I recently checked the App Store for budgeting apps, but the best or most recommended ones all seem to be subscription apps, and they’re quite expensive, like Copilot and Every Dollar. I’m looking for a secure, easy-to-use budget planner/recorder that’s either free or not $100 a year.
The finest option is the most straightforward, making it a no-brainer. I have established a program but have never budgeted on my own. In mine, you added the monthly amount to the items in your budget that are due every six months, such as home and auto insurance. You now understand how much you need to set away and pay for your necessities. You’ll need an emergency fund, which I estimate should last you six months because you never know when you might become sick, lose your job, or need to pay for big house repairs or auto repairs. After that, you examine what’s left over from your paycheck and only then determine how to spend the excess. You ought to be
There are a few excellent choices to think about if you’re searching for a budgeting tool that is either free or inexpensive.
With the zero-based budgeting method of YNAB (You Need A Budget), each dollar you make is allocated to a certain category, such as debt, savings, or consumption. This app is available for free for 34 days, but it costs $14.99 a month or $99 annually.
While NerdWallet has a free app for tracking debt, net worth, and cash flow, it isn’t featured on our main list so order to maintain objectivity. Using the envelope budgeting technique, Goodbudget lets you set aside funds for various expenditure categories in virtual envelopes.
This is an easy-to-use, free app. Another free tool that offers a condensed snapshot of your finances is PocketGuard, which may help you track spending, monitor cash flow, and manage your finances easily.
I’d emphasize the importance of choosing budgeting software that aligns with your financial goals and habits.
Some top recommendations based on recent reviews:
1.Simplifi by Quicken
Best overall for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It’s suitable for both beginners and those who like to micromanage their finances.
2.YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Ideal for setting financial goals and budgeting with a purpose. It’s particularly good for those who want to be hands-on with their budgeting process.
3.PocketGuard
Great for tracking spending and identifying areas where you can cut back. It’s simple and intuitive, making it easy to stay on top of your finances.
4.CountAbout
A good choice for sole proprietors and freelancers who need to manage both personal and business finances
Search for “Microsoft Money Sunset Deluxe.” There are no subscription components; you can download and use it without cost (not from the Microsoft shop). Nevertheless, neither support nor updates are offered. There is no downloading from your financial institutions—all data is entered manually. It’s really simple to use, allows you to run reports, and allows you to search for entries, categories, and custom time periods if you enter all of your transactions once a day or twice. I’ve had MS Money for five years.
Free budgeting software options cater to different needs and preferences, whether you prefer automatic tracking, a more hands-on approach, or a specific budgeting methodology. Each has its strengths and limitations.