Jan 2, 2025

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Best Budgeting Apps for 2025

Emily Luk

CPA, CFA - CEO and Cofounder of Plenty

Emily Luk

CPA, CFA - CEO and Cofounder of Plenty

Managing your finances has never been easier, thanks to a growing selection of budgeting apps designed to meet a variety of needs. Whether you’re budgeting solo, as a couple, or managing a family, there’s an app for you. Here’s our list of the top budgeting apps for 2025, complete with pricing details and standout features.

1. Plenty: Best for Couples


Price: 100% free budgeting and net worth tracking (0.20% fee for investing).


Features:

  • Collaborative tools designed specifically for couples.

  • Easy tracking of "what’s ours" with an intuitive dashboard.

  • Personalized goal planning for milestones like weddings or homeownership.

  • Grow your money faster with a 4.14% 7-day yield* on savings.


Why It Stands Out: Plenty is the only budgeting app purpose-built for couples that’s completely free for core features like budgeting and net worth tracking. It simplifies financial collaboration, making it the ideal choice for partners looking to grow their wealth together.


Why You May Want to Think Twice: Plenty is best for couples who want to manage money together, although it does offer a solo experience for those who prefer individual use.


👉 Try Plenty for free today.

2. You Need a Budget (YNAB): Best for Hands-On Budgeters


Price: $14.99/month or $99/year (34-day free trial).


Features:

  • Zero-based budgeting ensures every dollar has a job.

  • Real-time syncing across devices for seamless updates.

  • Comprehensive financial reports to analyze spending trends.


Why It Stands Out: YNAB is ideal for budgeters who want to dive deep into their finances and have full control over every dollar.


Why You May Want to Think Twice: YNAB’s manual entry process and steep learning curve might be overwhelming for users who prefer automation.

3. Monarch Money: Best for Customization


Price: $14.99/month or $99.99/year (7-day free trial).


Features:

  • Customizable budgeting categories tailored to your unique needs.

  • Investment tracking alongside financial goal-setting tools.

  • Collaborative features for couples and families.


Why It Stands Out: Monarch Money excels with its flexible tools, making it a strong choice for couples or families who want a tailored experience.


Why You May Want to Think Twice: The subscription cost may feel high compared to free alternatives, especially for users who don’t need advanced features like investment tracking.

4. Honeydue: Best for Simplicity


Price: Free (with optional tipping for premium features).


Features:

  • Shared expense tracking for couples.

  • Integrated chat feature to discuss finances directly within the app.

  • Account aggregation for a complete financial view.


Why It Stands Out: Honeydue is perfect for couples just starting their budgeting journey. It’s simple and encourages communication.


Why You May Want to Think Twice: Honeydue lacks advanced tools like savings growth, net worth tracking, or investment options.

5. PocketGuard: Best for Simplicity


Price: $12.99/month or $74.99/year


Features:

  • Shows how much disposable income you have after bills and goals.

  • Categorizes spending automatically for an easy financial snapshot.

  • Savings goals for short- and long-term objectives.


Why It Stands Out: PocketGuard’s “In My Pocket” feature makes it easy to see what you can safely spend.


Why You May Want to Think Twice: While great for simple budgeting, it may not have enough depth for users with complex financial needs.

How to Choose the Right App


When deciding which budgeting app to use, consider the following:

  • Budget: Free tools like Plenty and Honeydue are great for cost-conscious users, while premium apps like YNAB and Monarch Money offer advanced features for a subscription fee.

  • Features: Think about whether you need tools like goal planning, investment tracking, or real-time collaboration.

  • Ease of Use: Apps like Plenty and PocketGuard are intuitive, while YNAB requires a more hands-on approach.

About Plenty


Plenty is a wealth management platform designed specifically for couples. We go beyond budgeting, making it simple to invest, save, and grow toward your future goals by unlocking access to the financial strategies of the wealthy. Ready to get started? Sign up for free today.


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*Plenty's cash management product invests 99.5%+ of the portfolio in US-government backed securities as of January 3, 2025. Although the strategy seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. You could lose money by investing in the strategy. Plenty's cash management product is SIPC insured. An investment in the strategy is not a bank account and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The rate quoted is subject to change and will decrease or increase based on changes in market conditions, interest rates, among other factors. The rate quoted is net of transaction and advisory fees.


The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized recommendations or personalized investment advice. The type of strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor should evaluate an investment strategy based on their unique circumstances before making any investment decisions.Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks, including, among others, the risk that the new investment could have higher costs than the original investment and could introduce portfolio tracking error into your accounts. There may also be unintended tax implications. We recommend that you consult a tax professional before taking action.Plenty does not provide legal or tax advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geo-political conditions

AUTHOR

Emily Luk

CPA, CFA - CEO and Cofounder of Plenty

Emily is the ceo and cofounder of Plenty. Started by a husband and wife team, Plenty is a wealth platform built for modern couples to invest and plan towards their future, together. Previously, she was VP of Strategy and Operations at Even (acquired by Walmart/One) and a founding team member of Stripe's Growth and Finance & Strategy teams. She began her career as a VC, and was one of the youngest nationally to complete her CPA, CA and CFA designations.

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