A new year means another chance to become a new you. But what if you need some help in making your resolutions come true? The following apps will help you lose weight, spend more wisely, or learn a new skill.
Joy
Apple (Android coming soon)
Free
Joy lets you rank purchases based on how happy they make you. The app will ask you some simple personality questions, such as whether you like being the life of the party or quietly relaxing at home. An automated money coach will give you nonjudgmental recommendations about how to spend money in ways that best fit your values. You also can rate purchases as making you happy or sad, which over time will show you how to save for what matters most. findjoy.com
The Great Courses Plus
PC, Apple, Android, and TV streaming devices
Free 14-day trial; $19.99/month
Think of The Great Courses Plus as the Netflix of continued learning. Here’s your chance to learn about Renaissance art from a Smithsonian director or how to cook gourmet meals from a Culinary Institute chef. Your monthly subscription lets you choose from thousands of popular topics, and you can binge-watch seminars from your tablet, computer, smartphone, or TV. Alternatively, you can download the audio presentation and listen to it like a podcast. thegreatcoursesplus.com
Blinkist
Apple and Android
Free 7-day trial; $14.99/month
Blinkist is the perfect way to catch up on all those books that have been sitting on your to-read list. The app provides a thorough summary of popular nonfiction books, which you can either read or listen to as an audio file. You can read the main points of each book in under 30 minutes, which is ideal for a lunch break. Whether you want to read about improving relationships or the latest business trends, you can choose from among thousands of bestsellers. blinkist.com
MyFitnessPal
Apple and Android
Free; $9.99/month for premium
When it comes to losing weight, half the battle is watching what you eat. MyFitnessPal makes it easy to count calories and make better food choices. Simply enter a food item, and the app will show you how many calories it has. You can see the percentage of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in your meal. You also can create a daily calorie “budget” based on your weight loss goals and track the calories you’ve burned through exercise. The premium version will give you a detailed breakdown of your diet and let you set custom calorie goals. myfitnesspal.com
Fabulous
Apple and Android
Free; premium features $4.17/month
According to the latest research, it takes on average 15 days to start a new habit. Fabulous is an app that will help you reach your goals. The app starts with small goals to build your confidence. For example, the first step to becoming more energized is simply drinking water. Once you accomplish that for several days, you can move on to harder tasks, like preparing a healthy breakfast or exercising every morning. The app also sends you regular alerts and pep talks to help you get fit, be more productive, and find inner peace. The free version offers plenty of great features, but with the premium version you can take advantage of personalized coaching plans. thefabulous.co
The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout
Apple and Android
Free
The 7 Minute Workout shows you how to do each exercise, and then coaches you through each interval. Beginners can start with jumping jacks, then work their way up to mountain climbers and side planks. You can even set the app to play your favorite workout songs. 7minuteworkout.jnj.com
