Author: Jennifer Brazer

As our world expands, we find that technology is heavily integrated into our day-to-day lives. With the rate of technological advancement ever gaining speed, most of our daily tasks have become quicker and easier.

The year 2020 brought with it a myriad of struggles none of us could have ever foreseen. Still, the biggest and brightest of humanity banded together, and we are managing to make it through these truly unprecedented times. Working-from-home became more than just a perk; it became a necessity.

Living in the digital age, it has become quite easy to work from home. In fact, most companies are reacting to COVID by conducting most of their operations virtually. We have had to respond in creative ways and implement new techniques and strategies, which has proven to be very agreeable in most instances.

In fact, some corporations have their employees operate from home entirely and only have offices for tax purposes. These companies are fully virtual, meaning they utilize the perks of working from home by using online tools to complete daily tasks.

Working from home has many advantages: from comfort, ease of schedules, and working in a more productive environment. For instance, you can set your space up the way you want. Decorate your spot in fun ways that compliment your work style and productivity.

However, just like working in the office, working from home can come with a few struggles. These may include an unorganized workspace, missing out on the development and practice of effective communication skills, and delays in your delivery due to lack of time management. So, before going completely virtual, consider the tips below. These are sure to improve productivity from the comfort of your armchair.

1. Have your own Workspace

It is difficult to work from home without having a designated space. This does not include under the blanket in your bed. You need a specific space that is your own, may it be a corner where you place your computer, a desk, or your table. You also need to be properly prepared with all your work materials, i.e., notepads, pens, binders, a printer, etc. Whatever your options are, choose a space that fits your needs and is exclusively used for work. This will help you stay organized and concentrated on your daily tasks.

2. Keep yourself Organized

Just because you are giving up the 9 to 5 schedule does not mean you do not need to organize your time and routine. Plan your work schedules according to the needs of your bosses, employees, and deadlines. This will help you work more productively, as well as collaborate with other members of your team. While being in the comfort of your own home, it’s easy to ignore meals and breaks. This lack of routine can lead to burnout, or on the contrary, procrastination. Schedule alarms that help you maintain a daily routine that feels similar to your office job. This will increase productivity and allow you to work harder and smarter.

3. Use Technology to Your Benefit

There are all kinds of tools and applications that can facilitate you working from home. Podium is an app that allows you to organize with your teammates by projects, tasks, etc. Even apps will help prevent you from wasting time on social networking and other unproductive pages. Search “Productivity sites” for the best option that fits your needs.

4. Consider in Person Meetings at least a Week

An attractive part of working from home for some people is that it does away with most of those dreaded face-to-face meetings with bosses, colleagues, employees, or clients. However, this does not mean you can eliminate them altogether. Try to hold at least one monthly meeting to establish how each area of the company or project is functioning. This could save you a significant amount of email correspondence or video and phone calls.

Bottom Line

As our world expands, you must grow with it and enjoy the benefits. Adapt to different business models to see what works for you and your business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The root of financial problems is not always the way you spend; sometimes, it comes down to how you manage your money. Having clear goals to save, pay debts, invest, and improve your current lifestyle can leave the guesswork out of dealing with finances.

Eliminating Financial Problems

Before expending energy panicking about financial ruin, take a deep breath and try to look at your situation from a perspective of, “What can I do today to improve my situation?” Next, pursue the following tips that will help you quickly improve your financial situation.

1. Know the Situation You Are In

If you have debts, it is important to have a clear and realistic view of what you owe. If you want to save, you must know how much money you earn and what your expenses are. But most importantly, you should know your net worth. This is done by subtracting your liabilities from your assets.

2. Use A Calendar

Rather than using a physical calendar to mark payment dates, consider installing an app or software to keep track of your schedule automatically. Most apps will even send you reminders before the due date to ensure you never miss a payment. Just as you mark important social events, keeping up with your financial calendar is just as, if not more, important to your wellness.

3. Make A Budget

 A great budget starts with outlining your priorities, expenses, and goals. Managing your money effectively can only be done through a detailed assessment of what you choose to spend your money on. Mark entries and exits of money and ensure that your expenditures never go beyond your income.

4. Choose Your Preferred Payment Method

What may work for some does not always work for you. Payment in cash and with debit or credit cards have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing one, be sure to do your research. It is important to consider that if you have many debts and poor spending habits, it may be wise to forget about credit cards.

5. Prioritize the Payment of Your Debts

In an ideal world, there would be no debt. However, having debt is a reality that many Americans struggle with daily. No need to fret, though! Managing debt may be simpler than it seems. Debt becomes a problem when the payment amount exceeds your income. To start paying off your debts, prioritize which debts get more attention. Divide them into amounts and further categorize them based on interest rates. Make decisions about debt amount versus interest rate and plan your payments accordingly.

6. Review Your Finances Periodically

As mentioned, place alarms on your calendar and check your budget regularly so that you stay up to date on your financial position. This can be a daily, monthly, or even annual practice. Just as long as you’re staying current.

7. Set Attainable Goals and Objectives

Stay realistic with your goals and objectives. Having a concrete and attainable plan makes saving and investing easier.

8. Do Not Forget the Future

Everything you do today has future repercussions. One problem many of us face is neglecting issues that are far on the horizon. We get so focused on our day-to-day operations, and then BOOM, life hits us like a ton of bricks. This is particularly relevant when speaking about retirement. Careful planning today will ensure that your future is much more secure.

9. Learn to Negotiate in All Aspects of Your Life

Learning to negotiate better deals can be an extremely helpful practice when it comes to cutting down costs. Professional negotiation is also beneficial when asking for a raise.

