ORGANISE YOUR LIFE
Online banking Apple, Android Price: Free
THE convenience of online banking is irresistible. You can manage your money how you want, when you want. But for ‘where you want’, you need a phone or tablet app. Your bank almost certainly has one (AIB, Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB all have apps) but most work only with Apple or Android.
English Letter Writing Android Price: Free
IT MAY seem like an old-fashioned skill in the era of emails but writing letters can be a challenge. This app gives you tips on effective letter writing, plus templates for business and personal letters, from job applications to personal condolences.
TaxCalc.ie: The Irish PAYE Tax Calculator Apple Price: €2.69
THIS simple app tells you what you should be taking home every month. It has been updated to factor in the 2015 Budget announced last month and calculates based on your salary and extra expenses or benefits, such as pension contributions, and various other personal circumstances.
30/30 Apple, Android Price: Free
WE OFTEN seem to have lots to get through every day but, unfortunately, often don’t make it through the lengthy ‘to-do’ list. However, this app helps you stick to a schedule. Set up a timetable, allotting time for tasks or breaks. 30/30 times each item and tells you when the next is due to begin. All you have to do is stick to the programme.
Expensify Apple, Android Price: Free
BUSINESS travellers can keep track of their expenses with this app, rather than trying to keep various notebooks and receipts that are likely to get lost. It scans, annotates and stores receipts, creates files for different trips or clients, and links directly to your online banking and credit card accounts so spending is automatically synced with your Expensify account.
Evernote Apple, Android, Windows Price: Free
THIS business tool is equally handy for multi-tasking parents or busy students. You can create written or spoken notes, add pictures, compile notebooks and synchronise across all your devices. So if you write a note on your phone, it’ll also be on your tablet, PC or laptop.
Google Drive Apple, Android, Kindle Fire Price: Free
WHEN this app is set up on your devices – whether that’s PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet – it ensures you always have what you need and don’t have to worry about USB sticks or other fiddly hardware. Also, use Google+ to automatically back up your phone photos.
1Password Apple, Android Price: Free
PrOBlEM: you can’t remember all your online user names and passwords for all those websites. Solution: 1Password. It creates an online ‘vault’ where you can store password and account details. It even generates new passwords and holds them for you. All you need to remember is one password to open the vault. 1Password takes care of the rest.