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7 Best Budgeting Apps Of 2025

Mint.com is shutting down, leaving its users searching for a reliable alternative to manage their finances. Fortunately, there are several excellent options available that not only fill the gap but also offer enhanced features for budgeting and money management. Budgeting correctly helps you to save money for which you can then use for bigger purchases or invest for your future. Below, we explore the best budgeting apps that can help you achieve financial freedom.

Best Budgeting Apps To Use In 2025


1. Free Budget Template

For those who prefer a simple, manual approach to budgeting, a free budget template in Google Sheets is a great option. You can download your own templates for free here. This template includes sections for:

  • Income: Input your earnings.
  • Fixed Expenses: Organize bills by their due dates.
  • Variable Spending: Track day-to-day expenses.
  • Savings: Plan for larger future expenses.

Pros: Free to use, highly customizable, and allows you to tailor it precisely to your financial situation. It fosters a hands-on understanding of your finances.

Cons: Time-consuming to update regularly and lacks automation, which might not appeal to users looking for a streamlined experience. This template includes sections for:

This manual method keeps you highly aware of your spending habits. It’s entirely free and perfect for those who don’t mind a hands-on approach to budgeting.


2. Monarch Money

Monarch Money is a powerful contender among the best budgeting apps, designed specifically to replace Mint.com. We love it because it seamlessly integrates with your bank accounts using Plaid, showing detailed overview but you are also able to manage your cash flows. It allows you to track and monitor where you are spending the most and finds trends based on your spending to see where you are able to cut down.

Key Features and Functionality

Another great feature that we like is that it makes automated budgets based on your past spending patterns. So it takes into account the amount you spend each month including your bills and based on that it would make a budget for you. Other features include:

  • Account Integration: Securely link accounts using Plaid.
  • Cash Flow Insights: Monitor income and spending trends.
  • Automated Budgets: Create budgets based on historical spending patterns.
  • Goal Setting: Track progress toward financial goals.

Pros: Comprehensive features, excellent goal tracking capabilities, and a user-friendly interface for financial insights.

Cons: Requires a paid subscription ($48/year after a 30-day free trial) and may have a learning curve for new users due to its robust functionalities.

Who is Monarch best for?

Monarch Money offers a 30-day free trial, after which it costs $48/year with a discount code. This app is a top choice for those seeking a Mint.com replacement with robust features and is one of the best budgeting apps.


3. You Need a Budget (YNAB)

You Need a Budget (YNAB) is widely recognized as one of the best budgeting apps for managing spending and eliminating debt. Designed with a focus on financial discipline, YNAB empowers users to take control of their finances by prioritizing intentional budgeting and proactive debt management. Its unique approach and standout features set it apart from other budgeting tools.

Key Features and Functionality

One of YNAB’s hallmark features is budgeting based on available money. Unlike traditional budgeting methods that project future income, YNAB restricts users to allocating only the funds that are currently in their accounts. This forces users to confront their real financial situation and make spending decisions grounded in what they already have, promoting better financial habits and reducing reliance on credit.

YNAB also emphasizes debt management, treating it as a critical area for focus. The app allows users to allocate specific portions of their budget directly toward paying down debts, integrating these payments into their overall financial plan. This ensures that debt repayment is consistently prioritized, helping users tackle outstanding balances more effectively.

Another standout feature is its focus on long-term planning, encouraging users to work towards living on last month’s income. This approach helps build a financial cushion and fosters stability, reducing the stress of paycheck-to-paycheck living. Over time, this methodology can lead to greater financial security and peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

YNAB offers several advantages for individuals aiming to take charge of their finances. It is particularly effective for debt management and cultivating disciplined spending habits. By encouraging users to think critically about their spending and plan for the future, YNAB enhances financial awareness and helps users make more informed choices.