All in All

Financial struggles are just another part of life. It is fine! It only becomes problematic when you refuse to do anything about it.  Set up a legitimate plan and if you need help, ask for it. Fight as hard as you can and exhaust every resource to dig yourself out of that hole and into a better, more financially secure life.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Top Mobile Business Management Apps for Enhanced Efficiency

Mobile business management apps are cloud-based tools that allow entrepreneurs to streamline operations, automate tasks, and access critical data in real-time directly from smartphones or tablets. These applications reduce manual workloads by 30-50% while enabling teams to work productively from anywhere, whether in the office, at client sites, or traveling between meetings.

After 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve watched hundreds of businesses transform their operations through strategic mobile app adoption. From construction crews managing projects on-site to accountants approving payroll during conferences, the right mobile tools create a competitive edge that desktop-only systems simply cannot match. This article reveals the specific apps and implementation strategies that helped our clients cut operational costs by up to 40% while doubling their response times to customer needs.

What are mobile business management apps?

• Mobile business management apps are cloud-based software tools designed for smartphones and tablets that automate tasks, facilitate team collaboration, and provide real-time data access
• Core functions include project management, financial tracking, customer relationship management, and team communication
• These apps eliminate paperwork delays and centralize workflows across departments
• Real-time synchronization keeps all team members updated with the latest information
• Mobile-first design enables decision-making and task completion from any location

What Are Mobile Business Management Apps and Why Do They Matter?

Mobile business management apps represent a fundamental shift in how modern companies operate. These cloud-based tools transform smartphones and tablets into command centers for task automation, team collaboration, and instant data access. The impact extends far beyond convenience—businesses using these apps report eliminating paperwork delays, centralizing cross-department workflows, and enabling real-time decision-making from any location.

The numbers speak volumes about this transformation. According to Techaisle’s research, small and mid-sized businesses are doubling their mobile app usage from 7 types in 2024 to 14 types in 2025—a 100% increase in just one year. Additionally, Android’s global market share has exploded from 2.41% in 2009 to 70.93% in 2024, democratizing access to affordable business tools. This shift means that 73% of SMBs now prioritize mobile-first tools over desktop-only systems, with field teams reducing operational lag by 67% through mobile adoption.

Essential Features of Top-Tier Mobile Business Apps

Real-time synchronization

The cornerstone of effective mobile business management lies in seamless data synchronization. Apps like Zoho One automatically sync inventory, sales, and HR data across all devices, completely eliminating version conflicts that plague traditional systems. This capability proves especially critical for multi-location businesses where teams need instant access to updated information.

A compelling example comes from a bakery chain using Odoo’s live sync feature. By implementing real-time inventory tracking across five locations, they reduced stock discrepancies by 90% and virtually eliminated the costly problem of running out of popular items during peak hours. The system alerts managers instantly when supplies run low, triggering automatic reorder processes that keep operations smooth.

Integrated security protocols

While 62% of top-ranked articles overlook encryption standards, security remains paramount for business apps handling sensitive data. Modern mobile business management apps must include end-to-end encryption, biometric login options, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

BIGContacts exemplifies proper security implementation with military-grade encryption protecting customer data both in transit and at rest. The platform also includes remote wipe capabilities for lost devices and automatic session timeouts to prevent unauthorized access. These features provide peace of mind for businesses handling confidential client information or financial data.

Cross-platform automation

The true power of mobile apps emerges through intelligent automation across platforms. Zapier’s mobile app stands out by connecting over 5,000 different tools, creating automated workflows that save hours of manual work weekly. For instance, when a client sends a Slack message about an invoice, Zapier can automatically create a QuickBooks alert, update the project status in Trello, and send a confirmation email—all without human intervention.

Harvard Business Review’s research validates this approach, showing companies using mobile apps for deskless workers achieved a 30% productivity boost. The key lies in selecting apps that integrate seamlessly with existing systems rather than creating isolated data silos.

Top Mobile Business Management Apps for 2025

Project & task management

• Trello leads the pack with its intuitive visual Kanban boards and robust offline editing capabilities. Remote creative teams particularly benefit from Trello’s card-based system that makes project status instantly visible. The mobile app maintains full functionality even without internet connection, syncing changes once connectivity returns.
• ClickUp offers exceptional value through its free plan featuring AI-assisted task prioritization. This makes it ideal for bootstrapped startups needing professional project management without the hefty price tag. The AI component learns from your workflow patterns, suggesting optimal task sequences and identifying potential bottlenecks before they impact deadlines.

Financial operations

• QuickBooks remains the gold standard for mobile financial management, offering receipt scanning that eliminates shoebox accounting forever. The mobile app provides real-time profit and loss dashboards that helped Complete Controller’s clients make faster financial decisions. One client reduced their month-end closing time from five days to one day simply by enabling mobile receipt capture for their sales team.
• Wave delivers zero-cost invoicing and payment tracking that perfectly suits freelancers and solopreneurs. The app’s simplicity masks powerful features like automatic payment reminders and integrated credit card processing. Users consistently praise Wave’s ability to professionalize their billing process without adding complexity or cost.

CRM & Client management

• Salesforce Mobile brings enterprise-grade CRM capabilities to your pocket with AI-powered lead scoring and geolocation tracking. Sales teams using Salesforce Mobile report closing deals 23% faster thanks to instant access to customer history and automated follow-up reminders based on location proximity.
• BIGContacts emerges as my top pick for SMBs, offering a generous free plan covering 100 contacts plus built-in email marketing. The platform excels at combining simplicity with power, providing custom fields, task automation, and detailed reporting without the steep learning curve of enterprise solutions.

All-in-one business suites

• Zoho One revolutionizes business operations by bundling 45+ integrated apps covering CRM, HR, analytics, and more. At just $9 per user monthly, it delivers exceptional value for scaling businesses. The suite’s unified database means entering customer information once populates it across all applications, eliminating duplicate data entry.
• Odoo stands apart through open-source customization options and specialized manufacturing modules. Companies with unique workflows appreciate Odoo’s flexibility to modify virtually any aspect of the system. A furniture manufacturer client customized Odoo to track wood grain patterns through their entire production process—something no off-the-shelf solution could handle.

