Top 10 iPhone Apps For Moms

I was very excited when a reader (thank you, Amanda) asked about iPhone apps that help Moms. While the majority of these apps are not specifically about saving money, I think there is that aspect to each one because of the information/help that it provides us. There are a lot of applications that I download, use for a week and then never really work with them again. The iPhone apps listed here are ones that I have consistently been using over and over.

1. iPeriod: Never worry again about a memory lapse when it comes to “Aunt Flo’s” monthly visit. iPeriod not only predicts your basic schedule for up to a year ahead of time, but also your fertility. It keeps track of your symptoms, flow, weight, love connections and mood. It also has a pregnancy mode. If you can’t remember whether or not you are running a little late or if  you need to keep track of your level of cramping for medical reasons, iPeriod is the Mom app you cannot live without. It is currently priced at $1.99.
2. List Omni: As someone who is lost when it comes to organizing, I tried MANY apps geared towards helping people like me. I know that a lot of people recommend Evernote (I think I even saw Ashton Kutcher tweet about it), but I work better with lists and there is not a better list app out there than List Omni. It has your typical grocery and to-do listings, but I utilize it more for the rest of the list types you will find with it. You have the ability to create your own lists, but it also comes with ones for books, music, movies, budgeting, gift ideas, cards, packing and so much more. At $4.99, it is one of the most expensive apps I have paid for; at the same time, I have never regretted the purchase. I have recouped the cost in what I have saved in keeping better track of things.
3. SnapTell: If you are looking for an iPhone app that truly helps you to save money, SnapTell is it when it comes to books, movies, music cds or video games. Use it to take a picture of the cover and then within moments, the app will compare prices, give you ratings and additional information on the product. I can spend hours in the book store and of course I cannot buy everything I want, so I also use it as a reminder system. I take photos of all the books I see that I am interested in so I don’t forget. Then, when you get home, you will also know where you can find it for the cheapest price. The best part? It is free.
4. Grocery IQ: Direct from coupons.com, comes Grocery IQ, combining your grocery list with coupons. One of my favorite aspects to this app is that you can take a picture of a barcode to add the item to your grocery list. It makes suggestions, creates lists by aisle, by different stores and very simply add your favorites. You can easily find coupons to match items on your list and print directly from your iPhone or have them emailed to you to print out before you go shopping. You can also email your list to yourself or to your spouse so they can pick up the groceries on the way home. It costs everyone’s favorite price: Free.
5. Google Mobile App: I thought I was a Google fan before I got my iPhone, but that was nothing compared to how I feel about them now having the Google Mobile app. I have three children and every day driving home from school, there are new questions. As a mom, I need to have all the answers and this allows me to be able to do that. Where do yellow jackets live? How does lightning happen? How far away is North Carolina? I just hand my oldest the iPhone and he asks the Google Voice Search. He reads the answer to all of us and I don’t have to worry about not being able to explain the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit right off the top of my head. It also comes with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Reader, Talk and more. This app should come standard on every single phone and it is free.
6. What’s On?: We are a big TV family. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not saying. What I am saying is that Napkin Studio’s “What’s On?” is a huge help. Not only does it tell us what will be on, but it gives info about almost every show and even the cast themselves. It allows me to create a favorites list so I do not have to scroll through hundreds of channels unless I want to. A fantastic added bonus is the movie section that uses my location to find what is playing locally and the show times. I imagine that if you travel, it would be extremely useful. Cost: Free!
7. Shazam: If you are at a mall or a restaurant and you see a strange mom holding her iPhone up in the air, it is probably me using Shazam to identify the song playing in the shop. I LOVE music, so Shazam is an easy pick for me. I have only had a couple of obscure 80’s songs that I have on cassette tape that it could not identify. I can also share that I like the song on Facebook and Twitter directly from the app. On many of the songs, it can also look up the lyrics for you and you always have the option to purchase the tune. There is a premium version, but right now the free one is fitting my needs.
8. Facebook: While I can’t play Mafia Wars or My Tribe using the Facebook iPhone app, I can keep in touch with all my FB friends, chat with them and even sync their contact information. Yes, I am one of those people who wants to know when my friend’s child graduates from kindergarten, see your photos from your latest weekend in the Keys and that you are looking forward to Wednesday Wine Night at the local tavern. I need my Facebook and I’m so glad to have it for free on the iPhone.
9. Pandora: If you don’t have your own personalized music station, what are you waiting for? If you are a mom sitting in car line and don’t care for what is on the radio, you will be as grateful as I am for Pandora. Part of the Music Genome Project, you start your station with the genre, artist or song that moves you and they take it from there. Not only will it populate with similar artists based on your tastes, but it will also find new music that you will love too. I’m listening to it now. Cost: free.
10. Words With Friends: Okay, this is a game. It isn’t an app to help you save money or find the best buy on the latest gadget, but it will exercise your brain and that’s priceless. Words With Friends is a Scrabble™-type game that lets you play with your friends, the person sitting next to you or the best: random other iPhone users. It is understood that the game isn’t to be rushed. You play when you can: standing in line at the grocery store, during TV commercials, waiting for your meal to be served – you get the picture. You can even chat with your opponents. I love to play, so feel free to invite me. My user name is Daydreamlane.

So, there is my round-app of great iPhone apps for Mothers. Please feel free to comment with your favorite app to add to the list.

Melissa