However, the app does come with some drawbacks. At a cost of $99 per year or $15 per month, it is relatively expensive compared to other budgeting tools. Additionally, YNAB requires consistent user engagement to deliver its full benefits. Users need to actively update their budget, track spending, and adhere to the app’s principles to see meaningful results. This level of commitment may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those looking for a more passive budgeting solution.

best budgeting apps

Who is YNAB Best For?

YNAB is an excellent choice for individuals who want to develop disciplined financial habits and achieve greater control over their money. It is particularly well-suited for those who are serious about eliminating debt and improving their financial stability. The app’s structured methodology helps users stay accountable to their goals and fosters a proactive approach to money management.

For those interested in exploring YNAB, the app offers a 31-day free trial, providing ample time to evaluate its features and determine whether its approach aligns with their financial needs and preferences. While the cost may seem steep, the potential benefits in terms of debt reduction and financial clarity can make it a worthwhile investment for many users thus overweighing the cons and making this one of the best budgeting apps.


4. Rocket Money (Formerly Truebill)

Rocket Money is a dynamic budgeting app that emphasizes simplicity and convenience, particularly for users who want to track and manage their finances on the go making this one of the best budgeting apps. With its mobile-first approach, Rocket Money excels at helping individuals manage subscriptions, optimize spending, and identify opportunities for savings. Its straightforward design and intuitive features make it an attractive choice for those looking to streamline their financial management.

Key Features and Functionality

One of Rocket Money’s standout features is its subscription tracking. In today’s world, where digital subscriptions for streaming services, cloud storage, fitness apps, and more are commonplace, it’s easy to lose track of recurring expenses. Rocket Money addresses this issue by automatically identifying subscriptions from connected bank accounts and credit cards. The app then categorizes them for easy visibility, allowing users to identify forgotten or unused subscriptions. Users can cancel subscriptions directly through the app, saving both time and money.

Another unique feature is bill negotiation. Rocket Money employs a team of professionals to negotiate on behalf of users, seeking lower rates for services like internet, cable, and phone bills. This can result in significant savings without requiring users to navigate the often-complicated process themselves. The app even handles follow-up communications with service providers, ensuring that negotiated discounts are implemented smoothly.

Rocket Money also provides a spending breakdown, offering clear insights into month-over-month changes in spending habits. The app categorizes expenses and presents the data in an easily digestible format, helping users identify trends, spot unnecessary spending, and adjust their budgets accordingly. These insights empower users to make informed decisions and gain better control over their finances.

Mobile-First Convenience

Rocket Money’s design prioritizes mobile functionality, making it ideal for individuals who prefer managing their budgets on their smartphones. The app’s interface is user-friendly and visually appealing, ensuring that even users with minimal financial experience can navigate it with ease. Whether you want to check spending patterns, cancel a subscription, or monitor progress toward financial goals, Rocket Money puts these tools at your fingertips.

Pros

  • Subscription Management: One of Rocket Money’s greatest strengths is its ability to track, manage, and even cancel subscriptions directly within the app. This feature helps users avoid wasteful recurring expenses. This is a life saver and personally helps with cancel unused subscriptions.
  • Bill Negotiation: By leveraging professional negotiators, Rocket Money saves users time and effort while potentially reducing their monthly bills.
  • Ease of Use: The app’s intuitive design ensures that users can access and understand their financial data without a steep learning curve.
  • Spending Insights: Month-over-month spending analysis provides valuable data for users looking to adjust their financial habits.
  • Flexible Pricing: Rocket Money employs a pay-what-you-want model, with the cost starting as low as $4 per month, making it accessible for a wide range of users.

Cons

  • Limited Advanced Budgeting Tools: While Rocket Money excels in subscription management and expense tracking, it lacks some of the more advanced budgeting features found in apps like YNAB or Mint. This may make it less appealing for users seeking comprehensive financial planning tools.
  • Subscription Cost: Although the pay-what-you-want model is flexible, costs can add up for users who choose to pay more for additional features.
  • Reliance on Automation: Some users may prefer a more hands-on approach to budgeting, and the automation Rocket Money provides might feel less engaging for those who want detailed control over their finances.