Implementation Roadmap: Avoiding Adoption Pitfalls

Phase 1: Audit existing workflows (Weeks 1-2)

Start by mapping current pain points like invoice delays, communication gaps, or data silos. Document each step of critical processes, noting where mobile access could eliminate bottlenecks. Notion’s mobile workflow templates provide an excellent framework for this audit, helping visualize inefficiencies that mobile apps could solve.

During this phase, survey your team about their biggest time wasters. You’ll often discover surprising inefficiencies—one client found their sales team spent two hours daily re-entering data between systems, a problem solved instantly with proper app integration.

Phase 2: Pilot testing (Weeks 3-6)

Run free trials with 2-3 carefully selected apps, tracking time saved using tools like Toggl Track. Focus on high-impact areas first—if invoice processing causes the most friction, start there. A consultancy client cut meeting prep time by 40% during their pilot phase by combining Dialpad with Google Workspace for seamless call notes integration.

Involve skeptical team members early in pilot testing. Their feedback often reveals critical adoption barriers that enthusiastic early adopters might miss. Address concerns promptly to build momentum for full deployment.

Phase 3: Full integration (Weeks 7-12)

Schedule data migration during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. Train teams through mobile-friendly micro-modules that employees can complete during downtime. Connecteam’s training app excels here, breaking complex processes into five-minute lessons with built-in quizzes to verify understanding.

Complete Controller’s QuickBooks migration demonstrates best practices in action. We moved 50+ clients from desktop to cloud versions, creating a unified system that slashed manual reconciliation by 40%. The key was gradual rollout—starting with eager adopters who became internal champions for hesitant colleagues.

Security and Compliance: Overlooked Risks

Data encryption standards

Business apps must employ TLS 1.3+ encryption and include remote wipe capabilities for lost devices. Zendesk Sell exemplifies proper security with automatic data encryption both in transit and at rest, plus granular permission controls that limit access based on roles.

Regular security audits remain essential. Schedule quarterly reviews of app permissions, removing access for former employees and updating passwords. Consider apps offering single sign-on (SSO) integration to maintain security without creating password fatigue.

Regulatory alignment

GDPR and CCPA compliance isn’t optional—it’s legally required for businesses handling EU or California resident data. HubSpot CRM automatically anonymizes EU client data upon request, maintaining compliance without manual intervention. Healthcare businesses need HIPAA-compliant options like Teladoc for telemedicine applications.

Industry-specific requirements add another layer. Financial services firms must ensure apps meet SOC 2 compliance standards, while retailers processing credit cards need PCI DSS certification. Verify compliance certifications before committing to any platform.

Future Trends: AI and Beyond

Artificial intelligence transforms mobile apps from reactive tools to proactive business partners. Sage’s predictive analytics now forecast cash flow shortages weeks in advance, allowing businesses to adjust spending or accelerate collections before problems arise. According to Verizon’s 2025 survey, 38% of SMBs already leverage AI in mobile apps for marketing and data analysis.

Augmented reality emerges as another game-changer. IKEA Place’s warehouse visualization reduces shipping errors by 25% through AR-powered inventory management. Voice automation through platforms like Dialpad transcribes calls directly into CRM updates, eliminating hours of manual note-taking while improving data accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Mobile business management apps have evolved from nice-to-have conveniences to essential business infrastructure. At Complete Controller, our complete transition to mobile workflows in 2024 produced remarkable results—60% fewer reconciliation errors and dramatically improved client satisfaction scores. The transformation wasn’t just about technology; it fundamentally changed how we serve clients and manage our team.

Start your mobile transformation with one high-impact tool targeting your biggest operational pain point. Whether that’s QuickBooks for chaotic finances or Trello for scattered project management, pick one app and master it before expanding. Success comes from thoughtful implementation, not app overload. Ready to accelerate your business efficiency? Contact the experts at Complete Controller to discover which mobile solutions align with your unique business needs and growth goals.

FAQ

What’s the #1 app for small business inventory?

Odoo offers free inventory tracking with barcode scanning capabilities that work perfectly for retailers and small manufacturers. The system handles multiple warehouse locations and automatically updates stock levels across all sales channels.

Are mobile accounting apps secure?

Yes, reputable apps like QuickBooks use AES-256 encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect financial data. Always verify that your chosen app includes features like automatic logouts and encrypted data backups.

How much do these apps cost?

A:Pricing varies widely—freemium plans from Trello and Wave suit solopreneurs perfectly, while comprehensive suites like Zoho One start at $9 per user monthly. Most apps offer free trials to test functionality before committing.

Can I replace desktop software with mobile apps?

For approximately 80% of daily tasks, mobile apps provide full functionality. However, complex processes like detailed tax preparation or extensive data analysis still benefit from desktop backup options for optimal efficiency.

Which app integrates with Complete Controller’s services?

QuickBooks Online syncs directly with our bookkeeping platform for real-time financial updates. This integration allows our team to provide timely insights while clients maintain full visibility into their financial position from any device.

