5 Personal Finance Apps for the New Budgeter (2018)

Before you commit to using a budget tracker or personal finance app regularly, be sure to check out our tips below for choosing and utilizing a budgeting app. Money can be stressful. We are here to help make budgeting a little bit easier.​

1. It's okay to spend a little money! There are plenty of free and cheap options for personal finance tracking that will do the trick. Mint (free) is actually one of the most popular apps out there. If you think another app will better suit your needs, however, don't hesitate to spend some cash. If the app helps you save hundreds (or even thousands) at the end of the year, it will be worth the investment. 
    
2. Think for yourself. A lot of personal finance apps give a ton of tips and suggested budgets. These guidelines can be very helpful, but remember to take a step back and make decisions based on your needs. While the status quo might be to save a certain amount monthly, that might not be possible for you. Budget intelligently but live comfortably too.
    
3. Don't overwhelm yourself. A budget app can be overwhelming and stressful. That's your money! Pay attention to apps and budget smartly when you can. Be careful that you don't expend too much energy on using these apps though. They're meant to help. Not take over your life!
    
4. Remember a budget is a guideline. Budgets ebb and flow month to month and even day to day. These are plans for how to spend your money, but sometimes you need to break those plans. Be strict with yourself where you need to be (like not overspending on luxury items) but don't withhold things like self-care or personal needs just because your budget doesn't "allow" for it that month.

Mint is the best free personal finance app out there. This all-inclusive personal finance tracker for Apple and Android allows you to track your spending, set up budgets, as well as keep tabs on bills that are due. It will also send you reminders or warnings when you're about to overspend in a category.

Available: Apple, Android, Desktop
Price: Free

Mvelopes is a personal finance app that aims to not only allow users to track their spending but change the way they spend their money. Based on the popular envelope budget technique, this app helps you have a plan for every single dollar you spend. If you are brand new to budgeting and need help with how you spend your money, this might be the app for you.

Available: Apple, Android, Desktop
Price: $4-$60 monthly fee

YouNeedABudget or YNAB is a personal finance app that helps you build a brand new budget from the ground up. This app is great for new budgeters. Each time your paycheck comes in YNAB helps you give every dollar a job, making sure you know where your money goes. It also allows you to easily pivot and re-budget when unexpected expenses come up.

Available: Apple, Andriod, Web, Alexa
Price: 34-day free trial, $83.99 yearly

LearnVest is an app that not only helps you track your finances but provides bite-sized professional money and budgeting advice. This app provides you with all the tools of many other apps as well as one-on-one advice when you need it.

Available: Apple, Android, Desktop
Price: $299 set up fee + $19/month support

Saved is one of the sleekest personal finance apps for Apple out there. This incredibly clean and simple app does not have a lot of bells and whistles and is perfect for someone who is looking for a quick way to start spending intelligently. Easily use this app to track your daily budget and view of a heat map of where you spend the most on a quick and easy-to-read dashboard.

Available: Apple
Price: $4.99

Since these finance apps often require you to upload your bank account information and sometimes even your SSN, be sure that you are being prudent with your information. 

Use a secure password and make sure to use a different password for other banking apps or accounts. 

Also, make sure to keep your phone safe and sound if you use it often. Always implement security measures like touch login, passcodes, and Find My iPhone so that you can shut your phone down/delete personal information if it is stolen.