The best budget management apps in 2024

These applications offer a variety of features, designed to adapt to various needs and preferences. Whether for a person looking to control group expenses, for those who want an application compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac or simply for Follow your budget on a daily basis with simplicity, the market offers diversified solutions.

What is the best free application to manage your budget?

En centralizing bank account information, to recurring expenses And to savings goals, these tools play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of an individual or family. So here are the best bankless budget apps.

Bankin': a simple way to manage your budget

Bankin is a budget management application designed to help users anticipate their financial decisions rather than simply tracking their past transactions. This application takes a proactive approach to budgeting, encouraging users to carefully plan the use of each euro earned.

✅ Why it's a good app:

As soon as you receive your salary, Bankin allows you to split your income into different categories such as expenses, savings, and debts. The idea is to become more intentional with your money by making active decisions about how to use it.

With this participatory approach, Bankin requires serious involvement from its users.

Bankin allows you to link your current and savings accounts, as well as your credit cards and loans. The application is available on Android and iOS phones, computers, iPads and MacOS.

❌ Why you should think twice:

However, it is important to note that Bankin requires a significant commitment. It is designed for those who want to be actively involved in managing their money. In addition, its price can be considered high compared to other similar applications.

💸 How much does it cost?

Bankin' offers two paid versions, Bankin' Plus and Bankin' Pro, adapted to different financial needs.

Bankin' Plus, intended for personal use, is available From €2.49 per month. It offers features such as the creation of custom categories for better analysis of financial flows, the ability to point transactions for accurate monitoring of expenses, priority customer support for quick responses, the association of reimbursements with expenses (such as health insurance reimbursements or advances between loved ones), the unlimited export of transactions and the making of transfers directly from the application, although the latter function is limited to certain banks.

Bankin' Pro, designed for professional management, starts at €8.33 per month. This version integrates all the functionalities of Bankin' Plus and adds the synchronization of business accounts, thus allowing global and simplified monitoring of a company's cash flow.

Finary: in-depth, automatic and customizable budget management

Finary's Cashflow feature allows you to have a global and accurate view of your finances, integrating cutting-edge tools for clear and effective budget management.

✅ Why it's a good app:

• Financial clarity: Finary Cashflow excels in offering a comprehensive visualization of financial flows, making it easy to identify key expenses and create budgets tailored to personal goals.
• Advanced budget management: It allows the establishment of personalized budgets with real-time monitoring, essential for effectively managing financial goals such as vacations, large purchases or investments.
• Temporal and analytical monitoring: The feature provides an evolving overview (monthly, quarterly, annual), allowing for in-depth analysis of financial trends and habits.
• Transaction details: Each transaction is accessible with complete details, making it easy to classify and track.
• Smart categorization: The use of artificial intelligence for the automatic categorization of expenses, customizable according to needs, optimizes financial management.
• Strategic investment goals: Integrated tools for setting and tracking long-term investment goals help visualize the impact of current spending on future investment opportunities.
• Calculation of the savings rate: Effective monitoring of the savings rate, in comparison with financial goals, provides a clear perspective on financial health.
• In-depth budget insights: Finary Cashflow provides personalized analyses and comparisons with benchmarks, allowing for more informed financial guidance.

❌ Why you should think twice:

The need for active engagement: To maximize the usefulness of the application, active and regular engagement in monitoring and analyzing finances is required.

FinaryApp StorePlay Store Note 4.74.6 Download linkDownload on the AppstoreDownload on the Play Store

Linxo: very good ergonomics and lots of functionalities

Linxo Is a budget management application and Bank account aggregation, allowing personal and professional finances to be managed centrally. Launched in 2010, it offers a user interface for smartphones and tablets, compatible with iOS and Android systems. The application is distinguished by its ability to combine a person's banking activities on a single platform, thus facilitating bank account management and budgeting.

