Around here, we take pride in doing things ourselves. Whether it’s tackling home projects, running a small business, or keeping everyone’s schedules in order, small-town living has always meant being resourceful and making the most of what we have.
But being self-sufficient doesn’t mean we have to do things the hard way all the time. While we still respect the way our parents and grandparents got things done, technology now gives us tools that make daily life smoother, safer, and a little less hectic.
Apps have become some of the most powerful tools in that toolbox, helping families and businesses stay connected and in control. And with a reliable fiber internet connection from FPUAnet Communications, all those tools work exactly how they should: fast and dependable, without any snags or hangups.
Home and Smart Living
Your home is your command center, and smart apps make managing it easier than ever.
- Smart thermostat apps, like Google Nest or Ecobee, let you adjust heating and cooling remotely or on a schedule, helping you conserve energy and save on bills. That’s especially handy if you’re out following kids to sporting events or checking on livestock and want to come home to a warm house.
- Smart home appliance apps work with bulbs, plugs, and devices so you can automate routines, like turning lights on at sunset or shutting off the coffee maker after you’ve left for work.
- Security apps, such as Ring, Arlo, or Eufy, let you monitor the security camera feeds on doors, driveways, or barns right from your phone. While rural crime rates are lower than in big cities, it still brings peace of mind knowing you can check your property anytime, anywhere.
Small Business
Many small-town entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats, including owner, manager, accountant, and marketer, often all from a laptop at the kitchen table. Apps help rural entrepreneurs save time, reach more customers, and manage operations efficiently, even in areas with limited tech infrastructure.
- Point-of-Sale and inventory apps like Square and Shopify POS help you process sales, manage stock, and track revenue wherever your customers are.
- Stay in touch with employees or contractors using communication and collaboration platforms, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom.
- Tools like QuickBooks, Wave, and FreshBooks simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax prep, all while keeping records accurate.
- Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, and Mailchimp make it easy to manage marketing across multiple channels from social media to email campaigns.
Organization and Personal Productivity
Life doesn’t slow down just because you live a little farther from town. These apps help keep your household (and your sanity) running smoothly.
- Shared calendars and task apps, including Cozi and Google Calendar, keep everyone on the same page for practices, appointments, and projects.
- Reminders and habit trackers, such as Todoist and Focus Friend, help you remember what’s next and stay motivated and on task.
- Budget and expense trackers, like RocketMoney, YNAB, and Mint, make it easier to plan for big purchases or balance budgets.
- Health and wellness apps such as Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, Medisafe, or SleepCycle help you manage your fitness, diet, medications, or sleep. They can help motivate you to stay on top of personal goals (after all, taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family!).
There’s an App (and a Connection) for That
Even in rural areas, technology can make life a little easier, but apps are only as good as the connection that supports them. Whether you’re managing a household, running a business, or tending to your land, FPUAnet’s fiber internet gives you the speed and reliability you need to make the most of today’s tech tools.