Five Best Personal Finance Apps to Manage Your Money Better

May 9, 2025
What do personal finance apps do?

Technology keeps finding new ways to make life easier, doesn’t it? From how we handle our money to ordering food to tracking your steps, there's an app for just about everything these days. So, if you're looking for a simple way to stay on top of your spending, save more, or stick to a budget, guess what? There’s an app for that, too! 

In this post, we’re rounding up five of the best personal finance apps to help you improve your financial health in 2025. And if improving your financial situation isn’t on your list of things to do this year, now is a great time to get started. Trust us; these apps can help make it easier than ever.

How can I used personal finance apps to save money?
  1. Mint (or Credit Karma Money)

If you’re just starting your money management journey, Mint (now integrated with Credit Karma Money) is a fantastic place to begin. It automatically tracks your spending, sorts your purchases into categories, and even lets you set up budgets so you can see where your money’s really going. 

You’ll also get access to your credit score and helpful tips to keep it in good shape. The colorful charts and clean interface make your financial picture super easy to understand. Best of all, it’s totally free—though you might see a few ads or partner offers along the way. Whether you're saving up or simply trying not to overspend, Mint makes it easier to stay in control. Available on both iOS and Android.

  1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Ready to take budgeting to the next level? YNAB is all about giving every dollar a job before you spend it. Unlike apps that just show you what already happened, YNAB helps you plan ahead so you can avoid those “how did I already spend my whole paycheck?” moments. It’s a subscription service, but many users say it pays for itself by helping them save more and spend more intentionally. 

The app also offers tons of tutorials and helpful tips to improve your budgeting game. It’s especially great for people who want to be more hands-on and proactive with their money. If you're serious about getting organized, YNAB could be your new best friend.

  1. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)

Ever signed up for a free trial and forgot to cancel? Rocket Money is here to rescue your wallet. This app keeps tabs on your subscriptions and helps you cancel the ones you don’t use. It also tracks spending, alerts you about upcoming bills, and even negotiates lower rates on things like cable or internet. 

It’s like having a personal assistant who’s really good with money. The dashboard is simple to navigate, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to cut out waste and gain better control of their monthly expenses. Whether you’re managing a tight budget or just want to trim the fat, Rocket Money is a solid tool to have on your side.

  1. PocketGuard

If you ever check your bank account and think, “Wait, can I actually afford this?” PocketGuard is here to help. This app connects to your bank and credit card accounts and tells you what’s safe to spend after bills and savings are taken into account. It breaks down your expenses into easy categories and helps you spot spending trends. 

The free version is great for most users, but a premium upgrade offers extras like custom categories and goal tracking. PocketGuard’s simple, clutter-free layout makes it perfect for anyone who just wants a quick glance at their financial picture without all the bells and whistles. Think of it as your money safety buddy.

  1. Goodbudget

Goodbudget is perfect for folks who like a hands-on, old-school approach to managing money—without actual envelopes of cash. It uses the classic envelope budgeting method, where you assign money to specific spending categories ahead of time. It’s especially helpful for couples or families because it syncs across devices, so everyone’s on the same page. 

Planning a vacation? Saving for a car? Goodbudget helps you stay on track. The app doesn’t link directly to your bank account, which means you have to manually enter transactions—but that can actually help you be more mindful. A free version is available with basic features, or you can upgrade for more envelopes and account tracking.

Can I use apps to take control of my finances?

Find the Best Personal Finance Apps for Your Goals

When it comes to personal finance apps, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on what you’re trying to do—save more, track your spending, cut unnecessary bills, or plan for the future. 

These personal finance apps offer different features and styles, so don’t be afraid to try one or two until you find the right fit. Think of them as personal savings hacks you can carry in your pocket! Whether you're looking for the best budgeting apps or just need help getting started, there’s something here for everyone. 

And if you need a little extra support while building better money habits, installment loans from Credit Central can help provide short-term financial security. Apply today and take that first step forward.