Apps to Help You Stick to Your Budget

By Tracey Dowdy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – unless you’re the one trying to manage the family budget. Keeping on track while taking advantage of all the Holiday sales can be a challenge, but all is not lost – the following apps can help you both create and stick to your budget.

Paid Apps

GoodBudget

goodbudgetAt $4.99 a month – not a one-time purchase price – GoodBudget is definitely one of the costlier options on this list but there is a “free forever” option that lets you manage up to 20 categories of expenses which is more than sufficient for the average household. Simply divide your money into customizable categories – e.g. gas, groceries, entertainment – and set the amount you can spend. Track transactions manually or import them as CSV files from your bank. The calculator-style interface and a home page that shows the total budget amount, total income and funds still available – plus cloud syncability – make it a very user-friendly option.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: $4.99/month

My Budget Book

my-budget-book-1My Budget Book is one of the less expensive paid options. The home screen displays your spending goals vs. your actual spending and an easy to read bar graph measures your cash flow. The budget tab, which allows users to create categories, import transactions as CSV files and set reminders, is updated monthly and, because there is no personal or banking information, the app is relatively secure.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: $3.49

Pocket Expense Personal Finance

pocket-expensePocket Expense Personal Finance features a home screen with an overview of how much money is available as well as a list of your recent transactions. Users input budget information into pre-set categories, set up reminders, and can check at a glance how much money is left in their budget. The one downside of the app is that all transactions must be entered manually as the app lacks the capability to import CSV or OFX files. If you’re not detail oriented or don’t have the time or patience to keep up, this may not be the best option.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: $4.99

Free Apps

Mint

mintMint consistently ranks at the top of Top Budgeting App lists because it offers all the tools you need to manage income, spending, saving, and sticking to your budget. It tracks all transactions in real time, including cash purchases if you manually input the transaction. It even syncs bank accounts and mutual funds to your 401(k) or IRA. In Overview, users can see account totals, monthly budget, credit score, and alerts any time you go over budget. Mint also breaks down your spending by category, analyzes your spending habits, and offers money-saving tips based on your spending history.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows

 

Mvelopes

mvelopesMvelopes is like having a financial planner in the palm of your hand. Answer a few financial questions and sync with your bank account and Mvelopes will track every debit and credit transaction. Similar to GoodBudget, the app works with virtual envelopes, but users must first define income and create a budget to help set reasonable spending goals.

Platform: iOS, Android

BillGuard

billguardBillGuard organizes all your transactions on your credit cards, debit cards and bank accounts into your Smart Inbox. The app offers fraud alerts, notifications on any new purchases, and one touch refund requests if you discover incorrect charges listed in the News Center. The app uses Tinder-like swiping to track each transaction. Swipe right if you actually made it, and the charge stays on your list. If you didn’t make the transaction, swipe left and a screen with the following options appears: Help Me Recognize, Report/Contact Merchant, or Follow Up Later. A red dot stays on your Home Screen until you address the issue.

Platform: iOS, Android

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  1. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
    previous to and you are just extremely great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating
    and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take
    care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from
    you. This is actually a terrific site.

  2. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like
    this one nowadays.

  6. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very
    good success. If you know of any please share. Thanks!

    My blog post; postpartum sex (163.30.42.16)

  7. Thank you for every other fantastic post. The place
    else may just anybody get that type of info in such an ideal means of writing?

    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such info.

    Feel free to visit my homepage :: flaxseed oil

  8. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually
    recognise what you’re talking about! Bookmarked.
    Please additionally consult with my web site =). We could have a hyperlink
    change contract among us!

    my web blog carb cycling (truckersmp.hu)

  11. Hello, I do think your site could be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Aside from that, excellent site!

    Here is my web site; email marketing (Waylon)

  14. certainly like your web-site however you need to test
    the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them
    are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth however
    I’ll certainly come back again.

    my web site … diabetic diet, Jann,

  17. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
    amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear
    concept

  20. Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my site so i came to
    ?go back the want?.I am attempting to in finding things to
    enhance my web site!I assume its adequate to make use of some of your ideas!!

