There are a lot of good apps and online tools for helping you build a budget and stay on track.  Our budget worksheet, and the envelope system introduction are both tools to help you build and stick to your budget.  These electronic tools are additional formats you may find you prefer - The key is to find the one that works for you!  We have assembled a list of available for you to explore.  When reviewing tools (whether it is hard copy, excel or an app like those below), consider your style, what are you more likely to actively engage with?  What system will you actually “use”?  You might have to try a couple – that’s okay.  Trial and error is an important step to building smart financial habits.

Tip: Be sure to read the fine print and be aware of the site’s privacy policies, fee structure (they’re not all free!), products they endorse (there is something in it for them!) and requirements.

Mint.com

Mint
  • Has both website and app options
  • Easy to organize and manage your funds
  • Options to create budget categories, track bills, set limits
  • Option for bi-monthly credit scores
  • Free

Personal Capital

Personal capital
  • Has both website & app options
  • Options for budget management & transaction categorization
  • Options for investment management, net-worth tracker, portfolio breakdown
  • Graphs & chart analysis
  • Free

 

YNAB

YNAB
  • Has both website & app options
  • Users plan for every dollar they earn
  • Options to connect bank accounts, set goals, contribute to savings, & customize spending 
  • Graph and chart reports
  • Students get 12 months free

PocketGuard

Pocket Guard
  • Mobile app only
  • Gives users a snapshot of how much they can spend at the moment
  • Options to see all accounts at once, track bills & subscriptions
  • pie-chart of spending
  • Free

 

Claritymoney

Clarity Money
  • Mobile app only
  • Options to track money, & create bucket spending in different categories
  • credit score monitoring
  • Identify & cancel subscriptions
  • Free

 

EveryDollar

Every dollar
  • Has both website and app options
  • Can make a budget within 10 minutes
  • Tailored for zero-based budgeting (expenses=income)
  • Transactions are only recorded automatically with the premium version

Goodbudget

Good budget
  • Has both website and app options
  • Format is budget specific
  • Option to allocate money using online envelope system
  • Option to manually enter account balances
  • Free for basic account

Mvelopes

Mvelopes
  • Has both website and app options
  • Budget plan tool based on envelope system
  • Options for mini courses on financial planning subjects
  • Option to connect multiple accounts & to track real time status
  • Free for 30 days

Useful Podcasts

Bigger Pockets

These podcasts have good practical tips and information about budgeting and building a strong financial plan.

  1. BiggerPockets Money
  2. Planet Money
  3. Choose FI
  4. Millennial Investing
  5. So Money

Financial Information Sites

Nerd Wallet

Theses sites offer resources and tips for budgeting, credit, savings, and investing.

TIAA

Offers quizzes, videos and strategies for building a successful financial plan

Nerdwallet

Monthly updates with top resources

Surveys and rankings of  sites

Investopedia

Offers financial content on the web

Articles & financial dictionary