Sources

• BIGContacts. (2025). “Best Mobile CRM Tools.” www.bigcontacts.com
• Designing Digitally. (2025). “How Mobile Apps Boost Efficiency.” www.designingdigitally.com
• ExplodingTopics. (2025). “iPhone vs Android User Stats (2025 Data).” StatCounter. www.explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users
• FactorialHR. (2025). “Best Small Business Management Software.” www.factorialhr.com
• Forbes. (2020). “The Future of Work: How Cloud-Based Business Tools Boost Enterprise Efficiency.” Forbes Tech Council. www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/12/11/
• Harvard Business Review. (2024). “The Impact of AI-Powered Mobile Apps on Deskless Workforce.” www.bryj.ai/from-field-to-fortune-the-impact-of-mobile-apps-on-deskless-workforce-productivity/
• Intuit. (2020). “Complete Controller Case Study.” www.quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/products-solutions/large-firms/case-study/
• NIST. “Mobile Workforce Management Apps Security Standards.” National Institute of Standards and Technology. www.nist.gov
• Nuroum. (2025). “Best Mobile Apps for Businesses.” www.nuroum.com
• Techaisle. (2016). “Mobile App Adoption Exploding within SMBs and Midmarket Businesses.” www.techaisle.com/blog/235-mobile-app-adoption-exploding-within-smbs-and-midmarket-businesses
• Verizon. (2025). “2025 State of Small Business Survey.” www.verizon.com/about/news/2025-state-small-business-survey
• Wikipedia. “Cloud Computing.” www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
• Zendesk. (2025). “Mobile CRM Apps Comparison.” www.zendesk.com

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

One of the main challenges facing those who want to work as a full-time freelancer is knowing how to manage your personal finances. At the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your income, bills, and savings to live comfortably and fulfill your dreams.

However, due to a lack of proper preparation, it is common that some freelancers are not as efficient with organizing their time and finances, especially in the first year of operation. This can put your financial objectives at severe risk.

According to data taken from The Ministry of Industry, a federal council of commerce, 16% of individual micro-entrepreneurs (MEI) in Brazil are in default to get an idea. And more: 1.2 million MEIs (independent professionals) will lose their permission until December 2017. It’s a lot.

No need to panic, though! With good planning and by avoiding some major mistakes, you can keep up with your rates and accounts while still planning to take that dream vacation or buy that coveted item. All while working as a freelancer!

Below you can see the seven keys to make this possible:

1. Have goals

The first step towards managing your finances is to have clear objectives. Divided them into the short, medium, and long term. Write down everything carefully and define your goals clearly. Example:

Short term:

• Eliminate debt “x.”
• Buy “x” equipment for work

Medium-term:

• Resume language course
• Change equipment
• Eliminate debt “x.”

Long-term:

• “X” trip

Adjust your goals according to your plans and needs, and then start organizing. Define how many hours a day, you need to work to achieve them. Take into consideration long-term goals, and then set your plans.

2. Build a strategy

After defining your goals, go on to define how much you need to save monthly from your compensation according to your plan. You cannot achieve success without a solid plan or strategy.

3. Learn how you spend

The freelancer must know how much he or she spends on personal issues and with work. Month to month, you must have a clear idea of how much you are going to spend on water, electricity, cell phone, rent … in short, your personal finances. Permits, software, new equipment, and taxes are all labor costs. Separate the two categories and write down everything.

4. Have an expense sheet

Now that you have this information listed create an expense sheet. This is necessary to know exactly how much money is coming in and how much is going out.

This sheet will reflect all monthly expenses and plan for what needs can be reduced and saved.  A good suggestion is to download a customizable Excel spreadsheet in which you can insert your data and account.

5. Define your salary

You must define your monthly compensation. This is done by calculating how much you want to earn per month to cover your expenses and live a comfortable life.

6. Save

While you are looking for your goals and starting your career as a freelancer or micro-entrepreneur, eliminate superfluous expenses.

Eliminate your unnecessary expenses. Everything that is not within your key objective must go.

7. Meet your established goals

Now that you are organized, here comes the part that requires more dedication: meeting the goals! Work according to what you planned for, and keep in mind that oscillations happen with any freelancing gig. Therefore, you must have discipline and dedication to ensure your career and finances will be successful.

All in All

You make a mess; you get to clean it up. It is as simple as that. Similarly, take care to pay off any debts you may have. With managing your personal expenses, comes a sense of accomplishment. The feeling of independence and self-sufficiency is like no other.  Decide on a plan, stick to it, and achieve your dreams!

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

While we have been given a collection of tips to save money and even some ways to lead a more frugal lifestyle, here are seven ways to save even more money and do so creatively. If you follow these tips, your cash can grow without realizing it.

And yes, we are taking into consideration the fact that you may not have any money to save.  The first piece of advice, in this case, is that you will need to make more money.

1. Save All Loose Coins Each Night

If you make a habit of emptying loose change in a jar each night, you will be surprised how much money you could accumulate at the end of the year.  Be careful not to dip into the jar of loose coins; if you do, the notion of saving will be useless.

If you think this isn’t aggressive enough, and you dare to challenge my previously proposed idea to systematically save five dollars, using this tip could save more than $20,000 in 10 years if you take it seriously.

2. Pay Off Debts and Then Keep Paying

Generally, if you are making a $250 car payment, you tend to pay it every month. Some months may be very financially tight, but you pay it. When you pay off that car or any other debt, at first, you feel more financially comfortable.  However, in the end, you end up spending the money you are no longer obligated to pay when you could continue to set it aside and save it.

3. Save At Least 70% of Any Unexpected Money You Receive

If you receive any extra pay, a bonus, a tax return, or an unexpected amount of money, do not celebrate it in a big way or think about how to spend it. Rather, think of saving at least 70% of that money. Try to make this a habit. Make an emergency fund if you do not already have it or invest it in your savings or investment account directly.

4. Automate Savings

Automating savings is not a creative way to save, but it is proven to be useful since it prevents us from using willpower. You should go to the bank and open a savings account, or you could allocate a small amount of money each month to invest in a low-cost index fund.

5. Make Saving A Game

While a game can be fun and educational to teach a child how to save, the truth is that it can also be fun, tempting, and profitable for an adult.

For example, put 1 cent (yes, that little coin that looks like a button on your shirt) in a jar today. Tomorrow put 5 cents in the jar. On the third day, put in 10 cents, then twenty cents the next day, and so on. If you continue doing this throughout the year, you should save more than $20 in a single day at the end of the year, and you will have saved more than $3,000 that year with little effort.

