Updated December 22, 2017
Managing money is hard. There are a lot of apps that claim to be the best at helping you manage money, but the best app for you might not be the best app for me and might not be the best app for my roommate and might not be the best app for grandma (you get the idea). How do you know what's going to work for you?
We've evaluated and organized the best money management apps, according to the type of consumer you are. We separated the apps into two major categories depending on how you organize your important information. Do you keep everything on Post-It Notes scattered around the house? Or do you keep data in a detailed Excel spreadsheet?
Whichever app you choose, the most important thing to do is stick with it. Not managing your money leaves you susceptible to a lot of terrible things – even something as simple as a late payment on a credit card bill can knock your credit score down and get you rejected by the landlord of that super cute apartment you just applied for. So do yourself a favor: download an app and actually use it.
The Best Money Management For You
You keep important information... on Post-It Notes.
Mvelopes
You can pay for an Mvelopes coach to help you create your budget and control your finances. Free version is capable, but obviously just a taste of full capabilities.Available on web, mobile. Freemium.
Budget Ease
A digital version of the classic envelopes budgeting model. Best for people who need a metaphor to visualize their spending.Available on web, mobile. Free trial, then as low as $5.58/month.
Mint Bills (formerly Check)
Reminds you when bills are due and alerts you when bank accounts are running low. Think of like Mint Lite.Available on web, mobile. Free.
Money management on your wrist? 6 Apple Watch apps that are making it happen.
Chronicle
Reminds you of bills. Also tracks fluctuating bills like electricity and gas.Available on Mac for $9.99 and iPhone for $2.99.
Digit
Digit tracks your spending and automatically moves money into their savings account when you can afford it. Want to transfer it back? Just send them a text.Available through SMS. Free.
You keep important information... in a spreadsheet.
You Need A Budget
YNAB, as it is affectionately referred to, is a budgeting powerhouse and a philosophy. Probably the only spreadsheet program with an avid fan community.Available on desktop, mobile. $60.00 for a desktop license, comes with mobile apps.
Pocketsmith
Pocketsmith claims to be able to forecast your bank balance 30 years into the future. Is time travel real or is their math just that good?Available on web, mobile web. Freemium.
Dollarbird
The calendar app for your finances. See bills, spending, and more spread out by day, week, or month.Available on mobile. Freemium.
MoneyWiz
MoneyWiz will help you track your spending, set up a budget, and sync it between all your devices, including the upcoming Apple Watch. What’s not to love?Available on desktop, mobile. $4.99 mobile, $24.99 desktop.
Budgt
Are you a student with a limited income who just wants to make sure they have enough money for that 2 a.m. burrito? Budgt has you covered.Available on iPhone. $1.99.
Mint.com
One of the most popular budgeting apps in the world, Mint is a good (and free) general purpose budgeting app.Available on web, mobile. Free.
Buffer
Need to split expenses for an entire household? Buxfer lets you easily track expenses between couples, roommates, or anyone who shares a common pot of cash.Available on web, mobile web. Freemium.
What Do You Think?
You have our thoughts on money management apps, but what do you think? Did we miss apps or are there apps on this list that you don't think deserve to be here? Let us know in the comments below.