Who is Rocket Money Best For?

Rocket Money is an excellent choice for individuals who want a lightweight, mobile-friendly solution for managing subscriptions and gaining insights into their spending. It is particularly suited for those who struggle with recurring expenses or who want to reduce monthly bills without extensive effort. Users who prefer a more hands-off approach to budgeting will appreciate the app’s automation and streamlined design.

The app’s flexible pay-what-you-want pricing model—starting at $4 per month—makes it accessible for a wide range of users, and its affordability adds to its appeal. For anyone who primarily manages finances via their smartphone and values convenience over complexity, Rocket Money provides an effective and user-friendly solution making this a contender for the best budgeting apps.

best budgeting apps

5. Empower Personal Dashboard (Formerly Personal Capital)

Empower Personal Dashboard is a robust financial tool tailored for individuals seeking a comprehensive overview of their investments while offering basic budgeting capabilities. Formerly known as Personal Capital, Empower Personal Dashboard provides powerful tools to analyze investments, track spending, and monitor retirement progress, all in a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. While its budgeting features may not be as advanced as those found in dedicated budgeting apps, its strengths lie in investment tracking and financial planning, making it an excellent choice for users focused on growing and managing their wealth.

Key Features and Functionality

One of the standout features of Empower Personal Dashboard is its investment tracking tools. Users can link all their financial accounts, including brokerage accounts, retirement funds, and savings accounts, to get a holistic view of their portfolio. The platform provides detailed insights into asset allocation, portfolio performance, and investment fees. This allows users to spot high-fee funds, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions to optimize their investments. The app also includes a Retirement Planner, which helps users project their financial trajectory and determine whether they are on track to meet their retirement goals.

In addition to investment tools, Empower offers a spending tracker. Once users connect their accounts, the app automatically categorizes transactions and provides an overview of monthly spending habits. While the categorization is accurate, users can manually adjust categories if needed, ensuring that the spending insights are as precise as possible. These features make it easier for users to identify areas where they may be overspending and adjust their habits accordingly.

Empower also shines as a financial aggregator. By linking various accounts, users can see their entire financial picture in one place, including net worth, cash flow, and liabilities. This comprehensive approach saves users the hassle of logging into multiple platforms to check balances and transactions.

Pros

  • Investment Tools: Empower excels at investment analysis, offering detailed insights into fees, performance, and asset allocation. These tools are invaluable for users focused on optimizing their portfolios.
  • Retirement Planning: The Retirement Planner feature helps users map out their financial future and stay on track with their savings goals, providing peace of mind for long-term financial health.
  • Free to Use: One of the most appealing aspects of Empower is that it is completely free, offering powerful financial tools without a subscription fee.
  • Comprehensive Financial Overview: By aggregating all accounts, users can get a clear picture of their net worth and overall financial health in one place.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Empower’s clean, intuitive design makes it easy to navigate, even for those new to investment tracking and financial planning.

Cons

  • Minimal Budgeting Tools: Empower’s budgeting capabilities are basic compared to apps like YNAB or Mint. While it tracks spending effectively, it lacks advanced features such as detailed budget creation or goal-setting for specific savings categories.
  • Investment Focus May Not Suit Everyone: Users who are more focused on day-to-day budgeting and expense management rather than investment tracking might find Empower less useful.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: As with any app that requires linking financial accounts, some users may be wary of sharing sensitive information, even though Empower employs robust security measures.
  • No Mobile-First Focus: While Empower does have a mobile app, its interface and tools are better suited for desktop use, which may not appeal to users who primarily manage finances on their smartphones.

Who is Empower Best For?

Empower Personal Dashboard is an excellent tool for individuals who want to take a deep dive into their investments and gain a clearer understanding of their overall financial picture. It is particularly well-suited for users who are actively managing their portfolios or planning for retirement. The app’s emphasis on investment tracking and its free price tag make it an appealing choice for those seeking cost-effective financial management tools.

