Improve your life in 2018 without lifting a finger (well, maybe a thumb)
G O easy on yourself this new year and make a resolution to let technology do the legwork. These new apps and services can help you budget better, save money and stress out less. Bone up on your personal finances
Short for “You Need a Budget,” the YNAB budgeting app helps you track your spending, pay off debt and cut unnecessary expenses. ($6.99 per month after a free trial on Android and iOS)
Effortlessly save money
To help you stash some cash without thinking, financial service Digit safely removes small sums from your bank and sets them aside on your behalf. ($2.99 per month after a free trial on Android and iOS)
Be a better browser
Reelgood gathers all of your streaming networks under one umbrella. On its simple interface, you can search for any show or movie and click straight to it, without having to scroll through various apps. (Free at Reelgood.com)
Watch movies with your eyes closed
Netflix’s “audio descriptions” category adds a narrator’s voice to movies and shows, describing actions that go unsaid in each scene. Turn your screen off, and voilá: Your movie is now an audiobook.
End Facebook FOMO with . . . Facebook
Stop missing out on great shows, parties and more with the new Facebook app Facebook Local. It helps you quickly sort what’s happening in your neck of the woods, and lets you know who’ll be there. (Free on Android and iOS)
Take (easy) action
Those with political leanings but little time to spare can rely on MyLetter.to. You select issues you care about and the site crafts and mails unique letters to your official representatives. ($1 per postal letter)
Let there be light
Great for those “crap, left the bathroom light on” moments, the Decora Smart plug from Leviton ($39.05 on Amazon) and its accompanying smartphone app (free with system purchase) let you control home lighting from anywhere.
Go farther, cheaper
Concorde.io is a new, insanely comprehensive flight aggregator. You can search by exact or flexible date range and sort by cheapest destination, or find the best deal based on price per mile. (Free)
Help for nervous flyers
Developed by a psychologist and certified pilot, the SkyGuru app tells you what’s happening on your flight in real time, from updated arrival estimates to explaining those mysterious sounds in the cabin. And yes, it works in airplane mode. (Free to download on Android and iOS; cost for analysis starts at $3.99 per flight)
Keep track of passwords
With 1Password password manager, you can safely store all of your passwords in one place. Once installed on your laptop or device, you can log into your accounts with one click, as 1Password autofills your credentials. ($2.99 per month after a free trial on Android, iOS and desktop)