Cresting into the New Year has many businesses looking towards a brighter financial future. Tracking information in our technologically drenched atmosphere is getting more complex. According to Internet marketing research, each and every day, 145 trillion emails are sent, 4 billion people share on Facebook and 45 million photos are posted online. With this type of Internet traffic, keeping our finances on the same page can be challenging, but the internet is actually here to help.
Since we’re all on a tight budget these days, check out these four, free financial tracking tools that are available at no cost online:
Budget Tracker
Also accessible on the internet and from smartphones, Budget Tracker allows the user to enter transactions as they happen in real time. They have a number of different features available, even a tool that allows you to create your own, customized app that integrates with the other available functions, called “Be Creative” that is available to all other users once you have completed your invention. Their long list of features include:
- Tracking accounts and spending
- Income scheduling and forecasting
- Budget creation
- Customizable calendar
- Business manager including graphs and charts
This comprehensive business tool is definitely worth a second glance, garnering nods from The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and USA Weekend edition.
Tax Mate
Primarily marketed as a tax tool for the self-employed, the Tax Mate app can also be successfully utilized by small businesses, providing them with important quarterly tax estimates. Their step-by-step questionnaire guides the user through the process of inputting all the necessary information that ultimately gives answers to the amounts owed for federal and state taxes. This will assist the user in avoiding the risks associated with the underpayment (or even overpayment) of these taxes.
Mint
Mint is another very popular free financial planner that is brought to us by Intuit, the makers of Quickbooks. Although it may be primarily designed for individuals, it is still an effective solution for small businesses. They offer budgeting, investment tracking, notifications and alerts, even free credit scores. Examine spending habits, check on different accounts, savings, retirement, checking, all from the convenience of your desktop, smartphone or other handheld device.
Waveapps
Another great freebie from Intuit, Waveapps has rave reviews from Forbes, The New York Times, Mashable, and Inc. It is specifically designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses offering “real accounting for non-accountants.” They offer mobile invoicing, payroll, personal accounting, receipt storage and management. Wave delivers professional reports for A/P, A/R, balance sheets, statements and tax reports worthy of presentation to investors.
BONUS: Hiveage
Although it was previously stated that these methods were free, this next one deserves an honorable mention. Hiveage begins as no-cost invoicing platform (free PayPal payments are included) that expands into ala carte options that gives the small business user only the options that they need. This allows time for growth before investing in unnecessary accounting options. Users can add individual tools on an as needed basis and expand on their financial terms.
For better financial success in 2015, check out some of these free (and low cost) alternatives to more traditional, old-school accounting methods