However, users looking for a more hands-on budgeting app with advanced features may find Empower lacking in this area. Its budgeting tools are more focused on tracking and analyzing spending rather than creating detailed budgets or implementing strict financial discipline.

6. EveryDollar

EveryDollar, created by renowned financial expert Dave Ramsey, is a straightforward budgeting app designed to help users take control of their finances with ease. Rooted in Ramsey’s proven principles, the app aligns with his philosophy of living debt-free and managing money intentionally. EveryDollar’s simplicity makes it accessible to users of all financial literacy levels, while its premium features offer enhanced functionality for those seeking more comprehensive tools.

Key Features and Functionality

One of EveryDollar’s key strengths is its simple setup process. The app comes with preloaded budget categories that cover typical expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment. This eliminates much of the guesswork involved in creating a budget, allowing users to get started quickly. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for users to input income and allocate funds to various categories, a process inspired by the zero-based budgeting method, which ensures every dollar has a purpose.

For users who opt for the premium version, EveryDollar unlocks a suite of advanced features that make budgeting even more efficient. These include transaction importing, which automatically syncs bank transactions with the app. This eliminates the need for manual entry, saving time and reducing errors. The premium version also offers paycheck planning, enabling users to organize their budgets around their income schedule and plan expenses accordingly. Additionally, goal tracking tools allow users to set and monitor progress toward savings goals, such as building an emergency fund or paying off debt.

EveryDollar also provides educational resources, including tutorials and tips, to help users maximize the app’s potential. These resources are particularly valuable for those new to budgeting or looking to refine their financial habits. The app’s connection to Dave Ramsey’s broader financial education network ensures that users have access to a wealth of guidance and support.

best budgeting apps

Pros

  • User-Friendly Design: EveryDollar’s clean interface and preloaded categories make budgeting accessible and straightforward for beginners.
  • Zero-Based Budgeting: The app is built around the zero-based budgeting method, encouraging users to assign every dollar to a specific purpose, which promotes mindful spending and saving.
  • Customizable Budgets: Users can easily adjust categories to reflect their unique financial circumstances, ensuring the app fits their needs.
  • Premium Automation: The ability to sync bank transactions and track financial goals makes the premium version a powerful tool for those seeking to streamline their budgeting process.
  • Educational Support: Tutorials and integration with Dave Ramsey’s broader financial teachings make EveryDollar a valuable resource for users looking to improve their financial literacy.
  • Free Option Available: The free version is functional and provides all the basic tools needed for effective budgeting.

Cons

  • Premium Cost: Upgrading to the premium version costs $79.99 per year, which may be a drawback for users seeking a low-cost solution, especially when free alternatives like Mint offer similar features.
  • Limited Free Features: While the free version is functional, it lacks automation and other advanced features, requiring users to manually input all transactions.
  • No Investment Tools: EveryDollar is purely a budgeting app and does not offer features for tracking investments or long-term financial planning, which may limit its appeal to users seeking a more comprehensive financial management tool.
  • Focused on Zero-Based Budgeting: While the zero-based approach is effective for many, users who prefer more flexible budgeting methods may find EveryDollar less suitable for their needs.

Who is EveryDollar Best For?

EveryDollar is ideal for individuals who want a simple, focused app to help them manage their monthly budgets. It is particularly well-suited for fans of Dave Ramsey’s financial principles or those who want to follow the zero-based budgeting method. The app is a great fit for people who prefer a straightforward approach to money management and are primarily concerned with controlling day-to-day expenses rather than managing investments or tracking debt repayments comprehensively.

The free version is sufficient for users who are comfortable manually inputting transactions and maintaining a hands-on approach to budgeting. However, for those seeking automation and additional features, the premium version offers added convenience and functionality at a competitive price compared to similar tools.


