Top 10 Money-Saving Apps for Budgeting

Money-saving apps aren’t just tools for the techno-dexterous. They’re often simple, easy-to-use programs, even for those of us who haven’t hopped onto the digital budgeting train. If you’re looking for an intuitive, effortless way to achieve your financial goals, check out our list of the best money apps.

1. Mint. One of the top money apps out there, Mint connects all your financial accounts, including retirement funds, stocks, bank accounts, and credit cards in one glorious intersectional digital space to provide a unique, bird’s-eye view of your money habits. Mint automatically categorizes your transactions, meaning that you can find out just how much money you really spend on your morning lattes each month. The app also allows you to create a personalized user experience through customizable tags; even though that trip to the golf course might technically fall under entertainment, you can also note that you only golfed for work. For money-saving apps, free feels better, and Mint won’t ask you to pay a dime unless you upgrade to the premium version.

2. PocketGuard. A great money-saving app for shopping, PocketGuard is specifically designed to help modify spending habits and save towards goals. The app tracks what you spend on your debit and credit cards, including subscription services, to help you lower your monthly bills. It automatically creates a monthly pie chart depicting where you’re spending your money. PocketGuard also includes an “In My Pocket” tracker, which shows you how much money you can access outside of paying bills and saving for specific goals. Although there is a free version of the app, PocketGuard also offers a paid version with more bells and whistles.

3. Trim. Trim alerts you to recurring charges like that streaming service you’re still paying for with that show you no longer watch. It also tells you which bills you might be paying too much on; its Trim Bill Negotiator program helps negotiate the price of cable and internet services. Trim sends automated updates about your bank account and primary credit card spending habits. While Trim is a free money-saving app, the bill negotiator takes its cut as a portion of whatever it helps you save.

4. Goodbudget. Unlike other automated budget apps, Goodbudget leaves it up to you to manually edit your account balance, expenses, and savings. This means that instead of tracking—and often instilling a little guilt about—your past transactions (weekly take-out, we’re looking at you), the app nudges you to look towards the future by helping plan your finances. Goodbudget relies on the envelope budgeting system, which splits your income into different categories and limits the amount you’re allowed to spend in each category. The standard version of the app is free, while the premium version costs a small monthly fee.

5. Mvelopes. If you’re more interested in anticipating the future than analyzing the past, Mvelopes takes the envelope budgeting system a step past Goodbudget by linking your bank accounts and cards to the app; you don’t need to manually enter your information. Instead of automatically forming a budget for you, as many other apps do, Mvelopes helps you figure out where you want your money to be spent and what specific envelope you’re getting that money from. Although you must purchase a membership plan to use Mvelopes, its plans are flexible and its prices modest.

6. Zeta. Money is a major issue that couples often fight about. With money apps like Zeta specifically designed for couples and families, bickering over who pays more can be a thing of the past. Zeta consolidates personal accounts and shared financial accounts through an automated platform; if you prefer, you can add your account information manually. With Zeta, your personal and joint expenses, savings, and more will be integrated into one place. If you think that you’ve been spending more money on the dog than your partner, or if you both want to save up for that tropical dream vacation, Zeta is a great budget app for you (and it’s free!). 

7. You Need a Budget. You Need a Budget (YNAB) invites you to set financial goals and adjust as you go. Although this money app has default budget categories, it also offers personalization options to match your specific goals and budget. You can link your bank account and cards to YNAB, but you can also manually add your information if you choose. YNAB will show you where your money is being spent and if you’re overspending in a certain category, and it includes the flexibility to move funds from one category to another, as needed. At $15 a month, the app costs a bit more than other money-saving tools, but it comes with the safety of a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

8. Expensify. This top money app is aimed more at large companies than individual users, but it provides a lot of bang for your buck—even if you’re a single user. Expensify offers a comprehensive workflow system to integrate with your own technological platform seamlessly. Consistently ranked among the best budgeting and expense tracker apps, Expensify links to your bank account and credit cards and can even translate your receipts, mileage, and credit card reports into business expenses. It also includes SmartScan technology to scan and log your receipts. If you scan more than 25 receipts a month, you can add the unlimited version of Expensify to your expenses at around $5 a month.

9. Monarch. With Monarch, you can create a personalized, fully realized plan for your financial future. The app provides several possible financial scenarios and lets you see how your expenses and savings might change over time based on how you respond to those scenarios. Monarch links to your bank accounts and credit cards as well as any loans or equity you might have. Its automated bank integration technology means that you can view the most current version of your finances. Its intuitive, easy-to-follow design makes it accessible (yes, even for those who are used to budgeting on paper). With a monthly plan in the $10 range, Monarch might be worthwhile for your financial health and privacy.

10. Simplifi. This money app helps users see the big-picture view of their finances, including a total net worth tracker, by linking to bank accounts and credit cards. With Simplifi, you can create a spending plan depicting your income and fixed expenses per month. The app also offers watchlists to help you track specific spending targets based on a category. You can even break down spending into subcategories, such as money spent on Amazon or other apps for homeowners each month. Simplifi costs under $5/month, ensuring that your budget app stays budget friendly.

Once you’ve improved your financial health with one of these helpful apps for saving money, you may be interested in improving other realms of your life with back-to-school apps, home security apps, home renovation apps, and real estate apps.

Saving money isn’t always easy, but it’s made simpler with these top money apps. For further confidence in your budget, consider signing up for a home warranty plan from American Home Shield®. A home warranty helps cover the cost to repair or replace your home systems and appliances when they inevitably break down due to normal wear and tear, subject to your contract’s limitations and exclusions. We even find the right repair professional for the job. Shop pricing and plans today to choose the best coverage for your home. 

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