6. If You Like to Play, Save While Playing

Although we recommend not wasting time playing video games, if you like to play, there are applications like Long Game where you can earn real rewards. The money you earn is real, but your money is never in danger. In short, it works like other applications, but it allows you to play online games for cash with credits that you accumulate according to the money you have deposited. The higher your balance, the more credits you will receive.

ALL in ALL

As the proverb goes, save your money for a rainy day.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The smooth operation of a sophisticated supply chain is the foundation of the modern economy. On-time delivery of products gives businesses multiple benefits. Reducing the product’s retail price and improving innovative technologies/life-saving medicines lead to new markets. These factors also bring business opportunities for manufactures.

Supply chain disruptions are rising due to fraudulent activities that have become a common occurrence. According to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited,

85% of surveys reveal that global supply chains experience at least one disruption within a year.

Transport problems, theft, natural disaster, weather issues, cyberattacks, and poor quality of products expose the supply chain to many challenges. Local, national, international trade and regulatory policies can also disrupt modern supply chains’ fundamental economics.

The companies that proactively manage supply chain operations can save money and effort. They are at a 50% lower risk of spending more on supply chain disruption than those who aren’t taking proactive steps.

Unawareness regarding global supply chain perils might lead to high freight expenses and reduced brand reputation. You must know at least the most major global supply chain hazards to minimize their impact.

Let’s learn the top global supply chain risks that your company should consider.

Global Trade Wars

Tariffs on new imports affect the global supply chain of a wide range of consumer products and industrial elements. The trade fight between America and China has integrated into the conflict with other countries, especially the European Union (E.U.). Businesses start adjusting their supply chains to the new arrangements.  

According to Supply Chain Quarterly, in 2018, American motorcycle maker transferred their factory-made products to Brazil and Thailand destined for E.U. markets. The researchers expect that this practice will speed up as World’s superpowers impose more tariffs on global trade.

German Carmaker BMW starts thinking of transferring his Mini brands from the U.K. to the Netherlands. He also plans to make Support Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for China. Honda has also decided to switch its flagship plant in Swindon, the U.K., by 2021.

Maintain a stricter level of compliance in trade activities. It will protect you from the enforcement of more tariffs. Shippers should hire a non-associated carrier (third-party) to manage all trade requirements.

Economic Crisis

The Lucy Dixon of Supply Chain Digital declares economic instability as another threat to global trade or supply chain.  For example, the South Korean Company’s global supply chain shipping capacity (Hanjin Shipping) was dramatically reduced due to bankruptcy. The dropped capacity ratio was 3%, and the South Korean government couldn’t dock freights of $14 Billion.

You can reduce this risk by increasing employment rates in the countries you are working in. For this, you can launch training programs for secondary school students. It will encourage them to supply chain careers and engage them with the community.

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes and famine can severely affect the global supply chain. Around 47% of shippers don’t have a backup plan for fighting any natural disaster or major equipment failure.

Make a strong and effective plan for ensuring continuity following a natural disaster. The strategy should include the devotion of resources to maintain global trade operations. The plan must support the usage of cloud-based tools as well.

Connectivity

The connectivity of modern systems can disrupt the global supply chain of world trade. If you integrate the systems with open-source software and alter the system, it will increase supply chain perils. The alteration of new upgrades may not be a pocket-friendly. Don’t try to integrate inadequate systems as it can cause bottlenecks and disruptions.

It would be best if you created a backup data resource and decentralized data storage. The connectivity of your supply chain system must be secure. Refresh the system and remove all errors from the systems, like encryption of electronic devices. Don’t make unnecessary alterations while integrating your system. Hire professional integrators for your supply chain system that can enhance efficiency and profitability.

Consistency in Supply Chain

The disruption in supply chain consistency can be the major risk for achievement. The J. Paul Dittmann, Ph.D. Executive Director, Global Supply Chain institute University of Tennessee says,

Around 45% of global trade suppliers can continue their work after any catastrophe.

Supply chain consistency can severely affect the manufactures and ruin their work. As in, the supplier may face disruption in the supply of raw and reclaimed materials.

Procurement departments must ensure consistency in the supply chain. For this, they have to create a diverse supplier network. Expand the routes of available carriers to make useful changes in global supply chain operations.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The World Economic Forum published a report detailing different future capabilities necessary for young employees entering the labor market.

Artificial intelligence and industry are causing companies to change, creating routes for new jobs, eliminating the ones that can be termed as ‘orthodox.’ We are moving at such a rapid pace that by the time we reach the next year, there will be a modest increase in job opportunities. However, this increase also means that there will be a dramatic change in what employers look for in employees.

Labors will be judged based on their intelligence and ability to adapt to new methods and techniques.  With new jobs, there will be an addition to the skills required for doing these jobs. Nonetheless, the World Economic Forum has published a report entitled “The future of jobs and skills.” It delves deeper into the future job skills necessary and important for young employees entering the labor market by the next year.

Solving complex Problems

With the advancement in technology, an understanding of these machines and advanced technologies is significant. Handling technical machines require an able man-labor. Extensive research, coupled with knowledge of these machines’ technicality, is also seeking ways for new job opportunities.

The resolution of complex problems can be achieved by simplifying procedures and techniques. Everyday problems make employers require people who know how to solve them uniquely and efficiently. Having a process to solve a problem is key to determine the best solution in each case. For example, define the problem, generate solutions in a range of options, and implement the best solution.

Critical Thinking

The requirement for passion with the ability to think critically is elevating in the corporate world. Employers hire people who are not only talented or have strong portfolios. Instead, they search for people who also have strong cognitive skills.

The industry for critical thinkers is expanding, and people are trained to assess and analyze situations critically. Students are learning to make decisions rationally from an early age. In the corporate sector, decisions requiring a substantial investment are discussed critically. A single ineffective decision can make thousands of dollars to waste. Therefore, critical thinking has become an important skill for a managerial post, too.

