Managing money doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right personal finance apps, you can take control of your finances, reduce debt, track spending, and save for future goals—all from your smartphone. In this in-depth guide, we review the best personal finance apps for budgeting and saving in 2025. Whether you’re a student, a family, or someone just trying to get ahead financially, there’s an app for you.
Why Use Personal Finance Apps?
Modern personal finance apps provide much more than just budget tracking. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Real-time Expense Tracking: Monitor where your money goes as you spend it.
- Automated Budgeting: Create and stick to budgets effortlessly.
- Goal Setting & Saving: Set saving targets and track your progress.
- Bill Reminders: Avoid late fees with timely notifications.
- Debt Reduction Tools: Use smart strategies to pay off debt faster.
What to Look for in a Finance App
Before choosing an app, consider these key features:
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface matters.
- Bank Syncing: Can you connect your accounts safely?
- Custom Budget Categories: Tailor spending categories to your lifestyle.
- Security: Top-tier encryption and authentication.
- Reports & Insights: Data visualization for better decision-making.
1. Mint by Intuit
Best for: Beginners and overall budgeting.
Mint is one of the most popular personal finance apps, offering a simple yet powerful way to track your finances. It syncs with your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills to give you a full picture of your financial life.
Features:
- Automatic expense categorization
- Credit score monitoring
- Budget creation and alerts
- Investment tracking
Pros:
- Free to use
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Ads can be intrusive
- Some syncing issues reported
Affiliate Link: Get Mint App
2. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Best for: Proactive budgeting and saving goals
YNAB uses a unique zero-based budgeting method that assigns every dollar a job. It encourages mindfulness in spending and helps users build savings systematically.
Features:
- Real-time syncing across devices
- Goal tracking for savings or debt
- Educational content and community support
Pros:
- Excellent budgeting methodology
- Helps change financial behavior
Cons:
- Monthly or annual subscription required
- Learning curve for beginners
Affiliate Link: Try YNAB Free
3. PocketGuard
Best for: Knowing how much you can safely spend
PocketGuard simplifies financial planning by showing you how much money you have left after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities.
Features:
- “In My Pocket” feature shows spendable cash
- Automatic expense tracking
- Easy-to-understand interface
Pros:
- Simple and visual budgeting
- Helpful for overspenders
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Advanced features behind paywall
Affiliate Link: Download PocketGuard
4. Goodbudget
Best for: Envelope-style budgeting
Goodbudget takes a digital approach to the classic envelope budgeting method. It doesn’t link to your bank account but focuses on manual entry and intentional spending.
Features:
- Sync budgets with family members
- Debt and goal tracking
- Manual transaction entry
Pros:
- Encourages mindful spending
- Great for couples or shared finances
Cons:
- No bank syncing
- Manual entry can be time-consuming
Affiliate Link: Get Goodbudget App
5. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Best for: Budgeting with a focus on investments
Empower combines budgeting tools with investment tracking and net worth monitoring. It’s ideal for users who want both money management and wealth building.
Features:
- Investment performance tools
- Net worth tracking
- Retirement planning calculator
Pros:
- Best for high earners and investors
- Free financial tools
Cons:
- Less focus on day-to-day budgeting
- Sales calls for advisory services
Affiliate Link: Sign Up for Empower
6. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)
Best for: Tracking subscriptions and lowering bills
Rocket Money helps manage subscriptions, lowers your bills, and offers insights into spending. It’s especially useful for identifying recurring expenses that drain your wallet.
Features:
- Subscription management
- Budgeting tools
- Bill negotiation service
Pros:
- Helps reduce hidden costs
- Automatic expense tracking
Cons:
- Some services require a premium subscription
- Bill negotiation may take a cut of the savings
Affiliate Link: Start Using Rocket Money
7. Monarch Money
Best for: Comprehensive family financial planning
Monarch Money offers a beautiful interface and powerful tools for managing finances across multiple users. It’s perfect for couples or families wanting to collaborate on money goals.
Features:
- Share budgets and goals with others
- Real-time account syncing
- Long-term financial planning tools
Pros:
- Collaborative budgeting
- Holistic financial view
Cons:
- Premium-only model
- Not as well known as competitors
Affiliate Link: Try Monarch Money
8. EveryDollar by Ramsey Solutions
Best for: Zero-based budgeting beginners
EveryDollar, developed by financial expert Dave Ramsey, follows a zero-based budgeting approach and is designed for users who want to give every dollar a purpose.
Features:
- Monthly budget planner
- Expense tracking
- Integration with Ramsey+ educational tools
Pros:
- Clear budgeting structure
- Simple user interface
Cons:
- Limited free features
- Bank sync only with paid plan
Affiliate Link: Get EveryDollar
9. Zeta Money Manager
Best for: Couples and shared finances
Zeta is built specifically for couples to manage their finances together—whether you’re living together, married, or co-parenting.
Features:
- Joint budgeting and bill tracking
- Individual and shared expense tracking
- Financial goal setting
Pros:
- Designed for two-person households
- Encourages financial transparency
Cons:
- Niche audience
- Fewer features for solo users
Affiliate Link: Use Zeta App
10. Simplifi by Quicken
Best for: Customizable financial tracking
Simplifi offers a flexible, real-time overview of your spending, income, and financial goals. It’s great for users who want more control over categorizing and planning.
Features:
- Customizable spending plans
- Real-time updates
- Goal setting
Pros:
- Excellent for tracking complex finances
- Clean, modern design
Cons:
- Paid subscription required
- May be too detailed for casual users
Affiliate Link: Explore Simplifi
Final Thoughts
The best personal finance app is the one that fits your unique needs and money habits. Whether you want simplicity, power, or shared financial planning, there’s a tool here that can help you succeed. All the personal finance apps on this list can aid in budgeting, saving, and gaining control of your money.
Pro Tip: Try out a few apps before committing. Most offer free trials or basic versions to help you find the perfect fit.
Take Control of Your Finances Today — Use one of these top-rated personal finance apps and start building a better financial future.