    Also visit my site http://www.a913.vip

  21. Thanks so much for providing individuals with such a marvellous possiblity to read critical reviews from this web site.
    It is always so pleasing and also packed with fun for me personally and my office co-workers to visit your blog particularly 3 times per week to learn the newest tips you will
    have. And definitely, I am also certainly impressed with the tremendous secrets you serve.
    Some 2 areas in this post are certainly the best we’ve had.

    My website cyclical ketogenic diet

  24. Asking questions are really fastidious thing if you are
    not understanding anything completely, however this post presents fastidious understanding yet.

    Feel free to visit my web site; healthy foods

  30. Wow, wonderful weblog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the
    content!

    my web-site :: atolyesi.net

  31. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
    Very helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for
    such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

  33. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that
    I have really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I’m hoping you
    write once more very soon!

  34. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
    be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  36. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
    though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting
    videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to
    read?

  40. Appreciating the time and effort you put into your site and detailed information you
    provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog
    every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material.
    Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my
    Google account.

    My web-site … quit smoking

  41. I do trust all of the ideas you’ve introduced on your post.

    They are very convincing and can definitely work.
    Still, the posts are very quick for starters. Could you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time?
    Thank you for the post.

  42. I really like what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever
    work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.

  43. These are in fact fantastic ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some fastidious points here. Any way keep up wrinting.

  44. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought
    this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you
    aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  46. I have to express my passion for your generosity giving support to
    those people who really want help on in this theme. Your very own dedication to getting the
    message along appears to be remarkably practical and has consistently permitted folks just like me to realize their
    aims. This informative help and advice signifies much to me
    and even further to my office workers. Thank you; from each one of us.

    My web page men skin care

  47. Hello, always i used to check blog posts here early in the daylight, for
    the reason that i like to find out more and more.

  48. It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people on this topic, but you
    sound like you know what you’re talking about!
    Thanks

  49. Fantastic site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing
    in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!

    my web site – keto diet

  50. It’s truly very complex in this busy life to listen news on TV, therefore I simply use the
    web for that purpose, and take the hottest information.

    my web site – lose fa

  51. Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much
    the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  52. I got this website from my buddy who shared with me
    concerning this web page and at the moment this time I am
    visiting this web page and reading very informative posts
    at this time.

  53. Currently it seems like Movable Type is the best blogging platform out
    there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

    My site: man boobs

  54. If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies after that
    he must be pay a quick visit this website and be up
    to date daily.

  55. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what
    I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.

    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any recommendations for inexperienced blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  56. A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague whho was dong just a little analysis on this.
    And he in fact bought me breakfast as a result off I discovered it for him..
    smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more onn this topic.
    If possible, as yoou turn out to be experience,
    would you thoughts updating your blog wjth extra details?
    It is highly helpful for me. Big thyumb up for thiss weblog post!

  57. It’s actually very complicated in this full of
    activity life to listen news on TV, thus I only use internet for that purpose, and obtain the newest news.

  58. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit
    and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would certainly benefit from some of the information you present
    here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thank you!

  59. Hi there friends, fastidious post and pleasant urging commented here, I am truly enjoying by these.

  60. Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so
    I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly
    enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger
    but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for rookie blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  61. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this brilliant blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my
    Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.

    Chat soon!

  62. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the
    pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.

  64. I do trust all of the ideas you have presented in yyour post.

    They are really convincing and wiol defjnitely work.
    Still, the posts are very brief for newbies. Could you please prolong them a bit from next time?

    Thank you for the post.

  65. I am very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other
    blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.

    Also visit my homepage – 163.30.42.16

  66. What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at
    this site, and article is genuinely fruitful in favor of me, keep
    up posting such posts.

  69. I used to be suggested this web site by way of my cousin. I am no longer positive
    whether this publish is written through him as no one else
    recognize such designated about my difficulty. You’re amazing!
    Thanks!

    my blog post; Philomena

  70. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who
    was doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I
    found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this
    matter here on your blog.

  71. Hey there are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any
    coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Also visit my web-site … Roxie

  74. Hi there Dear, are you in fact visiting this
    site on a regular basis, if so after that you will absolutely get nice experience.

  75. This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Many thanks! Exactly where are
    your contact details though?

  76. Hello, I wish for to subscribe for this webpage to get latest updates, therefore where
    can i do it please assist.

  77. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
    this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and very broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll
    try to get the hang of it!

  78. You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be
    actually one thing which I believe I would by no means understand.

