Software programs like QuickBooks or Quicken offer expanded capabilities beyond budgeting, like tax software integration and payment management. While mobile apps are convenient for day-to-day budgeting, you might prefer software for a more robust money management experience. Here are some alternatives to budgeting apps to consider. It also may help to read reviews of others’ experiences with the app you’re considering.īudgeting apps aren’t the only way to manage your money and track your spending. When selecting a budgeting app, be sure to find out what customer service options are available, both from the app and from the desktop version, if applicable. If you run into an issue when using a budgeting app, having a technical team you can reach out to can be helpful. Along with using a secure Wi-Fi network, features like this will help deter intruders from accessing your information. On their websites, you may find security features such as 256-bit encryption and multi-factor authentication. Be sure to look into the level of security encryption of each app. While most budgeting apps have some level of security, some are more sophisticated than others. The security of your personal information is extremely important, especially around banking data and logins. Typical features in the leading budgeting apps include: connecting all your financial accounts, receiving notifications of upcoming bill payments, designing a budget, credit score tracking, tracking spending, setting up financial goals and more. If you’ve used a mobile banking app, you have a head start on the features you’ll be seeking. Each app has unique features and benefits, so it may make sense to test a few different apps to see which one best fits your needs. If a budgeting app can significantly improve your financial outlook, it may very well be worth the investment. While it may be tempting to choose a free app, don’t overlook the paid apps. Many budgeting apps are free-or offer free versions-while some charge a monthly fee. Outside of your goals, here are a few features to consider before you commit to a budgeting app: But before that happens, identifying your financial goals can help you refine your search for the right budgeting app for you. The right budgeting app can provide you with helpful insights and data into your expenses and savings. When selecting a budgeting app, be sure to consider what your needs and goals are first. But the right budgeting app can make a big difference in your personal financial life. Picking a budgeting app can seem like a small decision when compared to other personal finance choices. Apps that allow the ability to connect an unlimited number of accounts moved toward the top of our list, as did apps that also have a website version and allow for sharing with family or friends. We also prioritized mobile apps with advanced security features, like biometric authentication, multifactor authentication and encryption. Mobile app rating (App Store and Google Play): 35%īudgeting apps with a higher overall rating relative to their number of reviews ranked higher on our list, as did those that are completely free.The following is the weighting assigned to each category: We ranked each budgeting app on 18 data points within the categories of consumer ratings, costs associated with the app, security and encryption of consumers’ data, desktop availability and the ability to share the app with someone else. To create this list, Forbes Advisor analyzed 15 budgeting apps. The Stash app is available for both iOS (4.7 stars) and Android (3.7 stars). The $9-per-month Stash+ account includes $10,000 in life insurance coverage, investing for children within a custodial account and premium investing research and advice. Stash Growth, a $3 monthly plan, also offers access to Stash Smart Portfolios and retirement IRA accounts. Stash comes in two different plans, each including base features such as investing, banking and budgeting tools. Along with passive saving, the checking account Stash offers has no overdraft fees, no minimum balance, no hidden fees and checks received through direct deposit are received up to two days early. If you want to automate these goals, you can use tools like round-ups and automatic investing to help you achieve your goals passively. Within the budgeting portion of the app, Stash comes with features where you can track your spending and set savings goals. When you subscribe to Stash, you will be given access to several budgeting tools, a taxable brokerage account, a debit card that earns you stocks when you use it for expenses and a digital checking account.
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