The best free budgeting tools for mobile devices
In the past few years, many of us have had to learn how to coupon, save, and budget the hard way; but if you’re still using a home-spun, patched-together money management scheme, you’re likely putting in more time and work than you need. We found feature-rich, easy-to-use apps to help you have a responsible, prosperous year. Here are the best of the best:
1. Pageonce – Money & Bills (Android, iOS)
The Pageonce motto is “keep it simple”, and it shows in their money management app. It differs most from the rest of the apps in that they don’t offer a formal way to create a budget. Instead you link the app to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other online bill-pay companies, and they help you stay on top of your bills with reminders and automatic payments. The interface is user-friendly, and the app itself is easy to navigate once it’s been set up. (Cost: free)
2. Mint (Android, iOS)
Mint has been around for a while as a web-based service and its app is just as great as its online counterpart. We consider this the best budget planner available for free download—and it gives many paid options a run for their money as well. The service walks you through your budget with easy to understand expense categories that you can easily adjust as time goes on. It tracks your spending automatically and alerts you if you’re over-spending in any particular area. (Cost: free)
3. Personal Capital Banking and Investing (iOS)
This app does what the others do—create spending alerts and monitor bank accounts and credit cards—but it also has a built-in portfolio manager to monitor your investments. You can transfer money between accounts, track balances, and pay various bills, features that are normally reserved for proprietary banking apps. Another great feature is the ability to talk to a registered investment advisor. (Cost: free)
4. Money Lover (Android, iOS)
Feature-wise, this app is nearly identical to Mint, with a fresher interface—but Money Lover is unique as it not only comes in 12 languages, but it can operate with over 45 different types of currencies. If you travel or have family living in other countries, using alternate currencies is a reality and often a challenge. This app makes that process much simpler. (Cost: free)
Aimee Watts is a staff writer for Mobile Moo. She has spent ten years telecommuting full-time, and loves spreading tips and advice for fellow work-at-home parents. She loves gadgets, new ideas, and skiing with her two favorite people: her husband and teenage son. They live in Evergreen, Colorado.
