With a range of apps to help you stay on top of your finances, selecting the best budgeting and spending monitoring tools for 2024 can be a challenge. Below is a list of top-rated apps, including descriptions, key features, pros, cons, and who they are best suited for. The apps are sorted by their average rating where available.
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Description: YNAB focuses on proactive budgeting, assigning every dollar a job to help you control your money. The app emphasizes building better financial habits through education and accountability.
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting
- Bank syncing
- Goal tracking and reports
- Educational resources and webinars
Pros:
- Effective for building financial discipline
- Encourages thoughtful spending
- Excellent educational resources
Cons:
- Monthly fee
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Best For: Individuals looking for a comprehensive budgeting tool with a focus on behavioral change.
2. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)
Description: Rocket Money is designed to help users track subscriptions, manage bills, and cut down on unnecessary spending. It offers budgeting tools alongside its bill management features.
Key Features:
- Subscription management and cancellation
- Bill negotiation services
- Spending tracking and categorization
- Budgeting tools
Pros:
- Excellent for managing recurring expenses
- Helpful bill negotiation service
- Simple, intuitive interface
Cons:
- Premium version needed for full features
- Limited manual budgeting options
Best For: People who need help tracking subscriptions and reducing unwanted expenses.
3. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Description: Empower is a financial app that focuses on both budgeting and investment tracking. It helps users manage their finances holistically, combining spending monitoring with retirement planning.
Key Features:
- Investment tracking
- Retirement planning tools
- Net worth calculator
- Budgeting and spending insights
Pros:
- Excellent for investment and retirement planning
- Holistic view of finances
- Free basic features
Cons:
- Focus on investments may not appeal to everyone
- Some features are only accessible through paid advising services
Best For: Users who want an all-in-one solution for budgeting and long-term financial planning.
4. Simplifi by Quicken
Description: Simplifi is designed to make budgeting and tracking spending easy with real-time updates and customizable goals. It offers insights into cash flow, helping users stay on top of their finances.
Key Features:
- Customizable budgeting
- Real-time updates
- Spending and cash flow tracking
- Financial goal setting
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Real-time syncing with banks
- Detailed spending insights
Cons:
- Subscription fee required
- Limited investment tracking
Best For: Individuals looking for a user-friendly budgeting app with real-time updates.
5. Monarch Money
Description: Monarch Money is a new budgeting tool that focuses on providing a clear and comprehensive financial picture. It integrates with accounts to help users manage their budgets, investments, and overall net worth.
Key Features:
- Account syncing and budget tracking
- Financial goal setting
- Net worth tracking
- Investment insights
Pros:
- Clear and modern user interface
- Holistic financial management
- Excellent for financial goal tracking
Cons:
- No free version
- Limited to U.S. and Canadian accounts
Best For: Users who want a clean and comprehensive financial tool with a focus on goal setting and net worth tracking.
6. GoodBudget
Description: GoodBudget is based on the envelope budgeting system, where users allocate money to different spending categories. It focuses on helping users manage their money effectively without linking to bank accounts.
Key Features:
- Envelope budgeting system
- Debt tracking
- Expense tracking
- Account syncing (paid version)
Pros:
- Simple and effective envelope budgeting
- No need to connect to bank accounts
- Great for couples or shared budgets
Cons:
- Limited free version
- Manual input required for expenses
Best For: Users who prefer envelope budgeting and want to avoid linking their bank accounts.
7. EveryDollar
Description: EveryDollar is Dave Ramsey’s budgeting app, offering a zero-based budgeting system. It emphasizes assigning every dollar a job, similar to YNAB, and syncs with bank accounts in the premium version.
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting
- Bank account syncing (paid version)
- Debt tracking
- Goal setting
Pros:
- Straightforward, easy-to-use
- Great for users following Dave Ramsey’s methods
- Free version available
Cons:
- Bank syncing requires a paid subscription
- Limited features compared to other apps
Best For: Fans of Dave Ramsey’s financial philosophy and users looking for a simple budgeting app.
8. Honeydue
Description: Honeydue is a budgeting app designed specifically for couples, allowing partners to share financial goals and track expenses together. It emphasizes collaboration and communication around money.
Key Features:
- Shared budgets and spending tracking
- Bill reminders
- Bank syncing
- Customizable expense categories
Pros:
- Great for couples
- Simple interface
- Encourages communication about money
Cons:
- Limited to couples
- Not as feature-rich as other apps
Best For: Couples who want to manage their finances together.
9. PocketGuard
Description: PocketGuard simplifies budgeting by showing users how much disposable income they have after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities. It aims to prevent overspending by giving users a clear view of their available funds.
Key Features:
- "In My Pocket" feature showing available spending money
- Bank syncing
- Budget tracking
- Subscription monitoring
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Focus on avoiding overspending
- Free version available
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Ads in the free version
Best For: Users who want a simple app to prevent overspending and track disposable income.
Conclusion
Choosing the best budgeting app depends on your financial goals, preferences, and the level of detail you require. YNAB is ideal for those focused on discipline and behavioral changes, while Rocket Money is perfect for managing subscriptions. Empower and Simplifi stand out for users looking for investment and holistic financial management tools. GoodBudget and EveryDollar cater to simpler, envelope-based budgeting, while Honeydue is perfect for couples. Finally, PocketGuard excels at helping users avoid overspending.