7. Tiller

Tiller Money is a unique budgeting tool that merges the flexibility and control of spreadsheets with the automation and convenience of modern financial apps. Tailored for users who enjoy working with spreadsheets but want to avoid the tedious process of manual data entry, Tiller automates financial tracking while maintaining the versatility that spreadsheets provide. This innovative approach makes it a popular choice for individuals who value customization and detailed financial management.

best budgeting apps

Key Features and Functionality

One of Tiller’s standout features is its automatic data import. By securely connecting to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts, Tiller automatically updates your linked spreadsheets with daily transactions and account balances. This eliminates the need for manual entry, saving time and reducing errors. Users can view their financial data in real time, ensuring they always have an up-to-date picture of their financial situation.

Tiller also offers a wide range of customizable templates, providing prebuilt options for budgeting, debt payoff, retirement planning, and more. These templates are designed to be flexible, allowing users to tweak them to fit their unique financial goals and circumstances. Whether you’re tracking monthly spending or planning for long-term savings, Tiller’s templates provide a solid starting point that can be tailored to your needs.

The platform also benefits from a vibrant community support network, where users share their own custom templates, tips, and insights. This collaborative environment fosters innovation, as users can access and adapt templates created by others, enhancing their own financial tracking and analysis. The Tiller community also serves as a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning advanced spreadsheet techniques.

Pros

  • Customizability: Tiller’s spreadsheet-based approach allows users to create and modify their financial tracking systems in any way they see fit, offering unparalleled flexibility.
  • Automation: The automatic data import feature streamlines the process of tracking transactions, saving users hours of manual data entry.
  • Comprehensive Templates: With templates for a variety of financial needs—including budgeting, expense tracking, and debt payoff—Tiller provides a ready-to-use framework that users can build upon.
  • Community Resources: Access to a community of spreadsheet enthusiasts means users can leverage shared templates and insights, expanding their financial toolkit.
  • Real-Time Updates: By automatically syncing with financial accounts, Tiller ensures that users have up-to-date information at their fingertips.

Cons

  • Steeper Learning Curve: Tiller relies on spreadsheets, which may feel intimidating or overly complex for users unfamiliar with spreadsheet software like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
  • Subscription Cost: After the 30-day free trial, Tiller costs $79 per year, which may be a drawback for users seeking free or lower-cost budgeting tools.
  • No Mobile App: Unlike many other budgeting apps, Tiller doesn’t offer a standalone mobile app. While users can access their spreadsheets on mobile devices, the experience may not be as seamless as using a dedicated app.
  • Limited Features Outside Budgeting: Tiller focuses heavily on budgeting and expense tracking, lacking advanced tools for investment management or comprehensive financial planning.

Who is Tiller Best For?

Tiller is best suited for individuals who enjoy working with spreadsheets and value the ability to customize their financial tracking systems. It’s an excellent choice for those who want the power and flexibility of spreadsheet software without the hassle of manually updating financial data. Spreadsheet enthusiasts and detail-oriented users will appreciate the control Tiller offers, while those seeking a hands-off, automated approach to budgeting may find it less appealing.

For users who are new to spreadsheets, Tiller’s templates and community resources provide a helpful starting point, though the learning curve may require some patience. The annual subscription fee is reasonable for users who value its automation and customization features, especially compared to other premium financial tools.

For anyone willing to embrace its spreadsheet-centric approach, Tiller offers a powerful and versatile tool for managing budgets, tracking expenses, and planning for the future. At $79 per year after a 30-day free trial, it provides a unique value proposition for users who want both automation and customization in their financial management toolkit.


Choosing the Best Budgeting App for You

Whether you’re looking for simplicity, automation, or advanced financial planning, one of these best budgeting apps will suit your needs. From manual options like Google Sheets to comprehensive tools like Monarch Money and YNAB, these alternatives ensure you can stay on top of your finances even after Mint.com shuts down.

Explore these apps to find the one that fits your lifestyle and financial goals. Start your journey to financial freedom today!

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