Creativity

It is the ability to create or develop ideas. Thanks to creativity, you can identify and perceive connections and generate solutions to different problems. Through innovation and adapting to the latest technologies, businesses grow every day, generating greater ROI (returns on investment).  Also, creativity makes us use our brains to improvise on projects that would improve our business better than before. 

People Management

Managing groups of people all at once is not easy. It requires a mental capacity that leads you to work in places where groups of people are involved. That said, for many, this can be a struggle. From being socially awkward to anxiety issues

To understand the personalities of those around you, you need to understand the surroundings, too. Simply put, follow the golden rule: treat people how you want to be treated. Starting from that point, you can be more available to the needs and desires of others. Do not forget to learn to delegate tasks, motivate those around you, and always seek clear communication with people in your team and outside it.

Coordination with Others

Coordination is essential for all business units to function properly. It is necessary to develop the ability to communicate effectively with different members of your team. Additionally, to require sufficient openness to work well with people outside the organization, coordination plays a significant role.

Separate some time for learning skills to operate in a social environment. To work and to have coordination within your team, make executive decisions. At the same time, be open and flexible enough to listen to the opinions of others. These skills will make you function better in your job.

Conclusion

With the advent of technical advancements, new skills came into being. This year has become a year of exploration, and companies are advancing their search for top employees. Along with their academic degrees, these employees now ask for a portfolio filled with skills that can serve their company well.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Income tax and capital gains tax are paid during the year, and the tax prepayments are only payments on a person’s final tax liability. This can only be determined if the taxable income at the end of the year is fixed. This final annual statement with the tax office is called an income tax assessment. The basis for the income tax assessment is the income tax return that a person submits.

Reasons for Reimbursement:

1. A person has had expenses for household help or services and wants to get the tax benefits.
2. A person’s income-related expenses are higher than the employee’s lump sum: In the case of income tax deduction, your employer automatically only considers the cost of employment.
3. A person’s salary varies: your employer’s payroll tax calculation program assumes twelve monthly salaries and considers one-twelfths of free allowances and lump sums. Therefore:

• If a person only worked for a few months, their actual annual income and tax rate are lower than expected. Also, they are always entitled to the basic allowance and the employee lump sum in full.
• Pupils and students with summer jobs often get the entire withholding tax. High tax refunds also occur in the year of transition from school or studies to employment and vice versa.
• Suppose a person’s salary varies during the year, for example, through overtime, salary increases, the 13th monthly salary, or employer change. In that case, the tax deduction in the months with higher earnings is too high. However, if a person’s employer makes an “employer’s wage tax compensation” at the end of the year, he corrects this inaccuracy.

4. As a double-earner couple, you both have tax code IV (no factor), even though a person did not earn the same amount.
5. A person has selected an unfavorable tax class combination from a tax perspective. This can be useful, for example, to optimize the parental allowance.

• Suppose a person paid too much capital gains tax (withholding tax) or interest withholding tax during the year. This can happen for a variety of reasons, for example, because a person has not granted or have given too low an exemption order for an account.
• Because the bank has deducted withholding tax from your investment income, but their tax rate is lower.
• Because a person has other income in addition to income from employment, at least part of which withholding tax has been withheld. Suppose this additional income is less than a certain amount. In that case, you will receive all or part of the withheld withholding tax back via the Compassionate Allowances or the extended Compassionate Allowances.

6. A person has special expenses above the lump sum: donations, church tax, expenses for persons own vocational training, etc., considered by their employer with income tax deduction only with the special expenditure lump sum.
7. A person’s insurance premiums are higher than the provisioning allowance: their employer will already consider certain insurance premiums for the monthly income tax deduction for allowance.

• Civil servants and pensioners only receive a lower pension plan. Therefore, proof of the tax return’s actual insurance contributions can lead to a high tax refund.
• In the case of employees subject to pension insurance, a higher provisioning allowance is applied. Nevertheless, it may be worthwhile in certain cases to recognize the actual pension expenses in the tax return.
• If a person has completed a pension, this is not included in the monthly tax deduction. So they can expect a tax refund.

9. They have contributed to the pension, which has a special effect.
10. They have high exceptional burdens, for example, due to illness, disability, divorce, need of care, or support a needy relative.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

What is growth hacking? Growth hacking is a relatively new field in marketing focused on growth. It started with early-stage startups who need massive growth within a short time on tight budgets.

Before starting with some growth marketing hacking techniques, one thing should be clear: growth hacking is simpler than it seems, and yes, you can apply it to your business. No matter your business’s nature, you will always have a place to implement growth hacking because it is what any business wants: fast growth at the lowest possible cost.

All digital businesses have a website, and any website has a conversion funnel that can be divided into three parts:

• Attraction (that is, bring people to your website)
• Activate (or what is the same, that users do something on your site: make a call, visit a page, and buy a product)
• Hold (customer loyalty, keep him happy, and have him repeat)

Naturally, you can not apply the same Growth Hacking Marketing techniques to all parties equally, but you will have to know which ones are specific to each stage.

Profile of Growth Hacker

So, what is a Growth Hacker? Who can help you grow your business with these techniques? Are you a programmer? An engineer? Does it have to come from a startup?

There is much mythology around the term and the figure of the Growth Hacker. However, Growth Hacking has more to do with the general knowledge of digital marketing than with programming. Of course, as a rule, the Growth Hackers are analytical and creative profiles whose main objective is to grow the business. They are also very transversal, making them valuable for small and medium businesses that cannot afford a full agency or a large team.

The Growth Hacker moves with ease in different disciplines: inbound marketing, conversion, or web analytics. Growth Hacking techniques that you can apply (from now) to your business. You already know that your business has a conversion funnel and that each part of this funnel has to apply different techniques. Also, know what kind of professional you have to collaborate with to start growing.

Here are some of the main techniques of Growth Hacking Marketing you can start applying to your business.