    It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I’m having a look ahead on your subsequent
    publish, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

    Look into my homepage; enhance male libido

  79. Wow, this post is good, my sister is analyzing such things, therefore I am going to let
    know her.

  80. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web
    site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
    shiny clear idea.

    Here is my website – low fat

  81. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s
    both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have
    hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few
    men and women are speaking intelligently about.
    I’m very happy I found this during my hunt for something concerning this.

  82. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I
    will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!

  83. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
    It will always be exciting to read content from
    other authors and practice a little something from their sites.

  85. Your style is really unique in comparison to
    other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
    I’ll just book mark this site.

  86. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve learn this publish and if I may I desire
    to counsel you some interesting issues or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read more issues about it!

  87. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web
    site, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

    My web-site … yeast infection

  88. I know this website offers quality depending articles and other material, is there any other site
    which presents these kinds of data in quality?

  89. Hello, I believe your website might be having internet browser compatibility problems.

    Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine
    however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful blog!

  90. Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely
    long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the
    whole thing. Do you have any tips for first-time blog writers?
    I’d certainly appreciate it.

  91. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you are
    now not actually much more well-appreciated than you might be right now.
    You are so intelligent. You already know thus considerably in the case of this subject, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles.
    Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it is something to do with
    Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. Always deal with it up!

  92. There is definately a great deal to learn about this issue.
    I really like all the points you’ve made.

  93. Excellent weblog right here! Additionally your site a lot up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink in your host?
    I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  94. I am truly grateful to the owner of this site who
    has shared this great post at at this place.

  95. We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with useful information to work on.
    You’ve done a formidable activity and our whole group might be grateful to you.

  96. Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a
    stuff! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this web site.

  97. Hi mates, fastidious paragraph and nice urging commented at this place,
    I am actually enjoying by these.

  98. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in web
    explorer, would check this? IE nonetheless is the market leader and a big portion of other people will omit your wonderful writing because of this problem.

  99. I am not sure where you’re getting your info,
    but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more
    or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  100. Everyone loves it when individuals get together and share views.
    Great website, continue the good work!

  101. This is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
    A must read post!

  102. I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s articles
    all the time along with a cup of coffee.

  103. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult
    to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and
    visual appeal. I must say you have done a superb job with this.
    Also, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Chrome.
    Outstanding Blog!

  104. Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform?

    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding
    expertise to make your own blog? Any help
    would be greatly appreciated!

  105. My brother suggested I might like this web
    site. He was totally right. This post actually made
    my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for
    this information! Thanks!

  106. Magnifcicent goods fropm you, man. I have bear in mid your stuff prior to and you
    are simply extremely fantastic. I really lik what you’ve received here, really like what you are saying and the waay
    wherein you are saying it. You’re making it entertaining and you still care forr
    to stay it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more frrom
    you. Thatt is really a terrific website.

  107. Thanks , I have recently been looking for info approximately this topic
    for a long time and yours is the best I’ve found out so far.

    However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply?

  108. I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?

    This paragraph posted at this web site is actually fastidious.

  109. Somebody necessarily assist to make severely posts I might state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your web page and up
    to now? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular submit incredible.
    Great task!

  113. Right here is the right blog for anyone who wishes to find out about this topic.
    You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with
    you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly put
    a new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years.

    Great stuff, just great!

    My web blog: term treatment

  118. Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this article i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant paragraph.

  119. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website.
    I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return yet again since I book-marked it.
    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  121. I constantly spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s posts every day along with a cup of coffee.

  125. I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also visit this weblog
    on regular basis to obtain updated from most recent news.

    Also visit my webpage … sex tips

  130. Great post. I was checking continuously this weblog and
    I’m impressed! Very useful information particularly the final section 🙂 I deal with such information a lot.
    I used to be seeking this certain information for a very long time.

    Thank you and good luck.

    Also visit my page; massage oils

  132. Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long)
    so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m
    thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.

    Do you have any suggestions for rookie blog writers?

    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    my web site – forum.forumdoandroid.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended Articles

10 Essential Apps for the Busy Mom

10 iPhone Apps You Can Use to Lead a Frugal Life

6 Apps for the Serious Mobile Shopper

Apps to Help You Through the Holiday Season

12 Tips for Safer Online Shopping