Tech & Tools: What I Actually Use to Make Life Easier

Smart living isn’t about having more tools — it’s about using the right ones. I’m not a tech expert. But I’ve learned how to work smarter, not harder, especially after rebuilding my life and work in my 50s.

These are the actual tools, apps, and little tech upgrades that help me stay focused, create content, manage money, and protect my peace — with less effort.

My Favorite AI Helpers

These make me feel like I have a virtual assistant:

• ChatGPT – I use it for writing blog drafts, social captions, research, budgeting, and organizing my thoughts

• Notion AI – Planning, journaling, habit tracking — all in one clean workspace

• Otter.ai – Records and transcribes my voice notes or ideas

• Canva – I edit graphics for YouTube and my blog here

• Final Cut Pro – I edit videos for YouTube and my blog here

AI helps me start faster and think clearer — without the overwhelm.

Phone Tools I Use Every Day

I keep it minimal but powerful:

• Reminders App on my iPhone – For habits, groceries, content ideas

• Google Calendar – Color-coded by type: wellness, work, home

• Google Sheets – Color-coded organizing plans charts and information for my live and future plan

• Voice Memos – I use this more than my notes app for quick thoughts

• Apple Notes – Where everything starts before it becomes a blog or plan

Finance + Business Tools I Trust

I don’t use fancy systems. Just what works:

• Rocket Money – Tracks subscriptions + spending and more

• QuickBooks is bBest if Self-Employed – Easy tax and expense tracking

• TubeBuddy – YouTube keyword help (small but mighty)

These tools helped me be organized and I have full control — without hiring a team.

Tech Habits That Changed My Workflow

• ✅ Turned my desktop into a calm workspace: minimal folders, no chaos, organized and tided up weekly

• ✅ I set 4 browser bookmarks only: Blog, Finance, Research, Healthy Eating

• ✅ I batch content creation (photos, reels, blog ideas) in tools like Canva

• ✅ I use AI to cut my “thinking time” in half

Final Word

You don’t need every app — you just need the right few that align with how you live, work, and create. Smart tools should lighten your life, not complicate it.