Reach your goals
Start 2026 with the right budget app
Although there is no shortage of budget apps available, current usage rates indicate that many consumers find it difficult to choose the right app. Recent studies have found that while about 45% of consumers use spreadsheets and calculators, only about 21% use budgeting apps.
Before testing a budget app, it’s helpful to determine what type of functionality is most important to you, like the ones below.
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Several types of financial accounts can be synced, including your own and your partner’s accounts.
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It helps you plan ahead for financial decisions.
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CIt categorizes your expenses so you can adjust your spending patterns.
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It tracks bills and sends you alerts of upcoming due dates, so you don’t incur late fees.
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Accessible via mobile and desktop.
Now that you’ve decided what you need, here are three apps to consider.
Monarch Money, for a custom budget
Monarch allows users to sync bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments. Other features include a net worth tracker, investment dashboard, custom reports, and reminders for upcoming bills. Recent updates include the addition of an AI-powered chatbot.
YNAB, for zero-based budgeting
YNAB stands for You Need a Budget. And it follows Zero-based budget systemWhich means you’ll have a plan for every dollar you earn. For example, once you have your money, it tells YNAB how much of your income should go into different categories, including spending, savings, and debt.
The origin of AI-powered investment advice.
Origin enables users to track spending, investments, and net worth while planning future investments. It won Forbes’ award for best budgeting app of 2024, which translates into popularity with more affluent users. It also features AI-powered chat so users can ask questions about the economy, retirement planning, and more.
Source: nerdwallet.com
Mortgage IQ
Strategies to speed up payments
While homeownership costs continue to rise post-pandemic, there are still buyers determined to save for the median down payment for a home. Last year, it took the average American seven years to save that amount, down from 12 years through 2022, but still above pre-pandemic levels.
For example, a family in San Francisco with an average income could take more than 36 years to save for that city’s median down payment of $245,466, while the average family in San Antonio, Texas, or Virginia Beach, Virginia, would need only a year or two.
When renters postpone buying a home, they also postpone their access to home ownership and building long-term wealth, so it’s often better to start earlier rather than later. At the community level, delaying home ownership may slow housing demand, construction, mortgage activity, and even consumer spending associated with home improvements.
While some housing experts still recommend paying 20% of the home price as a down payment, buyers in the third quarter of 2025 averaged down payments of 14.4% of the home price. In addition, some mortgage programs require down payments of less than 5% of the total loan amount.
Want to learn more about your home buying prospects? Contact your local APM Loan Advisor For answers to your questions about down payments.
Financial news
How to curb vehicle payments
Buying a new or used car or truck is more expensive than ever. While many of them have high-tech features that make them safer and more fun, these features, combined with inflation, have led to higher sticker prices.
However, there are several ways to control costs.
1. Tighten your credit. If your credit score is in the mid-70s or higher, congratulations! If it needs work, it may be worth holding off on the purchase until your score improves. You can help achieve this fairly quickly if you pay off credit card balances and other debts.
2. Shop for financing first. Compare financing options and lenders, including your bank or credit union, as well as reputable online lenders. Consider getting pre-approved. While agents have their own lenders, their rates may not be competitive.
3. Find your car. Before entering the dealership, do all the research you can about the model you’re interested in, such as average costs, extras, and final price. You may also find an agency that sells your preferred ride for a lower price, or with special financing.
4. Consider a budget-friendly model. Although this is always good advice, many buyers don’t follow it, especially when they test a model that makes their current car look outdated. Think about who your fellow passengers will be (adults, children, or dogs), and your daily driving habits before you choose.
Source: Investment website
Did you know?
Why do we always fly in friendly skies?
When you get on a plane, you probably have a lot on your mind. Will you get stuck in the middle seat, or next to noisy kids (or adults)? Will you make the call? What you probably don’t think about is what the hosts are thinking when they greet you with a smile at the door.
Passengers tend to assume flight attendant greetings are just that, but there’s a lot more going on. Here’s what’s really on their minds.
They ensure that you do not need assistance boarding. While people in wheelchairs receive special attention, passengers with children or limited mobility may also require assistance or be seated in a designated row.
They rate your mood. While it’s usually easy to spot someone who’s spent a lot of time at an airport bar, others may need attention for entirely different reasons, such as visibly nervous travelers. They are also looking for special lanyards worn by people with hidden disabilities. These can be anything from Parkinson’s disease to PTSD.
They identify potentially useful passengers. They may be called upon to help open heavy doors during an emergency, or to assist others in evacuating the aircraft.
They check excess baggage. While check-in staff usually handle this, the flight crew wants to prevent passengers from bringing too many bags on board. It slows down the boarding process and there may not be enough storage space for everything.
Source: dailypassport.com
Personal finances
Can you claim pets on your taxes?
Tax season is right around the corner, so many of us are reviewing last year’s financial records for potential deductions. While you may think of your pets as your dependents, the IRS doesn’t…most of the time.
Pets that do not have jobs generally will not qualify for a tax deduction. However, service animals that assist people with disabilities may provide their owners with discounts, such as the costs of training, supplies, food, and vet visits. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including costs related to service animals, are deductible if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
In addition, animals that have jobs — such as providing security, herding livestock, or providing pest control — may qualify. And if you foster dogs or cats for a 501(c)(3) rescue organization, you can deduct the unreimbursed expenses you incur. These contributions are considered charitable.
Do you have a cat or dog with real personality? If they are a social media influencer, they may get discounts if they earn money through sponsorship deals, advertising revenue, or even modeling. Its maintenance expenses can be considered “ordinary and necessary” business expenses.
If you’re unsure about potential deductions, contact a tax professional for guidance.
Source: Tamkeen.com
food
Vegetarian sweet potatoes with chili
It’s a great meal to enjoy in the middle of winter, no matter the weather. this Vegetarian sweet potatoes with chili It’s easy to make because it’s a one serving meal. You can choose from several types of beans – black, red or pinto – or even combine two or three of them.
Around the house
Renew your kitchen with old colors
If your kitchen surroundings are looking bland, or if you’re ready to switch from shades of gray to bolder colors, now is the perfect time to brighten up your surroundings.
Many industry professionals are introducing color into almost every part of the kitchen, from countertops to appliances. Traditional whites and grays are losing ground to shades of brown and off-white, as sage and other muted greens become more popular. (Going green may encourage more salad preparation!)
There’s no reason to give up on appliances, especially as more of them are adopting outdated designs and colours. Over the past years, more appliances with chrome finishes have replaced primary colors. Some brands like The big coldreintroduced red, light blue, and pastel pink refrigerators with 1950s design features. Other appliance manufacturers such as Galanz They also enter into the reflexive verb.
Source: bhg.com
