re you and your significant other looking to stay on top of your budget this year? Check out the six best apps to help. If you and your significant other want to join forces and tackle shared financial goals in 2024, budget apps can help. They bring all of your financial information together in one shared digital place. No more wondering if your partner paid a bill or where a debt stands. But which one should you try?
Here are five of the best budget apps for couples in 2024. Please note that the popular app Mint will be shut down by owner Intuit as of Jan. 1, 2024, so it’s not on this list; Intuit will integrate its user base into Credit Karma.
EveryDollar: Best for Dave Ramsey Followers
App Store: 4.7 stars
Google Play Store: 3.2 stars
Cost: Free; upgrade to premium for $17.99 per month or $79.99 per year
Key Features:
- Create a budget (free)
- Savings fund (free)
- Set bill due dates (free)
- Split transactions (free)
- Bank sync
- Real-time transaction tracking
- One-click transaction tracking
- Custom income and spending reports
- Tracking recommendations
- Goal tracking progress
The EveryDollar app is a popular choice for those who follow Dave Ramsey’s budgeting philosophy. According to Gabriel Lalonde—a certified financial planner, certified financial education instructor, and president of MDL Financial Group—this app stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in helping users take control of their finances.
“I recommend the EveryDollar budgeting app. It’s a budgeting app based on Dave Ramsey’s budgeting method,” says Lalonde. “It allows users to create a budget by assigning every dollar to a specific category. It also has a feature that will enable couples to share their budget,” he adds.
The app is designed to work seamlessly across multiple devices, making it easy for families or couples to stay on the same page financially. The premium version adds valuable features like bank synchronization, real-time transaction tracking, and custom financial reports, making it a great tool for those who want to go beyond basic budgeting.
EveryDollar has helped many users see real results. In fact, on average, users report saving $332 in their first month alone. Whether you’re just starting your budgeting journey or looking for a tool to refine your financial planning, EveryDollar offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs.
You Need a Budget (YNAB): Best for an Ad-Free Experience
- App Store: 4.8 stars
- Google Play Store: 4.8 stars
- Cost: $14.99 per month, $99 per year, 34-day free trial
Key Features:
- Goal tracking
- Spending reports
- Net worth reports
- No ads
- Real-time expense tracking
- Bank sync
- Loan calculator
You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a powerful budgeting tool designed for those who want a streamlined, ad-free experience. Rated highly on both the App Store and Google Play Store, it’s a favorite among users for its ease of use and functionality. “The best tool for managing a budget, in my opinion, is YNAB,” says Jordan Nietzel, chartered financial analyst, CFP, and founder of Trek Wealth Planning. “This tool is set up to help you plan for your true expenses, including non-monthly expenses.”
YNAB stands out from other budgeting apps by focusing on proactive financial planning. It encourages users to give every dollar a job, ensuring that all income is allocated toward expenses, savings, or goals. This approach not only helps users stay on track with monthly expenses but also prepares them for irregular or unexpected costs.
One of YNAB’s key benefits is its collaborative functionality. The app allows up to six users per account, making it a great choice for families or couples looking to manage their finances together. Once you sign up, you can securely connect multiple bank accounts, enabling transactions to be imported automatically. From there, you can assign spending categories, set specific savings and budget goals, and monitor your progress in real time. The app also offers detailed reports on spending and net worth, giving users a clear picture of their financial health.
A standout feature of YNAB is its ad-free, uncluttered interface. Unlike many other apps that display popups or promote third-party products, YNAB keeps the focus entirely on your financial goals. While the app comes with a subscription fee of $14.99 per month or $99 per year, it’s backed by a 34-day free trial, allowing users to explore its full range of features risk-free before committing.
For many, the subscription pays off quickly. According to the company, YNAB users save an average of $6,000 in their first year using the app. This impressive statistic highlights its ability to drive meaningful financial change. Whether you’re looking to get out of debt, save for a big purchase, or simply gain control over your finances, YNAB offers a robust, distraction-free platform to help you achieve your goals.
