Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money in 2024

With 2024 just around the corner, there’s no better time to start planning your finances. Whether you’re trying to save for a big purchase or simply want to cut down on unnecessary expenses, a budgeting app can be your best friend. With countless options out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll review the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money and how they can help you get your finances in order.

Budgeting apps are more than just fancy calculators—they’re tools that allow you to track your spending, set financial goals, and even receive personalized tips to optimize your savings. Let’s dive into the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money in 2024 and find the one that fits your lifestyle.

Why You Need a Budgeting App

If you’ve ever tried to keep track of your expenses with a pen and paper or a basic spreadsheet, you know how easy it is to lose track. Enter budgeting apps. These tools help you monitor your finances in real-time, ensuring you always know where your money is going. With a budgeting app, you can easily set savings goals, track expenses, and reduce spending—all from your smartphone.

Having a dedicated app for budgeting makes the process effortless. You can link your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts to get a full picture of your finances. Plus, many apps offer extra features like automated savings, alerts for upcoming bills, and personalized advice, helping you save money and reduce financial stress. So, if your goal is to cut costs and save for the future, choosing the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money will help you stay on track.

1. Mint – Best for All-Around Budgeting

Mint is a household name in the world of budgeting apps, and for good reason. It’s one of the most comprehensive free budgeting tools available today. Mint links directly to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial institutions, allowing you to track your income, spending, and savings all in one place.

Features:

• Tracks expenses automatically
• Provides customized financial tips based on your spending
• Allows you to set up bill reminders and payment alerts
• Free credit score monitoring

Mint’s easy-to-use interface makes it one of the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money for beginners or anyone looking to simplify their financial tracking. The app also categorizes your spending automatically, so you don’t have to manually input every expense. You can set budgets for different categories, and Mint will notify you when you’re close to overspending. For an all-in-one budgeting solution, Mint is a fantastic option.

2. YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Best for Goal-Oriented Savers

YNAB, short for You Need a Budget, is designed for people who are serious about budgeting and want a hands-on approach to saving money. YNAB is based on a unique budgeting method where every dollar has a job, meaning you assign every dollar in your income to a specific purpose—whether it’s for bills, savings, or investments.

Features:

• Zero-based budgeting approach
• Real-time sync across devices
• Detailed spending reports and trend tracking
• Goal-setting tools

What sets YNAB apart from other apps is its educational approach. It not only tracks your expenses but also teaches you how to better manage your finances. The app offers webinars, budgeting workshops, and personal finance tips to help you reach your financial goals. If you’re looking for a hands-on app to help you take control of your finances, YNAB is one of the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money and build a solid financial future.

3. PocketGuard – Best for Avoiding Overspending

If overspending is your main concern, PocketGuard might be the app for you. PocketGuard helps you track your spending and shows you how much “pocket money” you have left after covering your bills and essential expenses. The app automatically categorizes your transactions and lets you know how much you can safely spend without going over budget.

Features:

• “In My Pocket” feature shows how much money you have left to spend
• Links all your financial accounts for real-time tracking
• Automatic bill tracking
• Spending insights to help you save

PocketGuard is perfect for people who need a little extra help sticking to their budget. By showing exactly how much money you can spend on non-essentials, PocketGuard ensures that you never go over your limits. If you’re trying to save money and need an app that simplifies the process, PocketGuard is one of the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money without stress.

4. Goodbudget – Best for Envelope Budgeting

If you like the idea of the old-school envelope budgeting system, Goodbudget is a great digital alternative. The app allows you to allocate your monthly income into different “envelopes,” each dedicated to specific expenses, such as groceries, rent, or entertainment. Once the envelope is empty, that’s your signal to stop spending in that category.

Features:

• Envelope-based budgeting system
• Syncs across multiple devices
• Allows manual entry of transactions
• Debt-tracking tools

Goodbudget doesn’t link directly to your bank accounts, so you’ll need to manually input your income and expenses. However, for those who prefer this method, Goodbudget offers a simple and effective way to stay on top of your finances. This makes it one of the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money by sticking to a clear, visual plan.

5. EveryDollar – Best for Dave Ramsey Fans

If you follow Dave Ramsey’s financial principles, you’ll love EveryDollar. This app is based on Ramsey’s philosophy of living within your means and paying off debt. EveryDollar uses a zero-based budgeting system, similar to YNAB, where every dollar of your income is assigned to a specific purpose.

Features:

• Zero-based budgeting method
• Connects to your bank accounts for automatic transaction tracking (premium version)
• Helps with debt payoff strategies
• Easy-to-use interface

EveryDollar is a good fit for anyone following Dave Ramsey’s baby steps or looking for a simple, user-friendly budgeting app. The free version of the app requires manual input of transactions, but the premium version allows you to link your bank accounts for real-time tracking. It’s definitely one of the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money for those focused on becoming debt-free and financially secure.

How to Choose the Right Budgeting App for You

Now that you’ve seen the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money, the next step is deciding which one is right for you. When choosing a budgeting app, think about your personal financial goals and how involved you want to be in the budgeting process. Do you prefer a hands-off approach where the app does most of the work, or do you want an app that requires you to be more active in managing your money?

Also, consider the features that are most important to you. If you’re looking for an app with educational tools and personalized advice, YNAB or Mint might be the best options. If you simply want to avoid overspending, PocketGuard could be a great fit.

Remember, the goal is to find a budgeting app that helps you save money and gives you more control over your financial future. Start with the free versions of these apps, test them out, and see which one works best for your needs.

Final words

Budgeting apps have become essential tools for managing personal finances in 2024. Whether you’re just starting your savings journey or trying to pay down debt, the Best Budgeting Apps to Save Money can help you stay organized, track your spending, and meet your financial goals. From Mint’s all-in-one financial tracking to YNAB’s goal-oriented budgeting, there’s an app for every type of saver.

By using a budgeting app, you can simplify your financial life and make smarter decisions about where your money goes. So, take your pick from these top apps and start saving money toda