If you check out a typical personal finance management tool, you'll likely get fancy pie charts that show what you've done wrong. Yes, it can be depressing (especially in times like these).But, when it comes to making recommendations, these tools can be somewhat iffy.
Well, there is one that is trying to change things: Rudder.
Like other web-based systems, Rudder makes it easy to import your financial information (there are connections to more than 4,000 banks and other financial institutions). True, there's a nice dashboard with cool charts. But the focus is on analyzing checking balances, transactions and the timing of bills. The upshot is that Rudder produces a "What's Left" calculator.
Think of it as your free cash flow. Thus, you can help avoid overdraft fees and over limit fees.
Also, if you've built a nice cushion, you can start improving your financial situation, such as by paying down debt. In turn, this will likely improve your "What's Left" position in the future.
All in all, Rudder is a helpful service and it's fairly easy to use. And yes, the service is free.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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