Link, warning their products might be linked to Chinese espionage. Plus, Redbox files for bankruptcy, Taylor Swift drops cassettes, and Apple’s next iPhone features AI.

Don’t throw your Bluetooth speaker in a lake; it’ll sync: Sonos rolled out a screwed-up app in May that’s missing basic features, and now speakers are turning off intermittently. They’re working on a fix that’ll cost a cool $20 million or more, but there’s no timeline yet. I’m sure it doesn’t help that they just laid off 100 people yesterday …