✅ Why it's a good app:

• Bank account grouping: Linxo makes it possible to manage banking transactions for different accounts, personal or professional, by centralizing them on a single interface, making financial management easier.
• Expense tracking and budget management: The application automatically categorizes expenses, offers detailed graphs for better financial analysis, and allows custom notes to be added to expenses. It also offers a provisional budget calculation over more than 30 days, only available on the Premium version.
• Data security: Linxo ensures a high level of security for banking data, with encrypted servers and advanced levels of encryption to protect users' personal information.
• Customization and ease of use: The application offers great freedom of customization and is recognized for its ergonomic and easy to use interface.
• Full features: Linxo offers various functionalities, such as making bank transfers directly from the application, customizable notifications in real time, and a constant update of the balances on the various accounts.

❌ Why you should think twice:

• Synchronization and duplicate issues: Some users have reported slow sync issues and duplicate operations, although these issues seem to have improved recently.
• Limitations in predictive management: The predictive management of the application may not always correspond to reality, with missing automatic reconciliations and cash flow forecasts that are sometimes skewed.
• Lack of evolution and some functionalities: Some users deplore the lack of evolution of the application and the absence of certain functionalities such as the breakdown of expenses or the possibility of creating additional categories for further project management.
• Connection problems with some banks: Connection difficulties with some banks, requiring frequent reconnections, have been reported by users.
• Limited technical support: Some users expressed frustration with technical support, considering it unresponsive to ongoing technical issues.

💸 How much does it cost?

• Free and Premium versions: Linxo offers a free version and a premium version. The monthly subscription for the Premium plan is €4.49, while the annual subscription is more economical at €29.99.

Linxo App Store Play Store Note 4, 4.3 Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Tricount: ideal for managing group expenses

Tricount is presented as a practical tool for groups of friends or families in vacations. This application responds effectively to the problem of shared budget management, by allowing each user to enter and detail their expenses. Whether it's a trip or a special event, Tricount makes it easy to track shared expenses.

✅ Why it's a good app:

• Ease of use and access: Tricount is characterized by its intuitive interface and ease of use. The application allows collaborative management of expenses, with each participant being able to add their own expenses.
• Versatile features: It offers a variety of options for sharing expenses, including the ability to divide costs unevenly and categorize expenses.
• Supports multiple currencies: Tricount is ideal for international travel as it supports multiple currencies and does the conversions automatically.
• Offline availability: Tricount can be used offline, which is especially useful in situations where Internet access is limited.
• PayPal integration: The application offers integration with PayPal to facilitate refunds between users.

❌ Why you should think twice:

• Lack of direct transfer functionality: Tricount does not allow transfers to be made directly from the application, which may be perceived as a limitation for some users.
• Basic interface: The Tricount interface may seem too basic for those looking for a visually appealing application.
• Limitations of the free version: Although the basic version is free, some advanced features, such as data export and access to detailed statistics, are only available in the premium version.

💸 How much does it cost?

• Free version: Tricount offers a free basic version, with discreet and non-intrusive ads.
• Premium version: For less than 10 euros/year, the premium version of Tricount provides advanced statistics, removes ads, offers priority support, and allows data export.

TriCountApp Store Play Store Note 4,84,7 Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

YNAB: managing your budget on macOS and Windows

YNAB, abbreviation for You Need A Budget, offers a robust tool for budget management using the zero-based budget method. Users assign each dollar to specific categories such as current expenses, savings, or reimbursement of payables, thus making financial planning proactive and intentional. The application is aimed at those who want a participatory approach to their personal finances, integrating educational resources to better understand the principles of budget management and financial activity.

✅ Why it's a good app:

1. Zero-based budgeting method : YNAB uses this approach to allocate each euro to specific spending categories, thus preventing overspending.
2. Ease of use : Suitable for beginners and advanced budget users alike, and offers tools to track and monitor financial progress.
3. Setting goals : Allows you to set short and long-term financial goals, helping users to save and plan effectively.
4. Analysis and reports : Offers reports and charts to track expenses and net worth, providing a clear overview of the financial situation.
5. Synchronization with banks : YNAB syncs with over 12,000 banks, offering an in-depth view of personal finances.

