We’re going a little more virtual today in the Financial Decluttering challenge. We’re turning to our phones and tablets. It’s time to Clean up the Apps, Peeps. You may not realize how many minutes you waste on your phone. And it’s not just the games that distract or the social media feeds. It’s the time you takes you to find the information you really need.

You may also be wasting money. The apps that trigger you to spend need to go. And those that help you track your spending need to come on to your phone STAT.

Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, Clean Out Your Car Console, Clean Out Your Sock Drawer, Organize Your Coupons, Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks, Clean Out Your Purse or Bag, Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf, and Clean Off Your Desk.

Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of over 1100 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, and more!

Now, on to the challenge!

Day 10: Clean Up Your Phone’s Apps

Technology is a gift! But it can be a curse, too. The devices we carry with us each day either point us toward healthier habits or cause us to fall into unhealthy patterns.

Yours truly has always struggled with games on devices. In the olden days, it was Minesweeper on my good ‘ole PC Desktop. I was SO good at it. When I began seeing the game board at night when I closed my eyes, I knew I had a problem. There may have been a stint where I played a lot of Temple Run. And then there was the Fruit Ninja era. Look friends, it’s not that I’m bad at these games. It’s that I’m really good. But the minutes (ahem, hours) of the day spent playing them could have been put to much better use.

Let’s talk about why we need to work on those phones.

Why It Matters:

Our Financial Decluttering challenge isn’t just about clearing out the clothes you no longer wear or the food that’s expired. No, we want to return each day to how we interact with money. What triggers spending? What wastes time we could spend in better places? When are we prone to jealousy or feeding unnecessary desires?

I have fallen into traps from all three areas with the tiny device I never seem to be without. I love my phone because I can stay in immediate contact with the people I love. My girls can reach me any time of the day, any place. Brian can text with a question or a simple I love you.I don’t love how much time I waste on my phone or the ways seeing what others have gets up inside my head.

We’re also trying to reduce stress caused by the items we interact with each day. I’ve got a couple of ways to avoid the angst your phone may be causing without you even realizing it.

How to Do It:

• Delete Problem Apps – those that cause you to waste time, money, or your energies. You already know which ones they are. Be a big kid and kick them to the curb.
• Delete Apps you never use. Some may come factory installed but for those that you don’t use or won’t use, delete.
• Set Up Folders to Group Apps. Some categories to consider include Work, Restaurants, Stores/Coupons, Entertainment, Social Media, Health and Wellness.
• Organize the arrangement of the apps and the folders so you’ll reach for the apps that give you life more FIRST.
• Adjust your notifications. If your phone is constantly pinging you with every single update on every single platform you’ll go CRAZY. Go into your settings and then to Notifications and turn almost all of them off. This is especially important with Social Media apps and Store Apps. You don’t need to know everything immediately, I promise. 🙂
• Consider changing your ringtone/text tone. About every 6 months, I need to change my ring and my text tones. After awhile the sound grates my nerves and I begin to cringe every time I hear it. Changing the tone helps my brain. I know, a little weird but give it a try. You won’t know whose phone is ringing at first but after awhile it will grow on you.
• Update your phone if it’s been awhile. Check the App Store for updates on individual apps, too.
• When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
• You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.

How to Keep It That Way:

Any time you begin to feel “off” about too many notifications or you feel that green eyed monster rearing its ugly head, it’s time to make a sweep of your phone. Or if you find yourself struggling to find the apps you use the most and confused by how an app even made it on your phone, it’s time for an update. Even if you only delete something for a season, it’s OK. I actually took all email off my phone when I turned 40. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I know it’s not an option for everyone but for me less was more in this category. I’m home and near my laptop for most of the day. For me, email can wait. I do have social media apps on my phone but I use them sparingly

A Few More Thoughts:

Again, this is a device that most of us touch every single day. Chaos online and in the ways we manage our online presence can lead to chaos in our finances, too. Be smart about what voices you’re allowing into your life.

I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.

Screenshot your smartphone victories and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.

Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.

My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional on Kindle.  

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.

Related posts:

Financial Decluttering Day 4: Clean Out Your Sock Drawer Financial Decluttering Day 5: Organize Your Coupons Financial Decluttering Day 7: Clean Out Your Purse or Bag Financial Decluttering Day 8: Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf