This column is usually devoted to business issues, but today I’m sharing my favorite phone apps that make my daily life easier.

I’m not as tech savvy as many of my friends, so my favorite apps tend to be more utilitarian than whiz-bang.  With that in mind and for what it’s worth, these are the ones I use the most.

Google Maps – Previously, I relied on Waze for driving directions until it took me on a wild goose chase through the piney woods of the Florida Panhandle.  Now, after switching to Google Maps and using it for several weeks, I’ve decided it’s the superior app.  Very reliable.

Weather Bug – This is the best weather app that I’ve found: concise, understandable, accurate and easy to navigate.  You can check your hometown weather of course, but also the weather and forecast for anywhere around the world.  It worked well in Scotland on my last trip abroad.

My Radar – And speaking of weather, this is a handy radar app.  It has vivid displays of rain and its intensity.  You can also overlay wind directions and temperatures.  When driving, it even follows you down the highway and shows any weather you may encounter ahead.

Dropbox – For me, this app has taken the place of  Microsoft’s My Documents.  The advantage is that all of your files are readily available across all devices including the phone, iPad, laptop and desktop.  Mighty convenient!

TurboScan – I’ve tried several phone scanning apps and have decided this one is the best.  It’s easy to use and produces excellent scans in either jpeg or PDF format.  It’s great for use in offsite meetings when you’re signing documents and you want to make immediate copies for all the parties.  It’s so handy, in fact, that I use it at my desk even when I have a full-featured scanner nearby.

Kayak – Fortune Magazine several years ago surveyed business executives asking what travel app they used.  Kayak was the top choice. And I can see why now after using it myself.  It’s a nifty app that collects all of your travel items in one place including airline and hotel reservations, rental cars, event tickets and appointments, etc.  The app then builds your itinerary around these items with reminders.  If you have a change of planes at an airport, it will even tell you when you arrive at the airport what gate your connecting flight is leaving from.  Highly recommended.

Key Ring – This handy app stores all your loyalty cards: airlines, hotels, stores, restaurants, etc.  Using this app means you never miss out on earning points because you don’t have the physical card with you.  I’ve even scanned my driver’s license and medical insurance cards into this convenient service.

So let’s get a discussion going.  What apps are you using that you like a lot?  Which ones are the most helpful?

Let me know.  I’m always on the lookout for apps that make life easier.

#     #     #

William Bruce is an Accredited Business Intermediary (ABI) and Senior Valuation Analyst (SVA) assisting buyers and sellers of privately held businesses in the transfer of ownership.  He currently serves as president of the American Business Brokers Association.  His practice includes consulting services nationally on issues of business valuation and transfer.   He may be reached at (251) 990-5934 or by email at Will@WilliamBruce.org.