October 2, 2024
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Top 3 budgeting apps

budget photo

 

 

 

 

My wife and I have been trying to move our budget from excel to something that is easy to consume and update via our mobile phones. We’ve tried a number of apps and here is my top three.

Mvelopes

Based off the envelope system, mvelopes basic connects to your bank and gives you reporting. Their 4 step approach is pretty simple but effective

  1.  Give your money a purpose
  2. Avoid Debt
  3. Simplify
  4. Plan for tomorrow

There is a few trial, but not a long-term free option. After your trial they have three price points. I only tested their basic product. I didn’t have need for the additional services the other options included.

YNAB

I had used YNAB a number of years ago when it was a desktop app, but I never followed through with it for budgeting so it didn’t get used. Now they’ve moved to an online version (Some people enjoy the new version, others not so much) But YNAB has a lot more features than the other two options but it’s also not as straight forward. You much use their methods and rules to use the software. If you don’t follow the rules, the app gets way too difficult and you should pick another option.

  1. Give Every Dollar a job
  2. Embrace your true expenses
  3. Roll with the punches
  4. Age your money

YNAB also goes the extra step with tons of training videos and a huge user community at redd.it

Everydollar

The Dave Ramsey solution, if you follow Dave’s methods this is the app for you. It as a free version (which is what we are using now) But there is no reporting options even in the paid version. This is one of my biggest issues with the app. It’s easy to use but not having reporting is a huge miss. Dave’s baby steps tie into the app, but you don’t have to follow his process to use the as a basic budgeting tool. If you use the paid version you get phone support and a coach, but if you’re on the free version there is only the basic support site and email support. I’d like to see a user forum for people to share and help each other.

 

Did I miss your favorite tool? Maybe you like Mint other something else. Leave a comment below and let us know.

Photo by mag3737

Jason Benway

Christ follower, husband, father, IT geek, and Xbox gamer

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