3 Things 2-24-25

 Thing One

Apps That Help You Save/Make Money

Soon after smart phones became an integral part of our daily lives, the phrase, “there’s an app for that” became ubiquitous as well.  The following is a summary of three apps geared toward helping us save money:

Acorns - This one's great if you want to save without even thinking about it. It rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. It’s perfect for beginners who like the idea of growing their money over time through small, automatic contributions. There’s a monthly fee—starting at $3—but the ease of micro-investing might make it worth it if you’re into set-it-and-forget-it savings.  Think of this as your financial wingman that turns tiny habits into real growth. Every time you swipe your card—say, $3.75 for a coffee—it rounds up to $4 and tucks that extra 25 cents into an investment account. You can link it to your debit or credit card, and it quietly builds a portfolio of ETFs tailored to your risk level, from conservative to aggressive. Over time, those pennies compound, especially if you turn on features like “Recurring Investments” (daily, weekly, or monthly deposits) or “Found Money” (cash back from partnered brands). It’s not free—plans start at $3/month for the basic “Personal” tier, up to $9 for “Family” with extra perks like custodial accounts for kids—but the hands-off approach suits anyone who’d rather not micromanage their savings. It’s less about cutting costs and more about making your money work harder without you lifting a finger.

Rocket Money - If you’re bleeding cash from subscriptions you forgot about or bills that could be lower, this app’s a lifesaver. It tracks your spending, flags recurring charges, and can even negotiate bills for you. The free version gives you a good overview, while the premium (up to $12/month) adds features like cancellation concierge. It’s ideal if you want to cut costs and redirect that money into savings. The app kind of functions like a detective for your wallet, sniffing out where your cash is slipping away and helping you plug the leaks. It syncs with your accounts to give you a crystal-clear view of your spending, spotlighting subscriptions you might’ve forgotten (that gym membership from 2019?) or bills ripe for negotiation—like your cable or phone plan. Its standout trick is the bill-lowering service: hand them the reins, and they’ll haggle with providers on your behalf, splitting the savings if they succeed (usually 30-60% of the first year’s cuts). The free tier tracks spending and subscriptions, but premium—$4-$12/month, your pick—unlocks cancellation help, budgeting tools, and more. It’s a no-brainer if your goal is to free up cash by trimming the fat, then funnel that into savings or debt payoff. Less flashy than investing apps, but ruthlessly practical.

Qapital - This app makes saving fun by letting you set goals—like a vacation or emergency fund—and create rules to stash cash automatically (e.g., rounding up purchases or saving when you hit a fitness goal). It has lots of visuals with customizable options, and plans start at $3/month after a free trial. It’s a good pick if you’re motivated by seeing progress toward specific targets.  Qapital turns saving money into a game where you set the rules and watch your wins stack up. The intuitive interface lets you create custom goals—say, $1,000 for a new laptop—and pairs them with triggers to stash cash automatically. You could round up purchases like Acorns, save $5 every time you skip takeout, or even link it to your Fitbit to drop a dolalr per workout. It shows your progress in real time, which keeps you hooked if you’re motivated by visuals. You can also team up with a partner for shared goals, like a couples’ vacation fund. After a 30-day free trial, it’s $3-$12/month depending on features (basic gets you goals, premium adds investing options). It’s less about hard-core investing and more about turning saving into a habit you actually enjoy—perfect if you thrive on structure and a little creativity.

Each shines in its own way: Acorns for investing spare change, Rocket Money for slashing expenses, and Qapital for goal-driven automation. Pick one based on what clicks with your habits—whether it’s passive investing, expense trimming, or chasing a dream purchase.

Thing Two

You Better Shop Around

If you haven’t shopped your car insurance lately, consider this a reminder from us to do so.  And let us add that we understand how easy it is to get comfortable with your current insurer but you should do your best to make a habit of bidding it out at least yearly.  To make that process easier this year, we’re sharing a summary of the top three car insurers in the southeast.  But these aren’t the only three carriers in the game so even if you’re already a customer of one of them, don’t take that as a sign not to shop around.   

That said, based on a mix of affordability, customer satisfaction, and service quality tailored to the Southeast, here are three standout car insurance companies as of early 2025. These picks lean on widely available data like J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region, alongside cost trends and customer feedback.

Erie Insurance - This insurer consistently punches above its weight in the Southeast, scoring 704 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power’s 2024 Southeast region customer satisfaction survey—well above the regional average of 682. Erie’s known for competitive pricing, often undercutting bigger names, especially for drivers with clean records. Customers rave about its claims handling (676 in J.D. Power’s claims satisfaction study) and personal touch, thanks to a network of local agents. Policies come with perks like diminishing deductibles and strong coverage options, making it a value-packed choice if you’re in its service area (it’s available in parts of the Southeast like North Carolina and Tennessee). The catch? It’s not everywhere in the region, so availability depends on your state.

State Farm - A heavy hitter with a Southeast score of 694 from J.D. Power, State Farm balances price and service nicely. It’s not the cheapest outright—average full coverage runs around $1,600-$1,800 annually in the region—but it offers a ton of discounts (good student, safe driver, bundling) that can shave costs down. Service-wise, it’s a standout: claims processes are smooth (651 in claims satisfaction), and its massive agent network means you’re rarely far from help. Online tools and a top-notch mobile app also make managing your policy painless. It’s a solid pick if you value reliability over rock-bottom rates.

Nationwide - Scoring 693 in the Southeast J.D. Power study, Nationwide edges out competitors with affordable rates—often below $1,500 annually for full coverage—and a reputation for decent service. It’s got a knack for keeping complaints low (below the industry average per the NAIC) and offers extras like vanishing deductibles and accident forgiveness that sweeten the deal. Claims handling scores a respectable 676, and customers like the flexibility of its coverage options. It’s widely available across the Southeast, making it a practical choice if you’re hunting for a blend of price and dependability.

These three shine in the Southeast for different reasons: Erie for top-tier service and value, State Farm for widespread trust and convenience, and Nationwide for cost-effective coverage with solid reviews. Prices vary by your driving history, location, and coverage needs, so getting quotes is key—but these are your best bets based on the latest regional insights.

Thing Three

Just A Thought 

"I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times." — Everett Dirksen