Best Apps for Budgeting and Saving Money
Budgeting and saving don’t have to be stressful—especially with the right apps at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to get out of debt, build an emergency fund, or save for something big, these apps can help you stay organized, track your progress, and reach your goals faster.
Here’s a list of the best apps for budgeting and saving money, along with their key features and who they’re best for.
1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best for: Detailed, goal-oriented budgeting and long-term saving
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting system
- Assigns every dollar a job
- Goal tracking and saving categories
- Syncs with your bank for real-time updates
✅ 34-day free trial
💵 $14.99/month or $99/year
📱 iOS, Android, Web
2. Mint (by Intuit)
Best for: Beginners who want free budgeting and tracking
Key Features:
- Connects to bank, credit, and loan accounts
- Tracks spending, income, and bills
- Alerts for overspending and due dates
- Monitors your credit score
✅ Free
📱 iOS, Android, Web
3. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Best for: Budgeting + tracking investments and net worth
Key Features:
- Visual dashboard for cash flow and spending
- Tracks savings and retirement goals
- Monitors investment performance
- Helps with long-term wealth building
✅ Free
📱 iOS, Android, Web
4. PocketGuard
Best for: Knowing how much you can safely spend
Key Features:
- “In My Pocket” feature shows what’s left after bills and goals
- Automatic spending categorization
- Helps cut unnecessary expenses
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
✅ Free basic version; premium upgrade available
📱 iOS, Android
5. Goodbudget
Best for: Envelope-style budgeting and mindful saving
Key Features:
- Digital envelopes for saving and spending
- Manual transaction entry builds awareness
- Syncs across multiple devices
- Great for couples and shared budgeting
✅ Free basic plan; premium is $8/month
📱 iOS, Android, Web
6. Qapital
Best for: Saving money automatically with creative rules
Key Features:
- Set savings goals and create automated rules
- Round-up purchases or save when specific actions happen
- Joint goals for couples or groups
- Invest savings in portfolios if desired
✅ Plans start at $3/month
📱 iOS, Android
7. Digit (by Oportun)
Best for: Automated micro-savings based on your spending habits
Key Features:
- Analyzes your income and expenses to save small amounts daily
- Helps with bills, emergency fund, or travel savings
- Offers savings bonuses over time
- FDIC-insured savings account
✅ $5/month after free trial
📱 iOS, Android
8. Zeta
Best for: Couples budgeting and saving together
Key Features:
- Combines personal and shared budgets
- Tracks joint expenses and savings goals
- Bill reminders and financial planning tools
- Built-in chat feature for money conversations
✅ Free
📱 iOS, Android, Web
9. Chime
Best for: Automatic savings with a built-in checking account
Key Features:
- Rounds up transactions and deposits the difference into savings
- Offers high-yield savings account
- Early payday with direct deposit
- No monthly fees or overdraft charges
✅ Free with account
📱 iOS, Android
10. Acorns
Best for: Saving and investing spare change
Key Features:
- Rounds up purchases and invests the spare change
- Offers saving tools for retirement, kids, and more
- Automated saving and investing combined
- Great for beginners who want to grow wealth passively
✅ Starts at $3/month
📱 iOS, Android
Final Thoughts
Budgeting and saving money doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right app, you can take small, consistent steps toward big financial goals. Whether you prefer full control or hands-off automation, there’s a tool to fit your style and help you make smarter money moves.
Let me know if you’d like a comparison chart, budgeting template, or help picking the best app for your specific financial goals!