We all know that it’s important to track our expenses and set financial goals, but finding the right budgeting app can be a daunting task. You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a powerful personal finance tool that has become popular over the years, but it comes at a cost. For those who are on a tight budget or just want to keep their finances simple, we have compiled a list of the best YNAB alternative free.
1. EveryDollar
If you’re looking for a budgeting app that’s easy to use and free of charge, EveryDollar is a great option. The app comes with a customizable budget template which allows you to track your income and expenses quickly. It also has a feature that enables you to split transactions and assign them to different categories.
EveryDollar also has a mobile app that you can use on the go, as well as a web-based tool for more detailed analysis. The free version of the app does not come with automatic bank syncing, but it offers a manual import function that lets you upload transactions from your bank account.
2. Mint
Mint is a well-known personal finance app that offers a wide range of features. The app’s budgeting tool is one of its most popular features and it lets you categorize transactions, as well as set and track financial goals.
Mint offers an automatic bank syncing feature of up to 90 days of transaction history, making it easy to keep track of your expenses without having to manually input data. The web-based tool also presents your financial data in a visually appealing way, giving you a clear overview of your spending habits.
3. Personal Capital
Personal Capital is an all-in-one financial management app that provides a comprehensive view of your financial situation. The app features a budgeting tool, which lets you track and categorize your expenses. Additionally, Personal Capital offers a net worth tracking feature, a retirement planner, and an investment monitoring tool.
Personal Capital also has a “Cash Flow Analyzer” that helps you drill down on your expenses and identify your biggest spending categories. The app syncs with over 14,000 financial institutions, allowing you to track all of your accounts in one place. The main downside to Personal Capital is that it is geared more towards investment management and wealth planning, and may not be suitable for those looking for a simple budgeting app.
4. Goodbudget
Goodbudget may not be as comprehensive as YNAB, but it provides a simple budgeting solution and is completely free. The app is based on the envelope budgeting system, where you allocate a certain amount of money for each category of spending and divide it into virtual “envelopes.”
Goodbudget allows you to sync the app between multiple devices and also has a handy “rollover” feature that lets you carry unused funds over to the next month. For users who require more features, there is also the option to upgrade to a paid model.
5. PocketGuard
PocketGuard is a budgeting app that is designed to help users avoid overspending. The app syncs with your bank accounts and credit cards, categorizes transactions as they come in, and shows you how much money you have left to spend in each category.
PocketGuard also has a feature called “In My Pocket,” which gives you a clear view of how much money you have left in your account after all your bills and expenses have been paid. The app is free to use but requires a $3.99 per month subscription for features like automatic bill tracking and savings goals.
In Short:
Tracking your expenses and saving money is essential for achieving your financial goals. While YNAB may be one of the best budgeting apps on the market, it comes with a price tag. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have some of the best alternatives to choose from, and in fact, some of them are even free.
EveryDollar, Mint, Personal Capital, Goodbudget, and Pocketguard all provide great budgeting solutions, with a variety of features to suit your needs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for more advanced budgeting tools, there’s an app out there for you. Try any of these budgeting apps that suit you the most, and you just might find that they help you reach your financial goals faster than you thought!
