No matter how hard you try, there are days that you think saving money or setting up a budget is an impossible task. You’re not alone. There are millions of people struggling with the same feeling. Technology to the rescue! The meteoric rise of apps has hundreds of ways to track your finances. If you want to stay on track and create a budget you can actually follow, these apps can help.
1. Mint
Likely the best-known name on this list, Mint is the gold standard for tracking finances.
To bring all your finances into one place, Mint allows you to add credit cards, loans, mortgages and more. In fact, any expense you can think of, Mint can help you track and make sure you pay it. There are few apps that make it easier to see all your bills and balances in one place. You’ll receive reminders for upcoming bills alongside due date alerts. If funds are running low, Mint will help you figure out what you can spend and on what. For the security conscious among you, Mint offers a multitude of ways to protect your accounts. If you are looking for the most complete finance tracker, Mint is the answer. The app is available on iOS, Android and the Web.
Also read: Alternatives to Mint for Managing Your Money on Android
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
As if the name isn’t a dead giveaway, YNAB is all about creating and sticking to a budget. If you’re serious about retooling your finances, YNAB is a fantastic option. Taking full advantage of the app requires a small monthly fee, but the results more than justify the price tag.
Founded in 2004, YNAB prides itself on being able to educate you on how to manage your money and get ahead. In fact, the website promises that, on average, users will save up to $600 in the first two months. That’s a pretty tall order, but isn’t it worth checking out? Importing information from your existing accounts, YNAB has the track record to make good on its promise. YNAB is available for iOS, Android, Alexa and the Web.
3. Digit
When it comes to saving, knowing what you can put away each month isn’t always black and white. That’s where Digit comes in. The central focus of this app is to analyze your daily and monthly spending to put away money each month.
Digit sets up goals that are actually achievable and not just dreams. Want to set up a budget for your next vacation or pay off a credit card? Enter your goal, and Digit takes care of the rest. Ultimately, Digit takes the money you need to save and moves it into an FDIC-insured Digit account. Don’t worry, as they have a great track record, and your money is backed by the government. You’ll even receive a 1% annual savings bonus every three months if you stay above the average daily balance goal. Available for Web, iOS and Android.
4. Qapital
Qapital is an app that essentially forces you to put away money. This app understands that savings is more than just a rainy day promise. It’s about saving so you can live the life you want. Establish a personal savings goal and Qapital takes care of the rest.
Like Digit, Qapital is an app that establishes its own checking account along with your existing account. Moving money from your personal account to Qapital ensures you can’t spend any more than you need to. There are no bank fees, but bank-level encryption and FDIC-insurance make Qapital trustworthy. If you make a purchase with your connected accounts, the system moves money around so you can’t overspend. With an average savings of over $1,500 in 2017, the results speak for themselves. Qapital is on iOS, Android and desktop.
Also read: 9 Free Excel Templates to Help Manage Your Budget
5. Quickbooks
Few names in the finance tracking space are as recognizable as Quickbooks. Whereas apps like Mint and YNAB value simplicity and design, Quickbooks is all about the numbers.
Launched in 1992, Quickbooks is a small to medium business staple but it doubles just as well for personal finance tracking. Everything from tracking income and expenses to capturing receipts to maximize tax deductions is present. Whereas more modern apps help you build a savings portfolio, Quickbooks forces you to be self-reliant. In other words, the onus is on you to be responsible and not overdraft or overspend. Fortunately, it’s easy to set an automated bill payment, so there’s almost no risk of missing due dates. Prices start as low as $10 per month for basic access. Quickbooks is available on iOS, Android and desktop.
Conclusion
No matter what app from this list you choose, you’re going to see more money in your bank account. The best part is that these apps will help you get started and stay on course. Sometimes that first step is all you need to get on your way to financial freedom. What’s your favorite finance-tracking app? Sound off below.
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David Joz
David is a freelance tech writer with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. He loves all things Nintendo.
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