App blocking
Choose apps that should prompt a deliberate decision before opening instead of relying only on a conventional time-limit warning.
Squirrel
Squirrel is an iPhone productivity app that puts selected apps behind a deliberate decision and records a user-defined amount as a personal savings commitment. It is designed for people who want to reduce habitual app use while handling any actual investing independently.
Screen-time friction linked to personal savings
Squirrel is an iPhone productivity app for putting deliberate friction around habitual app opening. Users select apps to place behind a decision; opening one becomes a cue to set an amount aside for themselves rather than an automatic payment or transfer.
The app connects this screen-time intervention with a personal investing habit. Squirrel records the user's chosen amounts, while the user handles any actual investing independently. A free tier includes blocking, commitments, and savings history; an optional Portfolio upgrade adds investment-tracking views. Squirrel does not provide investment advice or operate as a financial account.
The product is aimed at people who want to keep access to social media or other apps while making habitual openings more intentional. Its App Store example describes reducing unplanned Instagram use without deleting the service.
Features
Savings commitments
Assign a few dollars to an app-opening commitment. Squirrel records the amount as a note to yourself; it does not charge you or transfer funds.
Savings history
Review the amounts you have set aside over time using the free savings history feature.
Portfolio tracking
The optional Portfolio upgrade can track entered holdings and display growth charts, market prices, and projections.
Private, account-free setup
The app states that it requires no account or login, shows no ads, and keeps information on the phone and in the user's own iCloud.
Use cases
Reduce habitual social-media checking
Select a social app that is often opened automatically and use the opening prompt to pause before scrolling, while keeping the app available for intentional communication or memories.
Create an investing habit
Use the app's commitment mechanic as a simple personal reminder to set money aside whenever a distracting app is opened, without authorizing an automatic charge.
Pair screen-time changes with independent investing
Keep a record of repeated commitments in Squirrel, then invest the money yourself through an existing brokerage or other service rather than through the app.
Monitor a personal portfolio
Use the optional Portfolio view if you want Squirrel to display entered holdings, market prices, charts, and projections alongside the habit workflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Blocking, savings commitments, and savings history are available without payment.
- The approach preserves access to selected apps while adding a deliberate decision point.
- The app does not require an account or login, and the developer states that no data is collected.
- The optional Portfolio view can organize entered holdings with growth charts, market prices, and projections.
Cons
- Squirrel does not move money, connect to banks or brokerages, or make investments; users must handle those actions separately.
- The Portfolio view is a paid upgrade, and prices may vary by region.
- The listing provides limited evidence about supported apps, detailed setup steps, and use beyond the iPhone experience.
FAQ
How does Squirrel work?
Squirrel lets you choose apps to put behind a decision. When you open one, it prompts you to set an amount aside as a personal commitment. The app records the amount, but no payment is made through Squirrel and no money moves automatically.
What is free, and what requires payment?
The blocking workflow, setting money aside, and savings history are free. An optional Portfolio upgrade is listed as either $19.99 for lifetime access or $8.99 per year with auto-renewal; prices may vary by region.
Does Squirrel invest money or connect to my accounts?
No. Squirrel says it does not connect to a bank or brokerage, process payments, or move money. You invest separately wherever you already invest and can tell Squirrel what you bought.
What does the Portfolio upgrade show?
The paid Portfolio view can show holdings, growth charts, market prices, and projections. The app states that displayed growth figures are illustrations, not guarantees, and that it is not a bank, broker, or financial adviser.
What devices does Squirrel support?
The App Store listing identifies Squirrel as an iPhone app and requires iOS 26.0 or later. It is listed as designed for iPhone and is not verified for macOS in the product description.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- iPhone; requires iOS 26.0 or later
- Developer
- BRIAN RICHARD HALL
- Pricing
- Free app with in-app Portfolio purchases: $8.99/year or $19.99 lifetime; regional variation may apply
- Language
- English
- Privacy listing
- Developer indicates that data is not collected
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