Reading and Book-Tracking Apps
Book lovers can organize and simplify life with free apps for reading and tracking favourite books. For avid readers who have trouble remembering the titles and authors of books you’ve read, want to read, or even that you’re currently reading, check out the GoodReads app, available for free from the iOS app store and the Google Play Store.
To read Kindle eBooks without a Kindle, download the Kindle app for free from Amazon and read on your tablet, smartphone, MacBook or PC (Available for iOS, Android, Apple, and PC). Another free eBook app to try is the Kobo app, which lets you you read Kobo books on your smartphone, tablet or desktop.
Grocery Shopping Apps
If you always carry your smartphone, forget about handwriting grocery lists on easy-to-lose slips of paper. Instead, make life easier with the free Shopper app to manage your grocery list, share it with a family member, and even match up your list with available coupons or sales.
And if you’re always looking for ways to shave a few dollars off your grocery bill, download Checkout51 to your phone. This app lets you upload a photo of your grocery bill and receive a “rebate” on weekly selected items. Once your rebates total $20, they’ll send you a cheque.
Health and Fitness Apps
If you’re on a mission to stay healthy and fit, but you find it tricky to track your daily diet and activity, simplify your life with a health and fitness app. The FitBit app lets you monitor your steps, map your favourite walking routes, note your meals and track your fitness progress – even if you don’t have a FitBit. Another simple (and free) option is myfitnesspal, available for iOS and Android.
If you take medication regularly to stay healthy, never miss a dose with the handy Medisafe Meds & Pills reminder app, available for free (and there’s a paid, premium version too) on iOS and Android.
Gardening Apps
For those green thumbs who want digital help to make growing their gardens easier, a gardening app could be the answer. Try the free gardening app MyGarden, available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone 7 for a personalized planting calendar and access to detailed plant descriptions. Another alternative are the GrowVeg apps for serious vegetable gardeners.
Social Media Apps
Do you stay in touch with far-away family or friends on Facebook, Pinterest or another social media sites? While this may seem obvious, downloading a social media app to your smartphone means you don’t need your computer or laptop to get updates and notifications. Instead, download the free official Facebook app or the Pinterest app (available for iOS and Android devices) to access your favourite social media platform via your smartphone or tablet so you can stay up-to-date while you’re on the go.
Financial Apps
Today’s technology simplifies money management for Canadians, and makes it portable so you can stay on top of financial matters while you’re at the cottage or visiting your grandchildren in another province.
If you prefer to have your banking information right at your fingertips, the RBC Mobile Banking App lets you monitor your RBC bank accounts, credit products and in-branch investments right on your smartphone. It’s available for Android, Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows 8 phones.
Though today’s technology may seem complicated, many apps available are convenient and easy-to-use, no matter how old you are. If you’re ready to simplify your life, give one (or more) of these apps a try today.
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This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
