56 Life & Style : Winter 2012

apps

As people begin to look beyond the holidays, a new year comes into focus.

And along with the perennial tossing away one calendar and hanging another comes the age-old tradition of making a New Year’s resolution. While some try to be clever and original, there are a few fallbacks that have become classics through the years.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Setting goals of fitness, better budgeting money and committing to devoting more time to yourself are all admirable. Another popular choice that comes around Jan. 1 is dedication to getting life better organized.

And as they say, there’s an app — or 100 — for that.

Here are some popular recommendations:Chomp: This app isn’t exactly an

organization tool in itself, but it can help make your search for others easier. Using an algorithm that learns the functions and topics of different apps, you can search for new ones based on what they do

rather than what they’re called. Search for “calendar,” “to-do list” or “personal finance” and discover a litany of other apps at your

fingertips.eWallet: In an era where almost everything is

password protected, this app can simplify the process of remembering these different access codes by storing them all securely in one place. The app encrypts information, ensuring no one else will be able to access it, and a timed lock out system will keep your info safe. You can organize the information as you choose and set security questions to add another layer of protection.

Pageonce: This app helps organize financial matters. It brings together banking info, credit cards, bills and investment accounts in one place. The app will provide

real-time updates and alerts for things like due dates, overdrafts and suspicious activity. It also

can be used to track other data, such as frequent flyer miles, mobile minutes and text and data usage, which can have an ancillary effect on your monthly finances.

reQall: This free app turns your smartphone into the hub of your life. Users can store tasks and ideas using voice or type, and the system will automatically organize information and integrate it with Microsoft Outlook or Google calendars. You can also receive reminders via email or instant message, as well as share them with friends in your contact list. A paid version offers advanced features, such as GPS mapping to organize tasks by location.

TeuxDeux: This app organizes a traditional to-do list in a calendar format, but it has more capability than just storing your list. As you complete items you can either mark them off as complete or delete them, and any tasks that were left uncompleted at the end of the day are automatically moved to the next. In addition to Sunday through Saturday, there’s also a “Some Day” category for those projects you just need to get out of your head and onto paper.

Happy New Year!

organizedTime to get

Life & Style : Winter 2012 57

Todoist: While the minimal white platform of this app may seem overly simple, it’s the power behind the tool that makes it a great low-key alternative to other comparable programs. The app can hold a nearly infinite task list, whereas others have smaller data limits. Once a project is developed, it can be broken down into sub-project, which can be broken down even farther into sub-tasks. Deadlines can be entered, and color coding can help keep tasks

organized. There’s also an overview mode that

lets the user take a wider look at the week ahead.

Workflowy: A simple to-do list isn’t enough for some people.

If you are one of those who take extensive notes

on tasks at hand, pilling pages of paper or Post-It pads with details, ideas and project notes, this app will help keep you organized. Users can create different sections and fill them with tasks, sub-tasks and more. Unlike other, more basic programs, this app offers increased functionality, as well as a permanent archive so that nothing will ever be lost.

— Adam Testa

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