9 Of The Most Useful Apps You Need On Your Phone
When you have a smartphone, it can be easy to load it up with tons of apps, half of which you end up not even using. It’s time to declutter your phone and only keep the best of the best. Whether you’re a student or a young professional, these are some of the most useful apps you will want to download right now. Seriously, go do it. I bet you’re reading this on your phone anyway.
1. Venmo
I don’t know about you, but I almost never carry cash on me anymore. It’s so easy to just use a debit or credit card, especially with direct deposit, so why bother? Well, some stores are still cash only. You’ve more than likely run into a situation where your friend has had to spot you some money for one reason or another. Want to pay them back immediately? Download Venmo. You can either link your bank account or debit card or keep money in your account, which enables you to pay others back (and receive payments) immediately!
Available on the App Store and Google Play
2. Empower
Having a hard time keeping track of your funds? Then this app is most definitely for you. Access all of your account information in one app. Empower helps you keep track of how much money you have available at any given time, across all accounts. Link your bank, credit card, loans etc., and set budget goals to ensure optimal financial status. They also provide you with free financial advice based on your habits. You can use this app for free, but they also offer a premium version with some unlimited features. My new favorite when it comes to the most useful apps on my phone.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
3. Waze
If you aren’t using Waze already, you should change that immediately. Waze will get you where you need to be in the quickest way possible. Can you really ask for anything else? This is probably the most popular out of the most useful apps. You can customize your routes to avoid back roads or tolls, as well as receive notifications regarding police or road hazards. Waze uses crowdsourcing to keep all of their traffic, hazards and ETA’s up to date throughout the day.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
4. Shazam
Ever find yourself in a store, or just out and about, and you hear a song you absolutely love but have no idea what it’s called or who it’s by? Yes, same here! Shazam is probably the most genius app idea to come about. All you do is open up the app, tap the Shazam button, and your phone will listen to the song and identify it for you. So long, endless nights spent Googling random parts of lyrics in an attempt to find that song you heard and loved when you were out last night.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
5. Yelp
Yelp is perfect for finding great businesses near you, or if you are going to be traveling, in that area. Looking for a Pho restaurant in Boston? Yelp’s got you covered. Looking for a trusted mechanic? Yelp’s also got you covered.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
6. Goodreads
If you love to read, you absolutely must download Goodreads. Whenever I enter a bookstore, I am immediately overwhelmed with the number of books I want to read. I used to take pictures of the books as a means to remember them, but now that Goodreads is in my life, I can keep track of all of them in one place. It allows you to keep track of books you want to read, books you are currently reading and books you have already read. Plus, you can follow fellow book enthusiasts and read reviews on all your faves!
Available on the App Store and Google Play
7. Keeper
I have a hard time keeping track of all the different accounts and passwords I have set up across the internet. Keeper has been an absolute lifesaver. You only have to remember one password to access them all! Unfortunately, Keeper is free to download but does require a yearly subscription for unlimited use. Honestly, it’s so worth it. This is definitely one of the most useful apps on my phone.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
8. Sweat
I love being able to workout at home. Sweat, by Kayla Itsines, allows me to workout at home and still get the best workout in. For those of you who are not familiar with Kayla’s Bikini Body Guide, here’s a quick breakdown. Her workouts are 6 days a week and 28-35 minutes long. Three days are resistance training for 28 minutes and the other 3 days are cardio for 35 minutes. Sweat provides you with a breakdown of each workout, progress tracking, as well as a meal plan tailored to your dietary needs and preferences.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
9. Plant Nanny
I have the hardest time drinking 64 ounces of water a day. I always forget at some point during the day. Plant Nanny is a simple and adorable app that reminds you to stay hydrated! Reminiscent of Tamagotchi, Plant Nanny provides you with a plant that you have to care for, by watering it, throughout the day. As you drink, you water your plant, ensuring it doesn’t wilt, and ultimately die. As your plant flourishes, so do you! I find myself actually drinking the amount of water recommended for me while using this app.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
What do you think are some of the most useful apps? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image source: weheartit.com
Jackie graduated from Merrimack College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a minor in Public and Professional Writing. With a wide range of experiences including an internship with Seventeen and Cosmopolitan Magazines along with running her own business, Jackie is well versed in the professional world of media and publishing. You can find her in the corner eating pizza.