The fight: Account aggregation
Looking for a user-friendly budgeting helper that will put all your financial data in one spot? Two good ones face off.
STRENGTHS
Mint: Easy to use. Create and track a budget in a few clicks. Sends bill reminders. Plus, it's free.
HelloWallet: Analyzes your accounts and gives advice on how to save more and avoid bank fees.
DOWNSIDES
Mint: Some dislike how the site gets a cut from its suggested credit cards.
HelloWallet: The price is steep for an aggregation site. The first 30 days are free, but then it costs $8.95 a month.
THE WINNER
Mint: Certain employers offer HelloWallet as a free benefit. If yours does, go for it. Otherwise the service doesn't have the features to justify its price.
Availability: Both apps are available on their individual websites, the iPhone and Android.
Despite rising prices and mortgage rates that are edging upward, buying a home is still cheaper than renting in the majority of the top 100 markets.
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