Instead, invest in technology that yields similar results. Several time-saving apps and tools can help you get your life back. In fact, you can virtually outsource practically everything that eats up your time. Here are the best technology tools that can dramatically streamline the things you need to do daily.
Install the Freedom app on your device, which means no more milling about—and certainly no more relying on willpower. Scheduled and automatic blocking of websites, pop-ups, and internet access means that you can’t derail your day. O For a one-time fee of $39, download Cold Turkey internet blocker for life. Students can even get a 20 percent discount. Whether you’re stuck on that novel you’ve been working on or the homework you were supposed to turn in a week ago, these apps are your friend. If the internet is blocked and you’re still distracted, then double down on apps like Flora, Forest, and Tomato Timer, all of which adopt the Pomodoro productivity technique, invented in the 1980s. A sequence of 25-minute blocks of work is followed by short breaks to maximize concentration and ensure prompt task completion. Tried and true, this productivity technique is highly effective—and apps make it incredibly convenient to implement.
As lovely as paper planners are, they can make tracking offline and online appointments difficult. Instead, free appointment scheduler apps like Calendly and Doodle spare us the never-ending email chains with the subject line “When can we all get together?” The nuisance of scheduling can really add up for busy individuals and large households. Let these apps sync multiple online calendars and send text and inbox notifications so that you can hold onto both your time and your peace of mind.
Fitify incentivizes folks to stay in shape with home gyms—and cut out the drive to the fitness club. Not only does the app save on costly memberships, but it also cuts down on paid parking, gas refills, and time spent getting there. Alo Moves combines meditation, yoga, and weightless workouts that most people would have to go to three separate locations to enjoy, which further compounds the time savings Nerd Fitness is an online coaching website that will use an app to craft your exercise plan, track your progress, and count your calories—all commute-free. This program is helpful if working out from home is difficult because you lack discipline.
Instead, ditch the grocery shopping, the cooking, and the dishwashing by buying pre-cooked meals from sites like Freshly and plant-based Veestro, both of which offer meal plans at less than $12 per plate. At that price, it is well worth the opportunity costs. If you still want to cook your own meals at home, opt for quick dinners that are easy to prep.
Mint offers alerts for credit card fees and low balances, which can eventually lead to more overdraft fees. Getting these timely messages can mean that a quick call to the bank can save sizable sums. You Need a Budget, better known as YNAB, offers a zero-based financial plan that doesn’t just look back on what you spent; it also projects into the future. Taking just a few minutes to plan for payment delays or to set goals to build an emergency fund can equate to financial freedom. Square or Freshbooks tracks invoices and payments, which is extremely helpful if you’re self-employed. Doing it right the first time can save immeasurable amounts in taxes and bookkeeping.
The minimal time commitment to set up these money apps is well worth the return on investment.
