Find an Extra $790 in 60 Days With the 5 Best Budgeting Apps of 2025
Managing your money doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right budgeting app, you can track your spending, crush debt, and save for that dream vacation or shiny new coin collection—all from your phone. In 2025, budgeting apps are smarter, more intuitive, and packed with features to fit every financial lifestyle. Whether you’re a fan of Dave Ramsey’s zero-based budgeting or prefer a more flexible approach, we’ve rounded up the five best budgeting apps to help you stay on top of your finances. Let’s dive in!
Why Use a Budgeting App?
Budgeting apps simplify money management by tracking income, expenses, and savings goals in one place. They offer real-time insights, automate tedious tasks, and help you avoid overspending. Plus, with features like bank syncing and goal tracking, they make it easier to align your finances with your dreams—whether that’s building an emergency fund or snagging a rare Liberty Head Nickel.
1. EveryDollar: Dave Ramsey’s Zero-Based Budgeting Powerhouse
Best for: Dave Ramsey fans and zero-based budgeting enthusiasts
Developed by Ramsey Solutions, EveryDollar is built on Dave Ramsey’s proven zero-based budgeting philosophy: every dollar you earn gets a job, from bills to savings to that occasional coin splurge. This app is perfect for those who want a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to budgeting.
Key Features:
- Zero-Based Budgeting: Assign every dollar to a category until your income minus expenses equals zero.
- Customizable Categories: Tailor your budget to fit your needs, whether it’s for groceries, rent, or a new Morgan Silver Dollar.
- Free and Premium Versions: The free version lets you manually track expenses and create unlimited budgets. The premium version ($79.99/year or $17.99/month after a 14-day free trial) syncs with your bank for automatic transaction tracking and offers extras like financial coaching.
- Debt Snowball Support: Integrates Ramsey’s debt payoff method to help you tackle smaller debts first for quick wins.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple drag-and-drop design makes budgeting quick and even a bit fun.
Why It Stands Out: EveryDollar’s clean design and Ramsey-backed principles make it ideal for beginners and pros alike. Users report finding an average of $790 in their first two months by sticking to the plan. However, the free version requires manual entry, which can be time-consuming, and some users find the premium price steep.
Pro Tip: Pair EveryDollar with Ramsey’s Financial Peace University for deeper insights into debt elimination and wealth-building.
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget): Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
Best for: Goal-oriented budgeters and families
YNAB is a favorite for those who want to give every dollar a purpose while planning for the future. Its zero-based budgeting approach is similar to EveryDollar but emphasizes “aging your money” to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Syncing: Connects to your bank for seamless transaction updates.
- Goal Tracking: Set specific savings goals, like building a fund for a coin show.
- Educational Resources: Access workshops and tutorials to boost financial literacy.
- Collaboration: Share budgets with family members for unified planning.
- Cost: $14.99/month or $109/year after a 34-day free trial. College students get 12 months free with proof of enrollment.
Why It Stands Out: YNAB claims users save an average of $600 in the first two months and $6,000 in the first year. Its robust reports and community support make it a top pick, though the price may deter some.
3. Monarch Money: Customizable and Collaborative
Best for: Couples and customization lovers
Monarch Money, launched in 2020, offers a sleek, ad-free experience with a focus on net worth tracking and customizable dashboards. It’s perfect for families or couples managing shared finances.
Key Features:
- Custom Reports: Dive deep into your spending with tailored analytics.
- Bank-Level Security: 256-bit encryption keeps your data safe.
- Collaboration Tools: Share budgets with a partner or financial advisor.
- Cost: $8.33/month (annual plan) or $14.99/month. Former Mint users get a 50% discount.
Why It Stands Out: Monarch’s flexibility and responsive customer support make it a standout, though some users report occasional syncing issues. It’s a great alternative for those seeking a modern, user-friendly interface without Ramsey’s rigid framework.
4. PocketGuard: Know What’s “In Your Pocket”
Best for: Simplicity and overspending prevention
PocketGuard is all about keeping things simple. Its “In My Pocket” feature shows your disposable income after essentials, helping you avoid overspending on non-essentials (like that extra coin you don’t need).
Key Features:
- Spending Limits: Automatically tracks how much you can safely spend.
- Debt Payoff Plans: Integrates debt repayment into your budget (Plus plan).
- Free and Plus Versions: Basic is free; Plus ($12.99/month or $74.99/year) offers unlimited budgets and custom categories.
- Bill Tracking: Get alerts for upcoming payments to avoid late fees.
Why It Stands Out: PocketGuard’s intuitive design is great for beginners, but its limited free version and occasional miscategorization of transactions can frustrate some users.
5. Rocket Money: Budgeting and Bill Negotiation
Best for: Subscription management and bill reduction
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) is more than a budgeting app—it helps you trim subscriptions and negotiate lower bills, saving you money before you even start budgeting.
Key Features:
- Subscription Tracking: Identify and cancel unused subscriptions.
- Bill Negotiation: Optional service (for a fee) to lower your monthly bills.
- Free and Premium Options: Free for basic tracking; Premium ($4–$12/month) includes budgeting tools and negotiation services.
- Real-Time Alerts: Stay informed about low balances or upcoming charges.
Why It Stands Out: Rocket Money’s all-in-one approach is perfect for those who want to save without overhauling their lifestyle. However, manual transaction adjustments may be needed for accuracy.
How to Choose the Right Budgeting App for You
With so many options, picking the best app depends on your financial goals and habits:
- Follow Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps? Go with EveryDollar for its zero-based budgeting and debt snowball integration.
- Want to save aggressively? YNAB is your go-to for goal tracking and breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
- Need flexibility for shared finances? Monarch Money excels in collaboration and customization.
- Crave simplicity? PocketGuard keeps budgeting straightforward.
- Hate subscription creep? Rocket Money helps you cut costs while budgeting.
Pro Tip: Most apps offer free trials, so test a few to find your perfect fit. Look for bank syncing, robust security (like 256-bit encryption), and features that match your money mindset.
Start Budgeting Smarter in 2025
A budgeting app can transform how you manage your money, giving you clarity and control to pursue your passions—whether that’s building wealth, paying off debt, or growing your coin collection. EveryDollar shines for its Ramsey-backed simplicity, while YNAB, Monarch Money, PocketGuard, and Rocket Money offer unique strengths for different needs. Download one today, try it out, and take the first step toward financial freedom!
Which budgeting app are you excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check back for more personal finance tips on the Coin and Country blog!
