APM BLOG

REACH YOUR GOALS

Start 2026 with the Right Budgeting App

While there's no shortage of budgeting applications available, current user rates suggest that many consumers find it difficult to choose the right one. Recent studies found that while around 45% of consumers use spreadsheets and calculators, only around 21% use budgeting applications.

Before you test-drive a budgeting app, it's helpful to decide what sort of functions are most important to you, such as the ones below.

• Can synchronize several types of financial accounts, including your own and your partner's.

   

• Helps you plan ahead for financial decisions.

• Categorizes your expenses so you can adjust spending patterns.

• Tracks bills and sends you alerts for upcoming due dates, so you won't incur late fees.

• Accessible via mobile and desktop.

After you've decided what you need, here are three apps to consider.

Monarch Money, for customized budgeting

Monarch allows users to sync bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments. Other features include a net worth tracker, investment dashboard, personalized reports, and reminders of upcoming bills. Recent updates include the addition of an AI chatbot.

YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting

YNAB stands for You Need a Budget. It follows the zero-based budgeting system, which means you'll make a plan for every dollar you earn. For example, as soon as you get paid, you tell YNAB how much of your income should go toward various categories, including spending, savings and debt.

Origin for AI-powered investment advice.

Origin enables users to track spending, investments and net worth while planning future investments. It won Forbes' 2024 Best Budgeting App award, which translates into popularity with wealthier users. It also features AI-powered chat so users can ask questions about the economy, retirement planning and more.

Source: nerdwallet.com

MORTGAGE IQ

Strategies to Fast-Track Down Payments

While the costs of home ownership keep rising post-pandemic, there are still determined buyers who save the median down payment for a home. Last year, it took the typical American seven years to save this amount, down from 12 years during 2022 but still above pre-pandemic levels.

For example, it can take a San Francisco household with the median income more than 36 years to save for that city's $245,466 median down payment, while a median household in San Antonio, Texas, or Virginia Beach, Virginia, would only need one or two years.

When renters postpone buying a home, it also postpones their access to home equity and building long-term wealth, so it's often better to begin this earlier than later. On a community level, delayed home ownership can slow housing demand, construction, mortgage activity, and even consumer spending tied to home improvements.

While some housing experts still recommend 20% of a home price as a down payment, buyers in the third quarter of 2025 averaged down payments that were 14.4% of the home price. In addition, some home financing programs require down payments that are under 5% of the total loan amount.

Want to learn more about your home-buying prospects? Contact your local APM Loan Advisor for answers to your questions about down payments.

FINANCIAL NEWS

How To Rein in Vehicle Payments

Buying a new or used car or truck has become more expensive than ever. While many have high-tech features that make them safer and more enjoyable, these features, together with inflation, have bumped up sticker prices.

However, there are several ways to control costs.

1. Tighten Up Your Credit. If your credit score is in the mid-700s or higher, congrats! If it needs work, it may be worth postponing your purchase until your score improves. You can help this happen fairly quickly if you pay off credit card balances and other debts.

2. Shop Around for Financing First. Compare financing options and lenders, including your own bank or credit union, plus reputable online lenders. Consider getting a pre-approval. While dealerships have their own lenders, their rates may not be competitive.

3. Research Your Vehicle. Before stepping foot in the dealership, do all the research you can on the model you're interested in, such as average costs, add-ons,and your cut-off price. You may also find a dealership that's selling your preferred ride at a lower price, or with special financing.

4. Consider a Budget-Friendly Model. While this is always good advice, many buyers don't follow it, especially when they test-drive a model that makes their current vehicle feel like an antique. Consider who will be your fellow passengers (adults, children, or dogs), and your daily driving habits before you choose.

Source: investopedia.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Why We Always Fly Friendly Skies

When you're boarding an aircraft, you probably have a lot on your mind. Will you get stuck in the middle seat, or next to noisy kids (or adults)? Will you make your connection? What you're probably not thinking about is what the flight attendants are thinking when they're greeting you with a smile at the door.

Passengers tend to assume that flight attendants' greetings are just that, but there's much more going on. Here's what's really on their minds.

They're ensuring you don't need assistance boarding. While those in wheelchairs receive special attention, travelers with children or limited mobility may also need assistance or seating in a designated row.

They're assessing your mood. While anyone who spent too much time at the airport bar is usually easy to identify, others may need attention for entirely different reasons, such as visibly nervous flyers. They're also looking for special lanyards worn by people with hidden disabilities. These can be anything from Parkinson's to PTSD.

They're identifying potentially helpful passengers. These may be called upon to help with opening heavy doors during an emergency, or to assist others with evacuating the plane.

They're checking for excess baggage. While check-in staff usually handle this, the flight crew wants to prevent passengers from bringing too many bags aboard. It slows the boarding process and there may not be enough storage room for it all.

Source: dailypassport.com

PERSONAL FINANCES

Can You Claim Pets on Your Taxes?

The tax season is almost here, so many of us are going through last year's financial records looking for possible deductions. While you may think of your pets as your dependents, the IRS doesn't...most of the time.

Pets that don't have jobs generally won't qualify for a tax deduction. However, service animals that assist with disabilities may provide their owners with deductions, such as the costs of training, supplies, food, and vet visits. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including service-animal related costs, are deductible if they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI).

In addition, animals with jobs—those providing security, herding farm livestock or providing pest control—may qualify. And if you're fostering dogs or cats for a 501(c)(3) rescue organization, you can deduct unreimbursed expenses you incur. These are considered charitable contributions.

Got a cat or dog who's a real character? If they're a social media influencer, they may earn deductions if they earn money through sponsorship deals, ad revenue, or even modeling. Their maintenance expenses may be considered "ordinary and necessary" business expenses.

If you're unsure about potential deductions, contact a tax professional for guidance.

Source: empower.com

FOOD

Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili

This is a great mid-winter meal to enjoy, no matter what the weather is up to. This Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili is easy to make as it's a one-pot meal. You can choose from several types of beans—black, red or pinto—or even combine two or three of them.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Rev Up Your Kitchen with Retro Colors

If your kitchen surroundings are feeling bland, or if you're ready to switch from shades of gray to bolder colors, it's an ideal time to brighten up your surroundings.

Many industry professionals are introducing color into almost every part of a kitchen, from counter tops to appliances. Traditional whites and grays are losing ground to shades of brown and off-white, with sage and other subdued greens becoming more common. (Going green may even encourage more salad preparation!)

There's no reason why appliances should be left out, especially as more of them are adopting retro designs and colors. Over the past years, more appliances have traded in chrome finishes for primary colors. Some brands, such as Big Chill, have re-introduced red, light blue and pastel pink refrigerators with 1950s design features. Other appliance manufacturers such as Galanz are also getting into the retro act.

Source: bhg.com