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Today you can find an app for pretty much anything— including budgeting! The options are seemingly endless with free and subscription-based budgeting tools. While new tools and apps are released often, others are shutting down— leaving users searching for a new tool to track their spending, evaluate their finances, and manage their budget. Most recently, the popular budgeting app Mint shut down. If you happen to have been a loyal user of the app or maybe you’re just exploring some of the best budget and finance apps of 2024, continue reading as we share a few of our favorites.
In this article, we’ll highlight a few popular apps on the market and include their key features and price tags to help you find the best fit for your financial life.
RocketMoney
Cost: $0 - $12 monthly
Features: Budgeting, Saving, Subscription Management, Credit Monitoring, and more.
RocketMoney allows you to automatically monitor spending, set up categories to separate transactions, and receive notifications about transactions or balances— among other things. Some key callouts for the app include:
- Identification of recurring and/or duplicate subscriptions.
RocketMoney is set up to identify, notify, and manage your subscriptions. With this feature, you’re able to get a complete view of where your money is allocated and you might even find that you’re paying more for subscriptions than you initially thought! RocketMoney also allows you to cancel any unwanted or unused subscriptions directly within the app, helping you more effectively manage your money.
- Credit Score Monitoring
RocketMoney also offers a credit score monitoring service— allowing you to see your credit score, access your credit history, and monitor events that affect your score.
- Auto Save Feature
The app also allows you to save automatically by suggesting the best time to automatically draft money to a savings account and setting up that transfer to occur automatically— both allowing you to save consistently and removing the task from your to-do list!
Something to keep in mind if you choose to explore RocketMoney as a budgeting tool for your personal finances is that some features are only available within their Premium account suite which carries a price tag! Be sure to check out more details about the tool to determine whether or not you will benefit from the free version or if it makes sense to pay the subscription fee to manage your finances.
EveryDollar
Cost: $0 - $17.99 monthly
Features: Budgeting, Transaction Tracking, Financial Goal Tracking, and more.
EveryDollar is a great choice for those looking to nail down their budgeting process while setting and tracking their financial goals. This tool offers many basic budgeting tools, transaction and bill tracking, and intentional goal setting. Created by Ramsey Solutions, this tool offers specific features from Dave Ramsey’s teachings and incorporates the Baby Steps. Some key callouts for this app are:
- Paycheck Planning
With EveryDollar, you can be intentional with where your money goes with each paycheck. Instead of looking backwards to evaluate where your money went, you can plan that in advance, so you know before it ever leaves your account. This aspect of the app is only included in the Premium version.
- Customization and Flexibility
EveryDollar gives you the freedom to build your budget the way you want to fit your goals. By customizing the look, feel, details, and aspects of the app, you can get the most out of the tool and make your budget work best for you.
- Ramsey Principles Integration
EveryDollar is set up to help you set up your financial roadmap while setting and working towards financial goals! The app is set up to follow the 7 Baby Steps coined by Dave Ramsey while offering you recommendations based off the transaction tracking. These aspects of the tool are only included in the Premium version.
If you decide to explore EveryDollar as a tool for your finances, be aware that this app also has a free and paid version. With their Premium upgrade, you’ll have access to many more features than the free version but it also comes with a monthly or annual fee. It’s also important to note that the free version of EveryDollar does not have automated data entry so you will have to input all of your transactions. Be sure to check out more details about the app to determine whether or not you will benefit from the free version or if it makes sense to pay the subscription fee to manage your finances.
Simplifi
Cost: $3.99 monthly
Features: Cross Account Dashboard, Goal Setting, Investment Tracking, and more.
Simplifi is a budgeting app from Quicken— while Quicken offers a host of budgeting tools, Simplifi is their app that aims to make your finances… well, simple! Some key features are:
- The Cross Account Dashboard
Simplifi provides a holistic picture of your finances by automatically drawing data from any account linked within the platform. This shows up within their dashboard which displays your transactions in categories including transportation, shopping, and more.
- Investment Tracking
Featuring a page dedicated to tracking investment accounts, Simplifi displays balances, price changes, and even net worth. While this isn’t their primary focus, it is helpful to have all of your financial information accessible in one place!
It’s important to note that Simplifi is the only app listed within this article that only offers a paid version so if you’re looking for a free budgeting tool, it won’t be the best choice for you. However, out of all the subscription based apps listed, it is the cheapest option so it may be a good investment based on your individual financial needs. Be sure to check out more details about the app to figure out if it’s the best fit for you!
Goodbudget
Cost: $0 - $8 monthly
Features: Envelope Budgeting System, budget syncing, planned payment reminders, and more.
Goodbudget aims to offer a modern approach to the traditional envelope method in which you allocate a specific amount of money to envelopes which are dedicated to various categories. Some key features are:
- Syncing & Sharing Budgets
Goodbudget allows you to sync and share budgets with others in your household. This allows those who you desire to be on the same page financially to see the same envelopes and details about the money allocated within each envelope. This can be a great feature for those who combine finances with their spouse or anyone else!
- Debt + Expense Tracking
Goodbudget has a Debt Account feature that allows you to not only track the progress you make as you pay down debt but also allows you to estimate your payoff date and look forward to being debt free. At the same time, Goodbudget allows you to track your expenses and gives you the ability to plan ahead as you save for
If you decide to explore Goodbudget as a tool for your finances, be aware that this app also has a free and paid version. With a subscription, you’ll have access to more features than the free version but it also comes with a monthly or annual fee. Be sure to check out more details about the app to determine if it makes sense for your financial journey!
As you explore tools and resources to help you throughout your financial journey, keep in mind that it’s not a one size fits all approach! You may explore an app to find that it doesn’t quite meet your needs and you may explore another that fits all of your wants and needs. Along the same lines, the budgeting tool that works for your friend or family member may not work for you! It’s a journey and as you explore the resources available to you, keep in mind that we’re here to walk alongside you in your financial journey. Schedule your appointment with one of our financial counselors today to walk through resources and tools to aid you as you pursue your financial goals.