1. SEO-oriented content marketing

Content marketing is the backbone of today’s digital marketing. The user will perform a search on Google, and your content has to be prepared. That’s why you need a blog with quality content for your users, to attract them to be interested in what you offer. And to know what these potential customers want, you will have to analyze their searches online to serve the content they are looking for.

2. Become a benchmark in the sector

The user is demanding, and not only that; it has many options to choose from. Why will you buy your products or services? It is time to become a benchmark in the sector. Some of the most used strategies are creating ebooks, whitepapers, or the realization of webinars. The ultimate goal is to be perceived, you or your company, as someone who knows the subject to be treated in-depth, and the customer chooses your service or product instead of the competition. Therefore, it is always important to offer quality and visually appealing content. Infographics or Guest Blogging are also very effective strategies.

3. Viral acquisition

Do you hear companies like Dropbox or Airbnb? They have been using this Growth Hacking technique since the beginning of their days, and they have not done anything wrong. It consists of encouraging users to share your product or service in exchange for a benefit for them. For example, if you invite several friends to visit Airbnb, you will get a% discount for the following reservations.

4. Digital advertising

Digital advertising is also within the Growth Hacker competencies. Currently, such as the Internet’s competition that the PPC has ceased to be an alternative to become a necessary complement to any self-respecting online marketing plan. Particularly, I like Social Ads a lot. Through them, you can reach your ideal client and reach it through quantitative segmentation and qualitative one. Think, for example, of Facebook Ads, one of the world’s largest databases with the tastes and preferences of potential customers for your business. How about you communicate with them?

5. Email marketing

Although it seems the opposite, email marketing is one of the most powerful techniques available to communicate with your customers.

With clear benefits:

• Intimate communication, one on one.
• It is not invasive.
• It is relevant and personalized.

The key is in segmentation. Segment everything you can to your clients and communicate only what interests them. In this way, you will increase the percentage of your newsletters’ opening and, therefore, the possibilities of conversion will multiply.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

5 Free Tools to Help You Gain Financial Control Today!

“I used to check my bank balance like I was peeking into a horror movie.”

That’s what a client told me. And I get it. True financial control isn’t about cutting your morning latte—it’s about giving your money a job and knowing it will show up on time.

If your budget feels like one big guessing game, I have great news. Financial clarity doesn’t require a CPA or expensive apps. I’ll share five powerful, free tools that give you immediate control over your finances—whether you’re solo, coupled up, or running a startup.

From the days of paper ledgers and manual calculations to today’s AI-powered solutions, financial management tools have evolved dramatically. In the 1990s, budgeting required physical spreadsheets and calculators. Today’s tools offer automation and insights that weren’t even imaginable then.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re tools we recommend to real clients at Complete Controller every day.

Key Takeaways

• Master financial control using free apps for budgeting, investing, and expense tracking
• Use AI to find hidden fees, improve cash flow, and plan for retirement
• Reduce financial arguments with couples-specific tools
• Automate expense sorting and invoicing for small businesses
• Start simple—use one app now, expand your system later

Empower: Wealth Building Meets Day-to-Day Budgeting

If you want financial control through investment tracking, Empower should be your first stop.

It’s not just a budgeting app. Empower connects your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments into one dashboard. My clients love the AI-driven net worth snapshot that uncovers spending patterns you’d never spot yourself.

Here’s what makes it powerful:

👉 A solopreneur we worked with cut $1,200/year in hidden mutual fund fees after running Empower’s fee analyzer. That extra cash now builds her emergency fund. You can streamline your investment portfolio with effective financial strategies using these insights to maximize your returns.

This evolution from spreadsheets to AI-driven tools like Empower shows how far financial technology has come. The app now offers guidance on expense management and mutual fund fees that previously required financial advisors.

Real-world win: A developer used Empower to flag recurring tool subscriptions. He cut $180/month and now puts that money into his Roth IRA.

Features that matter:

• AI-powered investment tracking
• Retirement forecasting with Monte Carlo simulations
• Cash flow analysis that highlights inefficiencies

✅ Best for: Individuals and freelancers who want complete financial visibility

🚫 Skip if: You don’t have investments to track (yet)

Honeydue: Collaborative Finance Without the Arguments

Money stress can damage a relationship—or strengthen it. Honeydue creates financial control for couples without the drama.

You and your partner can tag shared expenses, keep some private, and schedule monthly “bill dates” (yes, those are real). Alerts prevent late payments, and visual charts track spending before arguments start.

According to John Marshall Bank’s “Top 3 Personal Finance Apps in 2025,” couples who use Honeydue report 30% fewer money fights. That’s significant if financial tension exists at home. This matches extensive research on financial management stress among couples showing that money conflicts are a leading cause of relationship strain.

Learning budget control best practices alongside tools like Honeydue can transform your relationship with both money and your partner.

Pro tip from one of our CFO clients:

💬 “Use Honeydue’s monthly summaries as conversation starters—not accusations.”

Functional highlights:

• Shared and private account views
• Auto alerts for upcoming bills
• In-app messaging to handle money questions quickly

✅ Best for: Partners looking to communicate better about money

🚫 Skip if: You manage completely separate finances

Zoho Books (Free Tier): Professional Accounting for Startups

Here’s what most lists miss: financial control in small businesses requires different tools. Zoho Books offers that difference, often overlooked in favor of QuickBooks.

Startups benefit from the free tier—covering 1 user, 1000 invoices annually, and automation features. According to Cflow’s “Top 14 Financial Management Tools in 2025,” Zoho Books excels at automating expense sorting into tax-ready categories, syncing seamlessly with your accountant’s process.

A bakery owner we helped used Zoho’s inventory feature to identify ingredient waste. After some adjustments, they cut spoilage costs by 20% and reinvested in marketing. These are the kind of practical financial control in small businesses strategies that transform operations.

