The Best Free or Cheap Budgeting Tools

Sometimes, it’s simply too easy to lose track of what we can and cannot spend money on. Actually, it’s more like what we should and should not spend money on – just because you can, does not mean you should. Of course, that venti late tastes worth every single penny, but perhaps your bank account begs to differ. There’s no worse feeling than checking your bank account as you’re dipping below your financial comfort zone only to realize that you’re there due to careless spending.

We’ve put together a list of free or cheap apps you can download and use today to help you keep better track of your spending habits.

Intuit Mint

Intuit Mint is a free-to-use app that allows you to track your cash flow and to budget wisely. The app allows you to connect all of your financial, bank, and credit card accounts so that your spending shows up all in one place. It also allows you to check your credit score.

One of the most convenient features is that Intuit Mint tracks your subscriptions and notifies you when your subscription amounts increase as you near bills that are soon due.

PROS
Free, fast, and easy
Excellent user experience
Good use of automation and AI
Simple budgeting tools
Helpful notifications
Displays credit score
Terrific mobile apps

SPECS

Free Version Yes
Free Credit Report/Score Yes
Web Interface Yes
Income/Expense Tracking Yes
iOS App Yes
Android App Yes

Goodbudget

Goodbudget, much like Intuit Mint, is a wonderfully convenient app that helps you track your spending and budgeting plan. However, Goodbudget stands apart because it also allows you to sync and share household budgets! Additionally, the app is based off the traditional envelope system, so strict budgeting is easy to adhere to, and debt-pay off is more achievable than competing apps.

Personal Capital

For the budgeter who focuses on his net worth, Personal Capital is the app for you. Not only can you link all of your accounts in order to stay on top of your ever-changing net worth, but you also have the option to work with financial advisors and work on your retirement plan.

Personal Capital focuses heavily on one’s financial security in the future.

GNU Cash

For the traditional personal accountant who prefers the spreadsheet method made easy, GNU Cash is the best option.

With your own personal finances, learn how to:

• Balance your books
• Connect and display multiple accounts
• Schedule your transactions
• Create reports and graphs
• Statement reconciliation
• Small business accounting additions
• Multiple currencies
• Stock/mutual funds portfolios
• and so much more!