With smartphones and tablets ubiquitous, apps are becoming more important. But as a financial advisor, unless you are looking for another iteration of Angry Birds, how do you decide which apps are worth downloading to make doing business easier?
For the nearly 60% of U.S. adults with smartphones (according to Pew Research) wading through all the possibilities in an app store can be a chore.
ThinkAdvisor turned to Advicent, which, according to its website, is the leading provider of SaaS technology solutions to financial advisors, and Clientwise.com, a business and executive consulting firm.
Some apps were on the lists of both companies. We chose 10 of the most practical.
(Related: 10 Top Mobile Apps for Investors: Dalbar)
The apps cited run the gamut from helping advisors track markets to making travel plans to keeping up with clients.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the 10 Best Mobile Apps for Financial Advisors.
1. Dropbox
This app allows you to move files so they are accesible on any of your devices. No more external drives to fumble with. Like the name says, just drop your files onto a desktop icon and access them on on yourt tablet, desktop computer or smartphone.
2. Evernote
This app works as an electronic filing cabinet, allowing you to store quotations, documents, legal briefs and other things with a single click.
This app from Nuance Communications is for taking notes on the iPad. It allows text, audio, documents and web content to be combined and shared.
4. 1Password
Just like the name says, this app creates passwords for all the sites you visit and allows you to login with a single tap while improving security.
5. Quotestream
By creating a folder for each of your clients you can keep track of up to 52 stocks per folder. The apps gives you a way to track portfolios at a glance where you are.
6. Retire Logix
If you need to show a client just how far their savings will go in retirement, this app will turn the trick with its calculator that illustrates the way various income sources can pay for needs after working years are over.
7. SignMyPad
Using a stylus or a finger this app allows PDFs to be signed on screen, allowing you to bypass printing and scanning, thereby eliminating paper and saving time and money.
8. Skype
This time-tested app is a great way to have face time with clients. There’s no need to travel across town or across country so often when you can reach out and see (and talk to) someone from any mobile device or computer.
9. TimeTrade
This app allows your clients to see when you are available for an appointment and to choose the time that works for them. No more back and forth among missed calls and emails while you try to set up meetings.
10. TripIt
When Skype just isn’t enough, this app helps organize your itineraries. It’ll keep track of flights, alert you of changes and store confirmation numbers and miles earned. In addition it sends a copy of your itinerary to your email as a reminder.
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Top 10 Mobile Apps for Financial Advisors