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Fold Money

I've started using a new app called Fold Money, developed by an Indian startup, and it's been a game-changer for me in terms of expense tracking. One standout feature is its ability to automatically download transactions from both bank accounts and credit cards. Another feature uses AI to categorize expenses automatically, though this aspect isn't as accurate yet.

While the automatic transaction download works flawlessly, the AI tagging still needs improvement. However, after manually tagging transactions for a couple of months, I've noticed that the app has learned to recognize and tag repeat transactions from the same merchants automatically.

Overall, Fold Money has finally solved my longstanding issue with expense tracking, which I've struggled with due to the manual effort it typically requires. It's a fantastic free utility, and I'd even consider paying for such a service.

Effective vs Efficient

I recently watched a video where a YouTuber discussed the distinction between being effective and efficient. Unfortunately, I can't recall the specific video or the creator to provide a link to it.

He says that the difference between being effective and efficient lies in their focus and outcomes.

The difference between being effective and efficient lies in their focus and outcomes.

Effectiveness is about choosing the right goals and achieving meaningful outcomes, while efficiency is about optimizing the process to achieve those goals in the most streamlined way possible. It's better to pursue the right goals effectively than to efficiently pursue the wrong ones. This underscores the importance of prioritising effectiveness over efficiency for overall success.

While this distinction isn't entirely new, framing it in this way helped me create a connection and gain a more nuanced understanding of both concepts.

Clamshell Mode

Expanding on my previous post about Stage Manager, I've made a significant change to my setup. I've abandoned the two-display approach, where I used to have a monitor and my MacBook open simultaneously. While I initially thought this setup would save time and aid multitasking, I found that managing all the open apps and windows was too distracting.

Now, I've transitioned to using my MacBook in clamshell mode, connected to the monitor. I rely solely on the monitor display with Stage Manager enabled, ensuring that I'm always focused on just one task at a time with minimal distractions. While this change may have slightly reduced my productivity, it has greatly improved my ability to stay focused.

Stage Manager

I'm a big fan of keeping Stage Manager always enabled on macOS. While I wasn't impressed with its implementation on the iPad, it's a real hit on the Mac.

Stage Manager helps me always have just one window open. This helps me with keeping all the windows automatically organised and allows me to focus on just one window, i.e. one task at a time. This has greatly helped me in reducing distractions and in being able to concentrate better at each task.

Third Wave Coffee

I find great joy in working from coffee shops as it enhances my productivity significantly. The act of leaving home with a clear purpose, putting on my headphones, and dedicating myself to a specific task helps me get stuff done. I particularly enjoy working alone in coffee shops, using the time for planning, reviewing, and journaling— tasks that demand intense mental focus and minimal distractions. Coffee shops provide the perfect environment for this level of concentration.

Third Wave Coffee is my ultimate go-to spot. Each time I go, I can't resist indulging in their lip-smackingly delicious Mocha Choco Chip — their standout drink. And here's a fun fact: despite being at a coffee shop and ordering a Frappe, I don't actually drink coffee, I always opt for the non-coffee version of the drink. Sorry, not sorry!

Instagram and Reels

I think it would be helpful if Instagram had a separate app just for Reels. Not because it's necessarily a good idea, but because I find myself spending too much time on Reels while still wanting to keep Instagram. If they were separate, I could easily delete the Reels app but still have Instagram. Watching Reels is my guilty pleasure, but sometimes I end up doom scrolling for hours, which leaves me feeling terrible and leads to me deleting Instagram altogether.