5 Ways to Manage Money on Your iPhone or Android

Enter financial transactions and other data on your mobile device or desktop software, then synchronize the two to always have up-to-date financial information. Smartphone personal finance apps often synchronize data with Windows or Mac financial software or online personal finance software.

Even if you don't use desktop financial software along with a Smartphone or iPhone app, synchronizing the data is a great way to have a back up if your mobile device is damaged. You also may want to view or print reports at some point, which is easier to do with desktop financial software.

Monthly App Picks:

• Top Android Apps of the Month
• Top iPhone Apps of the Month

If you use personal finance software on your Smartphone or iPhone, you can enter financial transactions at any time, where ever you are. Enter cash or other transactions in the grocery store parking lot, between classes, on your lunch break or while you wait for a meeting to start. If you travel for business, adding transactions on the road saves time when reporting expenses. Categorizing transactions right after you make them reduces guesswork later on if you download transactions and keep a budget.

Mobile computing has become so advanced that now you can use your Android or iPhone for help with doing your income taxes. There's even an app that will let you complete and E file your 1040EZ.

• iPhone Tax Apps
• Android Tax Apps

Need to keep an eye on account balances when you are away from your computer? Personal finance software apps for your Smart Phone is the solution. For example, investors can keep an eye on their portfolio on a mobile device and parents can check on children's accounts.

The top financial software for Smartphones, iPhone and Android devices have good budgeting capabilities. If your financial app supports budgeting, you will always know whether you can afford an extra latte after lunch.