Goodbudget: Best if You Like the Envelope-Saving Method
- App Store: 4.7 stars
- Google Play Store: 4.2 stars
- Cost: Free; upgrade to PLUS for $8 per month or $70 per year
Key Features:
- Schedule transactions and envelope fills (free)
- Debt tracking (free)
- Spending by envelope report (free)
- Income versus spending report (free)
- Debt progress report (free)
- Sync across devices (free)
- Unlimited accounts and envelopes (paid version)
Goodbudget is a budgeting app inspired by the classic envelope-saving method, where money is allocated to different “envelopes” for each spending category. It’s a great tool for couples or families looking to manage their finances together since it allows you to create digital envelopes for everything, such as rent, groceries, entertainment, or even saving for a dream vacation.
With Goodbudget, you decide how much money to allocate to each envelope based on your budget. Each pay period, you can “fill” your envelopes with a set amount, ensuring you stay within your limits for each category. When it’s time to pay a bill or make a purchase, you or your partner can deduct it from the appropriate envelope, keeping both parties updated. The app will notify everyone involved, ensuring transparency and coordination.
The free version of Goodbudget provides one account, access for two devices, and up to 20 envelopes (10 regular and 10 additional). It’s perfect for those starting out with simple budgeting needs. For users with more complex financial goals, the paid version offers unlimited accounts, up to five device connections, and unlimited envelopes, making it ideal for larger families or individuals with more detailed budgeting requirements. Whether you’re tracking debt, analyzing spending habits, or syncing data across devices, Goodbudget ensures your finances stay organized and under control.
Honeydue: Best for Free Budgeting for Couples
- App Store: 4.5 stars
- Play Store: 3.3 stars
- Cost: Free
Key Features:
- Financial account syncing (free)
- Transaction tracking (free)
- Bill reminders (free)
- Chat (free)
Honeydue is the only app on our list designed specifically with couples in mind, making it a standout choice for managing shared finances. The app allows you and your partner to connect bank accounts, loans, credit cards, investment accounts, and more from over 20,000 financial institutions across five countries.
You can also track all your transactions in one place, making it easier to monitor spending habits together. Honeydue lets you add upcoming bills and sends reminders to ensure you never miss a payment, helping to avoid late fees and financial strain. Plus, the built-in chat feature enables clear and open communication about money directly within the app.
Best of all? It’s completely free, making it an accessible tool for couples looking to improve their financial health without any cost. Whether you’re managing day-to-day expenses or planning for future goals, Honeydue is an excellent option for staying organized and on top of your finances as a team.
PocketGuard: Best for Debt Payoff Plans
App Store: 4.7 stars
Google Play Store: 3.7 stars
Cost: Free; upgrade to PocketGuard Plus for $7.99 per month, $34.99 per year, or $79.99 for lifetime access
Key Features:
- Financial account syncing (free)
- Bill and income tracking (free)
- Insights and spending reports (free)
- Cash tracking (free)
- Budgeting (free)
- Debt payoff plans (Plus version)
- Unlimited budgets (Plus version)
- Unlimited savings goals (Plus version)
- Extended transaction history (Plus version)
- Data transfer and storage (Plus version)
PocketGuard is a powerful budget app designed to help users take control of their finances, whether they’re managing monthly expenses or tackling long-term financial goals. It’s especially great for couples, as it allows both partners to share the same profile on different devices simply by logging in with the same username and password. This makes tracking joint expenses, setting shared goals, and managing household budgets much simpler.
The free version of PocketGuard offers plenty of features to get started, including budgeting tools, account syncing, and bill and income tracking. These tools provide a solid foundation for understanding your spending habits and keeping your finances organized. For users looking to go a step further, upgrading to PocketGuard Plus unlocks additional features like creating unlimited budgets, setting multiple savings goals, and accessing a debt payoff plan. Plus, the extended transaction history and added storage make it easier to track spending trends over a longer period of time.
