turn on suggestions Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.
Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.

Add Product

Search

Search Results:

Strong Ties

About the Author
  • Computers, video games and TVs have always been fascinating to me. Not only are they wonderful ways to relax, but they’re also immensely useful as tools. Computers allow us to communicate instantly with family members across the country through e-mail, video games allow us to make friends with people across the globe we wouldn’t even meet otherwise, and TVs allow us to see what’s happening in our very own towns…all at the touch of a button. Sure, over time I’ve managed to assemble a collection of other electronic gadgets that would make most people do a double-take, but that just isn’t enough. I want to know how they work. I want to know why they work. I want to know that I can connect every electronic device in my home into a single, fully-functional network that I can access from over 1,000 miles away at the drop of a hat. Not because I have a reason to do so, but because I can. I am a geek, plain and simple.
Article Options

Managing Finances

by Community Connector Community Connector on 04-22-2011 05:53 PM

 

The trials of tax season may be drawing to a close, but keeping tabs on your personal finances is still a year-round job.  It can be a difficult one, in fact, if you’re away from home, stationed overseas or are frequently travelling abroad.  Thankfully though there are a number of tools you can use to manage your savings and plan your budget when walking into your favorite bank isn’t an option.

 

 

Personal Finance Software

 

Need an easy way to track what you’re spending and where?  Consider picking up a basic personal finance management program like Quicken.  Many of these programs can automatically sync with your bank, credit card and other accounts, providing you one convenient place to view your income and expenditures.  Some titles also include goal management aides that can help you plan how to save for that next big purchase.

 

 

 

Tax Software


If scheduling an appointment with the local tax specialist every spring isn’t your cup of tea, then tax management software like TurboTax or H&R Block At Home may be the solution for you.  New versions of these programs are released every year to reflect the latest tax code changes, and many include online or downloadable audit support centers.  They’ll even guide you through the process of filing your federal tax return online, as well as double-check your return for errors before you submit it.

 


 

Online Banking Apps

 

Don’t have access to a computer?  No problem!  Many banks offer free downloadable smart phone applications that allow customers to view their accounts, transfer funds from one account to another, and set up automatic online bill payment.  Features and availability vary from bank to bank though, so make sure to ask a representative at your local branch for full details.

 

 

Money Management Websites

 

If you’d rather do everything online, sites like Mint.com can perform many of the same tasks as the aforementioned software titles.  Mint.com specifically is a “read-only” service, so no one can move funds out of your accounts or from one account to another.  It even provides e-mail and text alerts whenever a large purchase is made or a significant change occurs.