As a college student, you’ve got a lot on your plate: tests, papers, classes, jobs, your social life. It’s easy to let mundane activities like paying bills and grocery shopping fall through the cracks. But you can’t ignore these basic tasks. Before you know it, you’ll find the negative domino effect in action if, say, you forget to pay your electric bill or neglect to make your Internet payment.

Taking control of your finances will allow you to handle academic essentials with ease and peace of mind.

Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, you can enlist smartphones and tablets to manage your everyday life, which will help you make the most of your college experience.

1. Toshl Finance Expense Tracker

Never miss a tuition or car loan payment, and stay in good standing with your landlord with this mobile app, compatible with iOS, Blackberry, Android and other platforms. Maintain consistent and accurate control of your checking account with this free app (or upgrade to the Pro Version for additional features) by creating budgetary guidelines for your spending, then adhering to those guidelines by monitoring your spending. You can rest easy because you know where your money is going.

2. OurGroceries Shopping List

Keep a healthy diet by making sure you don’t come home from work or class to an empty refrigerator. Planning ahead with this free Blackberry and iOS-friendly app will help keep your body trim. An empty fridge can lead to ordering takeout, which is bad for your wallet and your waistline – so making sure you buy healthy and cost-saving groceries with the help of this app will keep you on track and guilt-free. You can also enter in your favorite recipes, favorite ingredients, special trademark seasonings and decadent dessert items reserved for special occasions. Easily edit your grocery lists from your mobile device, laptop or desktop computer, then use your smartphone or tablet while shopping to adhere to your list. Create multiple grocery lists to plan for holidays and birthdays well in advance.

3. ValPak Local Coupons

A free app to save you money is a great double deal. As a college student, what better way to keep your expenses in check than to find useful coupons for everyday items? Just like the bulky envelope that once came in your mailbox, this app gives you the best local deals around. Find deals on dining out, grocery items, laundry essentials, clothing and more with this Blackberry-friendly app.

By creating a healthy budget structure with your mobile phone, you’ll get much more out of your college experience.

Post by Max Cruise
Max is a technology educator at his local community college. He loves nothing more than teaching the next generation about digital trends, and he writes about these trends often.

Now that your budget is under control, make sure you’ve got your grades covered too.  Order your copy of The Secrets of Top Students today!