Whether you’re working on paying off debt, saving for a big purchase, or just trying to keep your finances in check, PocketGuard is a versatile tool that can adapt to your needs. It’s a great choice for individuals or couples looking for a user-friendly budgeting app with room to grow as their financial goals evolve.
Which Budget App Is Best for You and Your Partner?
Budgeting as a couple can be challenging, but the right tools can make it easier to manage your finances together. Budgeting apps have become a go-to solution for couples looking to streamline their money management. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
“The key with couples and budgeting is not the app itself but the communication it fosters,” says Jay Zigmont, CFP and founder of Childfree Wealth. “There are plenty of budgeting apps available, but the best one is the one that works for you and your unique situation.”
In essence, the best budgeting app is the one that helps you and your partner communicate effectively about money. It’s worth exploring a few options to find one that aligns with both your needs and preferences. Testing different apps can ensure you pick the one that fits seamlessly into your financial routine.
To further explore this topic in a longer article, we could dive deeper into the features of each app, highlight the importance of budgeting for couples, and incorporate expert insights and real user testimonials. We could also provide step-by-step guides for setting up each app, along with practical tips and strategies to enhance financial planning as a couple.
By expanding on these aspects, we can create a comprehensive guide to help couples not only choose the right budgeting app but also build stronger financial habits together.
How to Choose the Right Budget App
Finding the perfect budget app depends on your unique needs and preferences. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Ease of Use: Look for an app that’s intuitive and easy for both you and your partner to navigate. Simplicity can make all the difference.
- Features: Identify the tools that matter most to you—whether it’s debt tracking, goal setting, or real-time expense monitoring.
- Cost: Some apps are free, while others require a subscription. Assess whether the benefits justify the price tag.
- Compatibility: Make sure the app is compatible with all your devices and supports syncing across multiple accounts.
The best budget app is one that fosters clear communication and helps you work toward your financial goals as a team. You might need to try a few options before discovering the one that’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Additional Budgeting Tips for Couples
Managing your finances effectively as a couple goes beyond simply using budget apps. Here are some practical tips to help you work together and stay on top of your financial goals:
1. Set Clear Financial Goals
Start by defining your financial priorities as a team. Discuss both short-term goals, like saving for a vacation or paying off credit cards, and long-term goals, such as buying a home or building a retirement fund. Shared goals foster alignment and encourage mutual accountability in your spending and saving habits.
2. Schedule Regular Financial Check-Ins
Set aside time for consistent financial discussions. Use these check-ins to review your budget, track progress toward your goals, and address any changes in your financial situation. Regular communication helps maintain transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and keep both partners on the same page.
3. Divide Financial Responsibilities
Assign specific financial tasks to each partner based on strengths or preferences. One of you might handle paying bills, while the other focuses on monitoring investments or managing savings. Sharing responsibilities ensures both partners stay involved and invested in your financial well-being.
4. Build an Emergency Fund
Establish and maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. A robust emergency fund provides peace of mind, financial stability, and reduces stress during unforeseen circumstances.
5. Communicate Openly
Honest and open communication is crucial for effective financial management. Share your financial habits, preferences, and concerns with your partner. Transparency builds trust and fosters collaboration toward shared financial success.
6. Stay Flexible and Adapt
Life is unpredictable, and your financial plan should reflect that. Be ready to adjust your budget and goals as circumstances evolve—whether it’s a new job, a relocation, or the arrival of a baby. Flexibility ensures your financial strategy adapts to life’s changes.
Conclusion
Budgeting as a couple isn’t just about numbers—it’s about teamwork, trust, and shared aspirations. The right budget app can simplify the process, offering a clear and organized view of your finances.
Whether you choose EveryDollar for its Dave Ramsey-inspired simplicity, YNAB for in-depth planning, Goodbudget for its envelope-saving method, Honeydue for couple-specific features, or PocketGuard for debt management, each app has unique advantages to help you and your partner manage money more effectively.
Ultimately, successful budgeting isn’t just about the tools you use, but the effort you put into communicating and collaborating with your partner. By working together, committing to your goals, and staying adaptable, you can build a secure and fulfilling financial future—together.
