Best Apps and Tools for Tracking Your Financial Progress
Tracking your financial progress is key to achieving your goals—whether you’re budgeting, saving for a big purchase, paying off debt, or building wealth. With the right apps and tools, you can monitor your money in real time, stay organized, and make smarter financial decisions.
Here’s a list of some of the best apps and tools to track your financial progress, including their key features and who they’re best for.
1. Mint (by Intuit)
Best for: Beginners looking for an all-in-one budgeting and tracking tool
Key Features:
- Syncs with bank, credit, and investment accounts
- Automatically categorizes transactions
- Tracks spending, bills, and budgets
- Credit score monitoring
✅ Free to use
📱 iOS, Android, Web
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best for: People who want to be intentional with every dollar
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting system
- Goal tracking and real-time adjustments
- Helps you plan for future expenses
- Bank syncing and manual input options
✅ Free trial; subscription required
📱 iOS, Android, Web
3. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Best for: Tracking net worth and investments alongside spending
Key Features:
- Tracks bank, credit, loan, and investment accounts
- Retirement planning tools
- Real-time net worth calculator
- Expense and cash flow tracking
✅ Free to use
📱 iOS, Android, Web
4. Goodbudget
Best for: Envelope-style budgeting
Key Features:
- Divides income into digital “envelopes”
- Manual transaction entry for mindful spending
- Supports joint budgeting (great for couples)
✅ Free basic version; paid premium version
📱 iOS, Android, Web
5. PocketGuard
Best for: Keeping tabs on how much you can safely spend
Key Features:
- Connects to accounts and tracks spending automatically
- “In My Pocket” feature shows available spending after bills/goals
- Smart budgeting tools and alerts
✅ Free basic plan; paid version available
📱 iOS, Android
6. Tiller Money
Best for: Spreadsheet lovers who want automation
Key Features:
- Syncs with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel
- Automatically imports transactions and balances
- Customizable financial templates
- Great for in-depth budgeting and analysis
✅ Paid subscription; free trial available
📱 Web (Google Sheets integration)
7. Monarch Money
Best for: Comprehensive financial planning and goal tracking
Key Features:
- Syncs all financial accounts
- Budgeting, investment, and net worth tracking
- Goal setting with visual progress
- Shared access for couples or advisors
✅ Subscription-based; free trial available
📱 iOS, Android, Web
8. Zeta
Best for: Couples managing money together
Key Features:
- Joint and individual budget tracking
- Shared goals and expense management
- Bill reminders and real-time syncing
- Focus on communication and transparency
✅ Free
📱 iOS, Android, Web
9. Spendee
Best for: Visual learners who like colorful budget charts
Key Features:
- Budget creation by category
- Tracks cash, card, and bank expenses
- Shared wallets for household budgeting
- Customizable infographics and spending insights
✅ Free with optional premium plans
📱 iOS, Android, Web
10. Excel or Google Sheets (Manual Tracker)
Best for: Total control and customization
Key Features:
- Customizable categories, charts, and formulas
- Full visibility into all spending and saving
- Great for creating personal net worth trackers or debt payoff plans
✅ Free (with templates widely available)
📱 Web, desktop
Bonus Tools for Tracking Specific Goals
🔹 Debts Payoff Tracking
- Undebt.it: Helps create and manage debt payoff strategies (snowball/avalanche)
- Debt Payoff Planner (app): Visualize and stay motivated
🔹 Savings Goals
- Qapital or Digit: Automates savings based on your rules or habits
- Simple savings trackers in budgeting apps like YNAB or Goodbudget
🔹 Investment Tracking
- Morningstar Portfolio Manager
- Empower (for both investing and budgeting)
- M1 Finance (for investing + performance tracking)
Final Thoughts
The best tool for tracking your financial progress is the one you’ll actually use. Start simple, set clear goals, and choose a system that fits your lifestyle and personality—whether that’s a mobile app, a spreadsheet, or a combination of both.
Let me know if you’d like a customized comparison chart, a ready-to-use financial tracker template, or help setting up your first budget or net worth tracker!