❌ Why you should think twice:

1. Linguistic and geographic limitations : The application is only available in English and does not sync with French banks, which may be an inconvenience for some users.
2. Cost : YNAB is one of the most expensive budget apps out there, with a monthly subscription of $11.99 or an annual subscription of $84.
3. Learning curve : Requires some adaptation time to fully master its functionalities.
4. Potential bugs : Some users have reported bugs in the app, and there is no phone support available.

💸 How much does it cost?

• Monthly subscription : $11.99 per month.
• Yearly subscription : $84 per year.
• Free trial : YNAB offers a 34 day free trial to allow users to test the app before engaging.

YnabApp Store Play Store Note 4,84,7 Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Money Manager: keeping track of your budget easily

Money Manager is distinguished by its ability to allow intuitive management of personal finances thanks to its interface that facilitates the entry of income and expenses. This application offers tracking in Real time of your budget through reports updated daily, weekly and monthly to keep a constant eye on your transactions.

✅ Why it's a good app:

1. Complete personal finance management : Offers a wide range of features, such as managing multiple accounts, tracking expenses and income, and budget planning.
2. Intuitive interface and detailed graphics : Allows you to easily visualize expenses and financial trends through charts and reports, making budget management more accessible.
3. Advanced features : Includes double-entry accounting, credit/debit card management, and automatic money transfer scheduling.
4. Management of recurring transactions and payment profiles : Allows you to set up recurring expenses and create payment profiles for frequent expenses.
5. Data backup and restore : Offers options for backing up and restoring data via email, iTunes, and iCloud.
6. Multiple currency support : Suitable for those who manage finances in different currencies.

❌ Why you should think twice:

1. Initial setup can be complex : Some users found that setting up the app initially wasn't as easy as setting up other budget apps.
2. Limitation in the categorization of transactions : The lack of an option to split a single transaction between multiple categories or subcategories can be an inconvenience for some users.
3. Paid subscription for additional features : Although the basic application is free, a monthly or annual subscription is required to access all features, including data synchronization.

💸 How much does it cost?

• Monthly subscription : $2.49 USD per month.
• Yearly subscription : $19.99 USD per year.
• Basic download : Free, with in-app purchases to access additional features.

Money ManagerApp StorePlay StoreNote4,74,6Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Wallet: detailed reports and graphs on your spending

Wallet by BudgetBakers is a global budgeting application that stands out for its engaging user interface and a comprehensive range of features, including goal management and group sharing. Available on Android, iOS and via a web interface, Wallet offers both a free and a premium version for more in-depth financial management.

✅ Why it's a good app:

1. Personalized management of budgets and goals : Allows you to plan personalized budgets and track financial goals with notifications and forecasts based on spending habits.
2. Group sharing functionality : Offers a group sharing option, allowing collaborative management of finances with family and friends.
3. Bank sync : Compatible with more than 3,500 banks around the world, allowing automatic monitoring of transactions and easier management of finances.
4. Importing data : Allows financial data to be imported for those who prefer not to automatically sync their bank accounts.
5. Financial reports and useful features : Includes detailed financial reports, shopping lists, and receipt archiving for complete personal finance management.

❌ Why you should think twice:

1. Limited features in the free version : The free version is limited to manual financial management, which can be time-consuming.
2. Premium version cost : Although the basic version is free, the premium version, which offers additional features such as bank sync and multi-user sharing, is considered expensive.
3. iOS and web version limitations : Some Wallet features are not available on the iOS and web versions of the app.

💸 How much does it cost?

• Free version : Available for free with basic features.
• Premium plans : “Starter” and “Master” costing Rs. 210/month and Rs. 350/month respectively.
• Premium Wallet : Offers additional features such as bank sync and multi-user sharing.

WalletApp StorePlay Store Note4,64,5Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Moneydance: budget management for advanced users

Moneydance stands out as a robust solution for those who require thorough management of their budget and financial assets. Son compatibility with various operating systems, such as Mac, Windows or Linux and its availability on iOS and Android mobile devices, give it a certain superiority for users looking for a versatile budget management application.

