Which one of these two options do you think is better?
My wife and I learned about managing money through Financial Peace University, though we don’t stick to all its teachings now. We only have a mortgage as our debt.
We’ve been using a spreadsheet based on Dave Ramsey’s and YNAB’s budgeting methods for years. But we hardly check it during the month. We want something we can both use on our phones. Since we’re used to the zero-based budgeting system, we think these two options are the best.
I’m leaning towards EveryDollar because it has a free version. I don’t think we need to link our bank accounts. And if I decide to pay, EveryDollar seems cheaper.
Ok, both YNAB (You Need a Budget) and Every Dollar are popular budgeting apps that help users manage their finances and achieve their financial goals .Ultimately, the choice between YNAB and Every Dollar depends on your individual financial goals, budgeting style, and preferences, also If you’re looking for a more comprehensive platform with a wide range of features and tools, YNAB might be the better choice again If you prefer a simpler, more straightforward approach to budgeting and debt repayment, Every Dollar could be the best way to go.
Since you’re already familiar with zero-based budgeting and want something phone-friendly, both EveryDollar and YNAB sound like strong options. Here’s how I might break it down for you:
EveryDollar: This sounds like a great fit considering you don’t need bank syncing and want a free option. It’s built on the same zero-based principles as your spreadsheet, so the transition should be smooth. The free version might be all you need, and the paid version is definitely cheaper than YNAB.
YNAB: This is a powerful app with lots of features, but it does come with a subscription fee. If you’re looking for something more robust and don’t mind the cost, YNAB could be amazing. It might also help you stay more engaged with budgeting throughout the month with its features.
Honestly, I think EveryDollar is a strong choice for you based on what you described. It’s free, familiar territory with zero-based budgeting, and you don’t need bank syncing.
You can always try the free version and see if it covers everything you need. If you find yourselves wanting more features down the line, you can always check out YNAB then.
For me, I like YNAB more. Undoubtedly, there is a learning curve at first, but the YNAB community and customer service are quite helpful. The YNAB videos by Nick True are excellent for helping you get the feel of it. After you become familiar with YNAB and add targets to each category, funding an entire category group—or, if targets are set—just requires two clicks. First, you choose the category group, then you click “Underfunded,” and presto—the entire category group is funded. Check your budget on your phone from there. hashtag ease of use.
I’ve made great use of both. YNAB uses ED. If you have any odd financial situations that aren’t in accordance with Dave’s ideas, you will wind up with a drift in your budget and tallies.