GoodbudgetĪs the war on cash wages on, Goodbudget is a free digital envelope budgeting tool for those of us who use online bill pay. If you want some automation, you can get Tiller Money to automatically pull your transactions (from your credit card, bank, etc) into your sheet for you. Multiple people can make changes to the sheet when you grant them edit access. One of the best reasons to use Google Sheets is that it’s accessible from any computer or laptop. Although you must still manually input each event, you can customize your budget spreadsheet. The online sheet can be more user-friendly than still logging every income and expense on pen and paper. You can use a premade Google Sheets template or make your own. Sometimes the simplest budgeting tool is the best. You can use GnuCash with most PC, Apple, and Linux operating systems. It’s possible to import QIF and OFX bank account documents your current accounting software may rely on. GnuCash users are continually adding new features to make finance personal. This powerful software is completely free and open-sourced. Advanced features include tracking accounts in multiple currencies, check printing, and double-entry accounting that ensures your accounts stay balanced. Clearly see your data using reports, graphs, and a checkbook-style register. You can track bank accounts, stocks, plus even small business income and expenses. (read our You Need a Budget review for more)Īccountants at heart will like GnuCash. YNAB works with almost any internet-connected device including Alexa and your Apple Watch. This makes budgeting easy as you and your spouse see the same information. Your accounts sync in real-time across multiple devices. File imports can be a hassle yet it’s still quicker than manually entering every transaction. For other accounts, you will need to import your accounts’ QFX, OFX, or QIF files. YNAB adheres to four basic rules so you can pay this month’s bills with last month’s paycheck: If you’re serious about budgeting and knowing how you spend every dollar, YNAB can be well worth the $98.99 yearly fee.

First-time budgeters have an average $600 savings in the first two months according to YNAB. YNAB (You Need a Budget) deserves a higher spot but it’s only free to college students for one year. By giving every dollar a job (and other key budgeting ideas), YNAB is a paid service that will help you transition towards a budget that works for you. You Need a Budget – This tool helps you keep track of your spending but it also can transform your budget.It will give you all the budgeting features you need, costs less than a cup of coffee a month, and is developed by the former owners of Mint. Simplifi by Quicken – With Mint going away, a natural successor is Quicken’s tool known as Simplifi.It is a net worth tracking and light retirement planning tool that will help you make decisions about your retirement. Empower – Formerly called Personal Capital, this is the tool I went to after I graduated from simple budgeting.🏆 Our Favorite Picks (and why)Īll of the companies “deserve” to be on this list and I recommend you look at each of them to see which fits your specific situation. We also added Lunch Money and updated some pricing and features on other tools as they’ve reacted to the Mint shut down. 🔃 Updated January 2024 to remove Mint as an option because they are shutting down on March 2024. You can effortlessly connect your bank accounts, investments, and credit cards from any computer or mobile device with internet access. These tools can help you make a spending plan and track expenses. They may not have all the bells and whistles as a paid package, but they work well enough so you understand where your money is going. Long ago, your only option was to purchase similar budgeting software like Quicken.īut it feels silly to spend money to save money… but there are free budgeting appes can be very useful. If you ever feel bad about how little you’re saving, a budget can erase that feeling.Īnd with all the new budgeting tools available, budgeting can be painless. If you ever feel guilty about spending money, a budget can remove that guilt. We all know that if you want to save money, you need to have a budget.īut what if I told you that a budget is what will set you free?

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