✅ Why it's a good app:

1. Full features : Allows you to track bank transactions, manage bill payments, categorize transactions, and monitor investment performance. It also handles transactions in multiple currencies.
2. Investment management : Investment portfolio monitoring with customization options, automatic download of current prices and support for base cost calculations and share fractions.
3. Helpful reports and charts : Allows you to generate detailed reports to track expenses in certain categories, as well as graphs for a financial overview.
4. Support for multiple currencies : Convenient for foreign transactions or bank accounts based abroad, with automatic conversions and historical exchange rates.
5. User interface : The dashboard summarizes account balances, upcoming or overdue transactions, payment reminders, and exchange rate information. It also allows you to categorize and tag transactions for better analysis of spending trends.

❌ Why you should think twice:

1. Learning curve : Navigating the Moneydance software effectively can be complex at first, especially if you have a large number of accounts.
2. Import issues : Difficulties may occur when importing QIF files, including duplicate transactions.
3. Limited customer service : Technical support may be less responsive than other budget software, although many frequently asked questions are addressed in the Moneydance knowledge base.

💸 How much does it cost?

• prix : A Moneydance license costs $49.99 for the first 100 transactions, with a 90-day money-back guarantee to test the software risk-free.
• Updates : After purchase, you get a major update for free, then later updates at half price.

MoneydanceApp StorePlay StoreNote 4,64,2Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Spendee: a very complete suite to manage your budget

Spendee stands out for its ability to offer a complete monitoring of personal finances. Users can easily record and track their spending as well as their revenues, benefiting from detailed attribution to various categories. This allows for granular analysis of where the money is being spent. With features such as creating budgets and the establishment of reminders, the user maintains constant control of his finances.

✅ Why it's a good app:

• Expense and Income Tracking: Spendee makes it easy for users to record expenses and income, providing a clear overview of their personal finances.
• Automatic categorization: The app automatically categorizes transactions, which helps to better understand where the money is going.
• Customizable budgets: Users can set budgets for various expense categories, making it easy to manage finances and control unnecessary expenses.
• Reports and Analyses: Spendee offers detailed reports and analytics that help identify spending trends and make informed decisions.
• Bank Account Synchronization: The application allows you to synchronize bank accounts for automatic transaction updates.

❌ Why you should think twice:

• Subscription cost: Spendee offers premium features that require a paid subscription, which can be a barrier for some users.
• Complexity for Beginners: While the interface is intuitive, users who are less familiar with financial applications might find Spendee a bit complex at first.
• Limitations in the Free Version: The free version of Spendee is limited in terms of features, making it necessary to opt for a subscription for the full experience.

💸 How much does it cost?

Subscription plans: Spendee offers several subscription plans, including a free version with basic features, and paid versions (Spendee Plus and Spendee Premium) with extended features such as syncing multiple bank accounts, creating multiple budgets, and advanced reports. Prices vary according to the duration of the subscription and the features chosen.

SpendeeApp Store Play Store Note 4, 64, 2 Download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Fudget: an advanced visualization of your budget and finances

Fudget is a budget planning application that stands out for its simplicity and its basic approach to managing finances. It allows you to create and manage monthly budgets without automatically tracking expenses or importing accounts.

✅ Why it's a good app:

A notable feature is the graphical visualization advanced. Fudget displays a user's financial health through intuitive and engaging charts, making financial analysis not only easier, but also more enjoyable.

Beyond basic functionalities, Fudget is diversifying by offering extensive capabilities:

• Management of various portfolios for specific events (e.g. holidays, trips).
• Support for multiple currencies, making it easy to use when traveling abroad.
• Cryptocurrency account integration, meeting the needs of modern users.
• Possibility to create shared accounts, for joint management with other individuals.

❌ Why you should think twice:

• Lack of advanced features: Unlike other budgeting apps, Fudget doesn't offer automatic expense tracking, or options like credit or loan monitoring.
• Too simplistic for some: For those looking for more advanced features like charts or primary accounting functions, fudget may seem too rudimentary.
• Presence of advertisements: The free version contains ads that may be distracting for some users.

Although these additional options may result in a cost moderate, they illustrate the comprehensive nature of the application and its flexibility to adapt to various budget management scenarios.

