There's this trip, planned for next summer if the pandemic allows it, this computer that's starting to get tired, this desire to buy real estate that you've been talking about for years without really thinking about it.
Or even, less gratifying, this notification from your banking app to warn you that you are dangerously close to overdraft – yes, from the 21st of the month.
Nearly one in two French people say they are exposed at least once a year, according to a study by Panorabanques published in October. One in five people is even every month. In 2021, on average, those who were in the red fell to -€232. While a majority of respondents say they are in a difficult financial situation - single parents and working people with low incomes, in particular - many justify their overdraft with an unforeseen expense or carelessness. Except that 19% of individuals have no savings to draw to fill a negative account in the event of a hard blow. Difficult, then, to stop the spiral of the overdraft, dug even more by the bank charges.
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Take control of the numbers
Since the start of the pandemic there has been widespread concern: the French have saved much more than usual in the past two years, according to the Banque de France: a sign of caution in the face of the crisis.
Above all, 80% feel they have lost purchasing power over the past year, according to an Odoxa survey published in November 2021. However, this is contradicted by a study by the Institute of Public Policy, attached to the School d'économie de Paris, published at the same time, according to which the purchasing power of the majority of households has increased by 1.6% since 2017.
Between the anxiety-provoking context, the rise in rents or energy prices, the fear of the overdraft and the gap between his impressions and his real expenses, it is perhaps, more than ever, time to dive in for good nose into his finances.
To reconnect with the figures and the facts, to face his habits, his rhythm of life and his long-term desires.
No need to draw a calculator: many applications offer to take control of your finances for you.
Overview of some of these pocket allies, part Excel spreadsheet, part personal financial coach.
Bankin', the most popular
It has attracted 6 million users since its creation ten years ago. Free, but with a paid Premium version, this French application offers to synchronize all its bank accounts in a single interface, which automatically categorizes expenses and distributes them in several graphs, to follow its accounts at the moment T or over days. Compatible with 350 banks, but also with PayPal and Lydia, the interface also allows you to make transfers, without going through your banking app. Since 2019, Bankin' has also offered financial coaching, based on both algorithms and advisers, to better manage your budget, save more, or track down unsuspected savings - by modifying any subscription or renegotiating a mortgage, for example. Bonuses:partnerships with several hundred brands allow it to offer a cashback option and credit a kitty during your online purchases.
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Linxo, to see it coming
This application with 3 million users brings together, like Bankin', all your accounts in a single interface.
It offers similar features, such as transfers or suggestions for contracts and subscriptions to renegotiate to save money.
Linxo also suggests savings goals or monthly limits per expense item, which you can also set yourself.
The Premium version, at €4 per month, offers a forecast balance over 30 rolling days, the creation of your own expense categories or the possibility of grouping your accounts - those of children, accounts shared with your spouse, your professional accounts , etc
Budgea, to follow its heritage
In addition to functionalities similar to the two previous applications, Budgea allows you to supervise all of your assets.
By centralizing the portfolios of all types, the application offers to follow its investments, to keep an eye on the evolution of a financial title but also to configure its own alerts of capital gain or loss.
Bonus: you can also automatically integrate your invoices into the application and associate them with direct debits from your bank accounts.
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Penélope Cruz, the cover story
The call of the sea
Long slit dress in printed silk crepe, Chanel.
Matthew Brookes
The call of the sea
Long slit dress in printed silk crepe, Chanel.
Matthew Brookes
Nice game
Denim and T-shirt jumpsuit, Chanel.
Camélia ring, in white gold and diamonds, Chanel Joaillerie.
Matthew Brookes
The camera gaze
Bouton de Camélia ring, in white gold and diamonds, Chanel Joaillerie, and personal rings.
Chanel t-shirt.
Matthew Brookes
The tailor effect
Shards of Grace
Penélope Cruz, the cover story
Behind the scenes with Penélope Cruz
Behind the scenes with Penélope Cruz
Behind the scenes with Penélope Cruz
Behind the scenes with Penélope Cruz
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Daily Budget Original, for the pickiest
This looks like an augmented Excel spreadsheet.
Unlike aggregators like Bankin' or Linxo, Daily Budget Original does not connect to your bank accounts, but asks you to enter your income and expenses yourself, manually.
The obstacle will discourage some but may appeal to those who wish to take the time to look into their finances to better take ownership of them.
Another originality of the application: rather than telling you what you have left to spend, Daily Budget Original suggests, each day, the adequate amount to save to achieve one or more long-term goals - travel, new computer, security savings... - defined in advance.
However, the number of features available in the free version is very limited: you will have to pay €11.99, all at once, to really use the application.
Perhaps less of an unnecessary expense than a long-term investment?
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