In the post checkbook age*, people tend to be lazy about managing their finances. It’s not easy too keep track of everything. Just look at the list of online financial accounts I have:
- Ameritrade Account
- Vanguard Account
- Bank of America Account
- Student Loan Account
- Credit Card Account
That’s 5 separate log-ins just to see how much money I’ve lost in the stock market lately. Thank goodness for Mint.com. There are a small number of sites that I believe are must use; Gmail, Facebook, Hulu. I include Mint.com in this group as well.
Mint.com summarizes all my account information in one place. The service sends weekly e-mail summaries of transactions and is accessible through their iPhone application. It also highlights stock gains/losses and lists a total net worth number.
Here is what their website says:
“At Mint, we believe that money is for living. That’s why we’ve created the simplest and most effective way to manage your money…and why Mint.com is free.”
The most important part of Mint.com is that it gives you information that lets you take action. If I find I am spending more money on food than I expected, it tells me. If Microsoft stock is way up and I need to sell to lock in profits, it tells me. If I do not have any money in my checking account and can’t afford my next credit card payment, it tells me. I may never have noticed these events before and now I can make/save money with the help of Mint.com.
The service offers clear value and best of all, it is free.
*If you still use a checkbook you might want to look into online bill statements and stop wasting your time.
