5 of the Best Personal Finance Apps

Editor

Whether you’re looking for an app to help you invest, or you simply need something to help you manage month-to-month finances for your home or business, a personal finance app can be just the thing you need to set your financial future headed in the right direction. These simple yet powerful apps are some of the best of their kind; combining simplicity with versatility and bringing you the best financial planning experience mobile devices have to offer. Without further ado, here are five of the best personal finance apps available today.

1. Mint

Perhaps the industry leader of personal finance apps, Mint is one of the most popular and widely-used platforms available. With automatic updates, categories that are fully customizable, and the ability to sync with your current banking programs, Mint truly has taken the cake as far as making budgeting and personal finance simple.

With a real-time picture of where your money is going, you’ll know just what it will take to reach your budgeting goals. Mint will also provide alerts when you’re starting to reach your budget ceiling, so you can kiss frivolous spending goodbye. Take control of your finances today by trying out Mint for free. The app is available for both iOS and Android, so no matter what operating system you’re using, you can start taking control of your budget and your financial future.

Remember that personal finance apps can’t replace the knowledge and expertise of a personal financial advisor, no matter how advanced they are. If you’re looking for an advisor in New York, you can compare financial advisors here.

2. You Need a Budget

YNAB, or You Need a Budget, is a popular budgeting and personal finance app that has both critics and users raving. This easy to use and powerful platform lets you take control of your finances by helping you create the perfect budget. Rather than just creating a budget for you and leaving you to handle it all, YNAB focuses on actually teaching you how to better manage your finances; so you can take total control once and for all.

According to the site, YNAB’s users save about $600 by the second month, and nearly $6,000 in their first year using the program. What could you do with an extra $6,000 per year? Invest in your retirement, of course!

YNAB operates on a simple, four-rule system: Give every dollar a job, embrace your true expenses, roll with the punches, and finally, age your money. You can find more details on how this four-rule system works here.

With a free 34-day trial and a price tag of just $6.99 per month, YNAB isn’t going to put a hole in your wallet, but will certainly help you close the ones that already exist. You’ll be able to formulate a solid, fool-proof plan to finally take complete control of your finances!

3. Robinhood

Part of personal finance is knowing where to invest your money in order for it to grow and prosper. Cue Robinhood, the personal investing app created for people who don’t know the first thing about investing wisely. With Robinhood, you can invest in stocks, ETFs, and even crypto-currencies right from your mobile device; just like the pros in New York.

The intuitive software is easy to use and navigate, even for the most unlearned of beginners. Curious how your money would perform in an investment portfolio? Try out Robinhood today and see why it’s quickly becoming one of the most trusted investing apps available on the market. When you sign up today, you’ll even get a free stock just for joining!

4. Acorns

Automating savings and investments is a great way to remove the temptation to not save, and also leave your savings in the control of a program that knows what it’s doing. Acorns is just that; a personal investment and finance app that makes investing easier than ever. With the “Round-up” feature, you’ll be able to round up everyday purchases and invest the change automatically.

Acorns also offers its very own debit card, free of ATM and overdraft fees (it’s true!) and no minimum balance requirements. Does your bank do that? Acorns is connected with over 350 major retailer brands, meaning more savings and investments for you no matter where you shop.

For $1, $2, or $3 per month, you can start using Acorns. Not only is this one of the best of the personal finance apps available today, but it’s also the most affordable! The $3 monthly package is Acorns’ best value; with all three Acorns programs and tons of other tools to help you make the most out of your money.

5. Pocket Guard

Last on our list is the popular finance app called Pocketguard. Pocketguard has been featured in TIME magazine, Forbes, and many other popular platforms for its simplicity and usability. With this program, you can link your credit card, debit, and other spending accounts directly to the app. You’ll get a personalized financial picture from there, which will categorize spending and make your financial journey easier than ever.

Available on both iOS and Android devices, this app is free to use; unless you upgrade to Pocketguard premium, which will only set you back about $4 per month. Take control of your spending and your finances today with one of the most popular and trusted apps available.