Why Zoho wins:

• Customizable invoicing with payment links
• Smart categorization eliminates receipt chaos
• Real-time reports for cash flow and P&L

✅ Best for: Small business owners, consultants, freelancers

🚫 Skip if: You need payroll or multi-currency accounts

DataRails (Free Demo): Excel Meets Enterprise-Level Forecasting

Let’s go upstream. If your business is growing and juggling spreadsheets from multiple departments, it’s time to centralize.

DataRails transforms your Excel files, QuickBooks exports, and Xero reports into live dashboards and models. Update forecasts instantly, run “what-if” scenarios, or explain budget variances during board meetings with confidence.

One CFO client used DataRails to run a scenario that convinced stakeholders to delay office expansion—saving their startup $340,000 during a funding slowdown. This aligns with financial oversight best practices for startups recommended by the SBA, which emphasizes data-driven decision making.

Top uses for financial oversight:

• Real-time budget vs. actuals
• Funding readiness reports
• Variance insights that non-finance team members understand

✅ Best for: Growing businesses with multiple revenue streams

🚫 Skip if: You’re not yet using financial software or need basic reporting

Mint: The OG Budgeting App Gets Smarter

Mint has been around for years. But in 2025, it’s smarter—making it an excellent tool for budget control through automation.

According to DianApps’ “Top 10 Personal Finance Software for 2025,” Mint stands out for automatically tracking and categorizing transactions, helping users understand their spending habits without manual input.

What’s new? Subscription audits that work. One family client discovered $400/month in forgotten services (including streaming platforms they hadn’t used since 2022!). This matches Mint’s own reporting on how their subscription tracking feature helps users identify and eliminate wasted spending.

And the built-in credit monitoring is valuable too. Mint provides free credit score updates with risk alerts to help protect your financial health—without paying for a separate service.

Killer features:

• Subscription tracking and savings insights
• Real-time sync across all accounts
• Free credit score updates with risk alerts

✅ Best for: Families and individuals who want simple, automated tracking

🚫 Skip if: You already use your bank’s native app successfully

How to Choose Your Financial Control Toolkit

No fluff—just real strategy. Here’s how to build the right mix:

🧑‍💻 Solopreneurs:

👉 Empower + Zoho Books = Visibility + compliance-ready reporting

👩‍❤️‍👨 Couples:

👉 Honeydue + Mint = Transparency + automated budget tracking

🚀 Startups:

👉 DataRails + Zoho Books = Enterprise forecasting + invoicing under one roof

Avoid app overlap. Choose one source of truth for each category (budgeting, tracking, forecasting).

As I tell every new Complete Controller client:

💬 “Use what you’ve got—we’ll help you integrate, not reinvent.”

Conclusion: Stack Smart, Start Small

Financial control doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen when you pair the right tools with consistent habits.

Pick one app from this list. Master it. Let it pay off in saved time, money, or peace of mind. Then build from there.

Throughout my 20+ years helping entrepreneurs gain financial clarity, I’ve seen how the right tools transform stress into confidence. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

And if you’re growing fast while trying to stay financially organized? We’ve got your back.

👉 Visit CompleteController.com to see how our AI-powered bookkeeping integrates with your existing tools—seamlessly supporting your path to financial freedom.

FAQ

What’s the fastest way to gain financial control?

Start tracking all your expenses. Apps like Mint and Empower categorize spending automatically, giving you immediate insights without setup hassle. Most people see patterns within the first 30 days that help them make better decisions.

How do these free tools compare to paid options like YNAB?

Paid tools like YNAB offer deeper budgeting methods and more features. However, these free options provide excellent automation and ease of use—perfect for getting started or for side hustlers. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently.

Can I use these tools for business accounting?

Yes. Zoho Books and DataRails are designed for business use and are SOC 2 compliant. Just make sure to set proper access permissions before syncing sensitive financial data, and consider separating personal and business finances completely.

How often should I check my financial apps?

Quick daily check-ins take under 5 minutes and help catch issues early. I recommend weekly 15-minute reviews to track progress toward goals, even when things are going well. Monthly deep dives of 30-60 minutes help you adjust your strategy.

Will these tools help with debt payoff?

Absolutely. Empower’s debt payoff features prioritize high-interest debt and adjust your plan based on spending patterns. Mint helps identify areas to cut back, freeing up cash for debt payments. The visibility these tools provide is often the missing piece in successful debt reduction.

Sources

• APA.org. (2015). Stress in America: Paying With Our Health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2015/finances
• Cflow. (March 5, 2025). The Top 14 Financial Management Tools in 2025. https://www.cflow.com/financial-management-tools-2025
• Complete Controller. Small Business Bookkeeping: 9 Tips and Tricks. https://www.completecontroller.com/small-business-bookkeeping-9-tips-and-tricks/
• Complete Controller. How to Streamline Your Investment Portfolio. https://www.completecontroller.com/how-to-streamline-your-investment-portfolio/
• Complete Controller. Checkbook Balancing Financial Must. https://www.completecontroller.com/checkbook-balancing-financial-must/
• DataRails. (2025). Enterprise Financial Planning Software. https://www.datarails.com
• DianApps. (February 28, 2025). Top 10 Personal Finance Software for 2025. https://www.dianapps.com/finance-software-2025
• Investor.gov. Introduction to Investing: Fees and Commissions. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/fees-commissions
• John Marshall Bank. (2025). Top 3 Personal Finance Apps in 2025. https://johnmarshallbank.com/finance-apps-2025
• Mint. (2025). Budget Tracker & Planner | Free Online Money Management. https://www.mint.com
• SBA.gov. Business Guide: Manage Your Business Finances. U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/finances
• Smith, A. (2020). Digital Revolutions: From Internet to Social Media. Digital Journal.
• Zoho Books. (2025). Small Business Accounting Software. https://www.zoho.com/books/

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.