Around Town, continued

The Crazy World of APPs

Who could have imagined that since last summer when Apple launched its AppStore, there would be over 100,000 applications created in less than one year. Today, you can load these bite-sized software programs onto your mobile smartphone. Many are games or novelties, but more recently we're seeing a trend of more serious business tools among the new apps.

In Florida, there are more than 100 iphone apps including those for resorts, college sports teams, weather and news. One local organization, Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, recently introduced its iPhone application, the "Budget Tool", which is designed to help people create a balanced budget.

The financial experts at Consolidated Credit are committed to making budgeting easy and more accessible to everyone. A budget is an important part of managing personal finances, however, many people avoid this task because they think it's too hard or a budget will stop them from enjoying their life. "The new generation of consumers is tech-savvy, so now they can “play” with their budget," said Howard Dvorkin, founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc.

The "Budget Tool" app gives people the ability to track their total expenses and generates a simple graph of their overall spending. It provides six common categories with numerous sub-categories to make organization simple and the ability to export spreadsheets via email so people can compare their monthly, quarterly and annual budgets. One of the best features is that it's FREE!

Consolidated Credit is a leader in the credit counseling industry and they provide money saving tips and strategies to get consumer's finances back on track. The Budget Tool provides consumer tips on how to save money and reduce spending in various categories. People can use it to find out if they are living within their means and how their budget compares to an ideal, recommended budget.

"Some people think that a budget won't fit into their normal life; that weighing and measuring the dollars spent just isn't a practical, long-term strategy. We've launched the Budget Tool for the iPhone to help consumers get control of their budgets," says Howard Dvorkin. "The response has been fantastic. Since we've launched the budgeting tool at the end of December, we've seen an average of 180 to 200 downloads per day."

Features of the BUDGET TOOL include:

- Quick & Easy to use interface

- Simple transaction and budget entry

- Backup important financial data

- Keep track of your spending in real-time

- Track total spending expenses simply

- Generate spending graphs for a visual overview of your finances

- Compare your current budget to recommended and ideal budgets

- Provides consumer tips on saving money and cutting spending

- Ability to save notes for each expense category

"You create a budget because you want to make changes for the better," says Dvorkin, "If you give up, you're right back where you started. Budgeting is a lifestyle choice, it's a part of everyday life and it helps people make better financial choices."

To try the FREE Budget Tool App you can download from your iPhone or your iPod Touch. Go to the App Store and search the term "Budget Tool" or download the FREE Budget Tool App now by clicking here. For more information about Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc., go to Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc Do you know of other local organizations that have created their own apps? Tell us about them so we can let everyone know! Contact Us