💸 How much does it cost?

Single Price for the Pro Version : Fudget offers a Pro version that can be accessed via a one-time payment of $1.49, with no recurring subscription. This release includes additional features like a Dropbox connection, a calculator, a choice of themes, and CSV export, in addition to removing ads.

FudgetApp Store Play Store Note 4,54,11 download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Mint: One of the best budget apps, but it will soon be replaced

Mint has established itself as an essential reference in the field of budget management applications thanks to its user-friendly tools for tracking expenses and establishing a budget. Its success is based on an intuitive interface that allows users to quickly view their personal finances.

However, Mint fans may have to adapt to a new tool. Intuit prepares its users for Replacing Mint with Credit Karma, to better integrate its services. This merger into Credit Karma, while offering comprehensive financial management features, raises concerns. Users report difficulties such as the loss of tools specific to Mint, preventing a similar user experience.

✅ Why it's a good app:

• Full account monitoring: Mint syncs with most financial institutions, displaying all of your financial information in one place.
• Budgeting tools: It offers a daily budget planner that analyzes your spending habits and suggests personalized budget plans.
• Credit score tracking: Mint offers a free credit score tracking service and automated credit alerts.
• Custom alerts: Alerts for overspending, bank fees, and late payments are available to help manage your finances.
• Investment monitoring: It includes an investment tracking tool, although it is not a brokerage account.

❌ Why you should think twice:

• Irreversible Credit Karma migration process with a loss of Mint-specific features
• External product marketing: Mint makes money by marketing third-party products and services, which can be intrusive for some users.
• Limited support options: Customer support is not available 24/7, which can be an inconvenience for some users.
• Lack of investment management features: Mint does not allow money to be moved, but only to track it, which can be limiting for users who are focused on investing.

💸 How much does it cost?

Free app: Mint is free to sign up, download, and use. However, it does offer a more detailed credit tracking service, Mint Credit Monitoring, for a monthly subscription of $16.99.

MintApp Store Play Store Note 4,84,2 download linkDownload on the App StoreDownload on Google Play

Credit Karma, the designated successor, is characterized by its credit monitoring and personalized advice for managing personal finances, thus attracting interest from new users.

The evolution of budget management applications

From Pen and paper aux digital applications, budget management has undergone a significant evolution. This section explores how technology has revolutionized the way we manage our finances, from traditional methods aux digital solutions.

How technology has simplified budget management

Technology has made budget management more accessible and effective. Modern applications offer features that were once unthinkable, such as the tracking expenses in real time, theanalysis of spending habits, and the financial forecasts.

Budget management applications: what is their role?

These digital tools play a crucial role in personal finance planning. Let's take a closer look at their benefits and how they help shape better financial management.

The role in personal finance planning

Budget management apps help take control of personal finances, offering a clear overview of the financial situation for a effective planning.

Benefits of budget management applications

• Real-time tracking : Allows you to see where money is being spent as soon as a transaction is completed, helping to stay within budget.
• Categorization of expenses : Classifies expenses into categories, helping to identify the main expenditure items and savings opportunities.
• Financial forecasts : Analyzes spending trends to predict future habits and help plan important financial events.

Budget Management Resources by Finary

Finary allows you to track your cash flow, including how your expenses fit into 50/30/20 budget guidelines. You can also see your net worth and debts, and monitor your credit score.

We also offer other free options that you can try:

• Use a budget planner to record your expenses.
• Use a Excel budget table
• Estimate the distribution of your monthly income using a Budget calculator.

Frequently asked questions

When it comes to managing a personal budget, some methods and tools have been proven to help track and optimize finances. The frequently asked questions below provide clear information on specific budget management topics.

What is the 50 30 20 rule?

‍The 50 30 20 rule is a budgeting method that suggests dividing net income into three categories of expenses: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt payments. This approach helps maintain financial balance by allocating available resources wisely.

How do you monitor your budget?

To monitor your budget, it is advisable to use tools and applications that allow you to track expenses in real time. These applications can offer visualizations and alerts to help stay within pre-established budgets and avoid overruns.

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