--- title: Personal Finance for Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond description: For individuals and businesses alike, the most effective solutions are those that address both your short-term and long-term financial needs. Simple solutions work well for day-to-day finances, but professional guidance is crucial for long-term success. image: https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-589405610.jpg --- ![icon-phone](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-469552994-png/images/icon-phone.png)508-533-5700 **Call today to book your appointment!** [![Ann M. Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-480654324-png/images/circle-logo4.png?width=630&height=168&name=circle-logo4.png "Ann M. Irons")](https://www.ironscpa.com/) Hopkinton MA, CPA [Contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Ann+M.+Irons,+CPA,+17+Main+St+Suite+1,+Hopkinton,+MA+01748/@42.2283595,-71.5220826,17.25z/data=!3m1!5s0x89e470559903948b:0xba338aa31b2a0f29!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e46e7ca0d1d73b:0x531938b62807ebe1!2m2!1d-71.5200665!2d42.2284497!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) # The Bean Counter with Ann M Irons, CPA --- [![Tax Year 2024 Business/Individual Tax Returns](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de) --- ## [Personal Finance for Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/personal-finance-for-today-tomorrow-and-beyond) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Mar 11, 2014 1:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![personal-finance-cpa-bellingham-ma](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-589405610.jpg)As head of household, the ability to make responsible, informed financial decisions determines the quality of life for yourself and your family. When things get hectic, poorly managed money could spell disaster. Fortunately, you have options for keeping tabs on your personal finances. ## Must-Have Apps for Money Management Online shoppers have been singing the praises of **RetailMeNot **for months now, but you don’t have to make purchases online to reap the benefits of the free app. Save money at the cash register by flashing your smartphone to the cashier. The cashier scans the barcode from your screen, and you save instantly. Worried about identity theft? Use the free **Billguard **app to monitor up to ten of your accounts for suspicious activities. If Billguard detects suspect fraudulent purchases, you receive a notification instantly on your smartphone or tablet. **Check**, a free app that features impressive encryption features, makes sorting and managing your bills relatively painless. Set alerts so that you never miss another payment, saving yourself the indignity of paying late fees and penalties. Think of it as a gas gauge that keeps tabs on your personal checking account. **Level Money**, a free app, helps you track your expenses and cash. It automatically calculates the leftover amount, so you know how much money remains at the end of each day. For frugal types who can’t resist the allure of a good local bargain, the free **SaleSorter** app is a must-have. Using the GPS feature on your tablet or smartphone, SaleSorter generates a list of nearby store locations currently offering discounts or promotions. Tired of spending your hard-earned income on bank fees and surcharges? **Simple**, a free debit card account, lets you automatically pay your bills, monitor your spending, and create a budget. Manage your account with the free app, and forget about keeping a minimum balance. **Square Cash, **another free app, has received glowing praise from the *New York Times, Wired*, and countless iPhone and Android users. The app, which links to your debit card, sends a payment to anyone—babysitter, relative, or other individual—in about 90 seconds. The recipient receives an email notification, then claims their payment. The do-it-all **Manilla **app uses a single login to manage credit cards, customer loyalty cards, and savings and checking accounts. Yes, it’s free. Need quick advice on paying down your debts, such as credit card bills or student loan payments? **Dent Free**, a steal at $0.99, makes organizing debt simple. Answer a few questions, then the app creates a personalized payment plan that minimizes interest, requires the least amount of time, or both. ## Trust Complex Financial Management to a CPA Personal finance apps simplify bill payment and household budgets, but other money matters require the keen eye of a professional. Ann Irons, CPA, LLC, provides money management and accounting solutions for individuals and business, including: - Retirement planning - Personal portfolio management - Long-term debt plans, including [consolidation](https://www.ironscpa.com/account-consolidation) - [Tax preparation](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/income-greater-than-200k-read-this-before-filing-your-2014-taxes) **Don’t risk your financial health. **To learn more about our services, or to schedule a meeting with [Ann Irons, CPA, LLC](https://www.ironscpa.com/the-team), please [contact us](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) at (508) 966-0700. We are proud to serve businesses and individuals established in Bellingham and the surrounding areas. Topics: [Personal Finance](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) ## About **Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC** ![Ann](https://www.ironscpa.com/hubfs/images/Ann.jpg)Ann has spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, and accounting and advisory services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search by Topic Search ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Small Business Accounting (24)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) - [Individual Income Taxes (18)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes) - [International Tax (17)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) - [Accounting for Lawyers (11)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/accounting-for-lawyers) - [Escrow Accounting (10)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) - [Foreign Investment Tax (8)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax) - [Family Business (6)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/family-business) - [Bookkeeping (5)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/bookkeeping) - [Personal Finance (4)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Client Stories (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/client-stories) - [Payroll Processing (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/payroll-processing) - [Small Business Tax (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-tax) - [Starting Your Own Law Firm (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/starting-your-own-law-firm) - [Words of Wisdom (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/words-of-wisdom) [see all](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/personal-finance-for-today-tomorrow-and-beyond#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! Please call us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and determining how we can best serve you. ![Map Irons CPA Hopkinton](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png?width=305&height=167&name=Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png)   ### OUR LOCATION: 17 Main Street, Suite 1 Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-533-5700 Fax: 888-922-2242 ## About Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC Ann Irons’ personal philosophy focuses on strong experience, integrity, and commitment to service above all else.  [Learn More](https://www.ironscpa.com/meet-ann-irons) ## Navigation ## Recent Blog Posts ## [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![G+](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-815314232.png)](https://plus.google.com/b/100124969766767305083/100124969766767305083/about)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) ## Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC © 2025. All rights reserved.   ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/951439776/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)