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Alright, full disclosure – I still use a Google spreadsheet to manage my money. It’s color-coded, full of formulas, and kind of nerdy… but it works for me. That said, I know it’s definitely not for everyone. In fact, I wondered if I should ditch the spreadsheet and try something easier or more modern. That’s why I decided to test a bunch of budgeting apps for myself — not just to see how they worked, but to find out if one of them could actually change my mind.
Budgeting apps can make it easier to stay on top of your money — even if you hate math, forget to check your bank account, or don’t know where your paycheck actually goes. I’ve tested more than a few of them, and these five apps are hands-down the best options for beginners.
Each one has its own style, strengths, and features — so think of this as a tour of your future digital money coach. Let’s find the one that fits you.
“Let me be honest — I love the idea of budgeting, but I don’t always love doing it. I’ve tried spreadsheets, notebooks, and even envelopes, but nothing stuck until I found the right app.” If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this.
Why Use a Budgeting App Instead of a Spreadsheet?
If you’re already a spreadsheet ninja, awesome. But most people (myself included) need something easier — especially at the beginning.
Here’s why I love budgeting apps:
They automate the stuff I’d forget to do
They show me trends I never noticed
They give me reminders when I’m overspending
They make budgeting feel like a game instead of a chore
And best of all? They live on my phone — so I can check my finances while waiting in line for coffee.
What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Budget App
When I was testing apps, I wanted something that was:
Easy to set up
Friendly to look at
Actually helpful (not overwhelming)
Free or reasonably priced
The apps below check all those boxes — but with different styles and strengths depending on how you like to budget.
YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Best for Serious Planners
Price: Free 34-day trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
YNAB totally changed how I look at money.
At first, it felt a little intense. But once I understood their approach — where every dollar has a job, and you’re planning ahead instead of reacting — it became a game-changer.
What I love about YNAB:
It teaches you how to actually build wealth
Helps you prepare for future expenses (not just react to past ones)
Their support and tutorials are incredible
What to know: There’s a learning curve. But if you want to truly take control of your money, it’s worth it.
EveryDollar – Best for Simple, Clean Budgeting
Price: Free basic version, $12.99/month for Premium
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
I tried EveryDollar when I wanted something clean and no-nonsense.
It’s based on the zero-based budgeting system — where you assign every dollar a job, down to zero. The free version doesn’t sync with your bank, but I actually liked entering things manually at first (it kept me accountable).
What I love:
The layout is super clean
Fast to set up and easy to maintain
Great for following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps, if you’re into that
Best for: People who want a straightforward app with no fluff.
Copilot – Best for Visual Thinkers and Apple Users
Price: Free 1-month trial, then $13/month or $95/year
Platforms: iOS, macOS (no Android or Windows yet)
I recently tried Copilot after hearing rave reviews from other Mint users who were looking for a better alternative — and I was seriously impressed.
This app is incredibly clean, visual, and intuitive. It pulls in transactions from your bank and credit cards, then automatically categorizes them. But here’s the best part: you can retrain the AI so it learns how you personally spend and categorizes things better over time.
What I love:
The interface is beautiful and easy to understand
It gives me colorful spending insights, trends, and net worth tracking
I actually enjoy checking it — which is rare for a finance app
Copilot uses Plaid and Finicity for secure syncing, which covers most banks
What to know:
Right now it’s only available for Apple users, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Also, it’s paid-only after the trial, but I found the design and features well worth the cost if you’re serious about tracking your money.
Best for: Visual learners, Apple lovers, and anyone who wants a modern Mint replacement that doesn’t feel like a chore to use.
Goodbudget – Best for Envelope Budgeting Fans
Price: Free for basic version, $8/month or $70/year for Premium
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
If you like the idea of old-school envelope budgeting — where you separate money into categories like “groceries” or “fun” — this app might be your thing.
Goodbudget is like digital envelopes. You set your monthly budget and track what you’ve spent from each category.
What I like:
Great for couples or shared budgets
Simple and visual
Encourages thoughtful spending
What to know: You manually enter your transactions. That can be a good thing if you want more control and awareness.
PocketGuard – Best for People Who Overspend Easily
Price: Free basic version, $7.99/month for Plus
Platforms: iOS, Android
This app is like a spending babysitter — in a good way.
PocketGuard automatically syncs to your accounts and tells you how much you can safely spend today, this week, or this month. It even breaks down where your money goes so you can fix bad habits fast.
What I love:
“In My Pocket” feature shows what you can actually spend
Great for impulse control
Helpful for beginners who overspend without realizing it
Who it’s for: If you want a budgeting app that holds your hand a bit and says, “Hey, maybe don’t order that $17 smoothie right now.”
So… Which Budgeting App Should You Start With?
That depends on your style.
Here’s how I’d choose:
Want to plan like a pro? YNAB
Want simple and structured? EveryDollar
Want the classic all-in-one? Mint (while it lasts)
Like digital envelopes? Goodbudget
Need to control spending fast? PocketGuard
You can’t go wrong with any of them — the most important thing is just picking one and trying it for a month.
Budgeting Doesn’t Have to Suck
I used to think budgeting was about restriction. Now I see it’s about awareness, control, and freedom.
The right budgeting app made all the difference for me. It took the stress out of money management and helped me build better habits without burning out.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a tool that works for you.
What to Do Next
- Pick an app from the list and set it up today
- Track your spending for one week — no judgment
- Set a mini goal (like “save $100 this month”)
- Stick with it and see how it changes your confidence
Budgeting doesn’t make you boring — it makes you powerful.
