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If you’re under 40 and constantly stressing about money, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s practically a rite of passage at this point. Rent’s skyrocketing, jobs are elusive, groceries cost more than the gross national product of a small island. And don’t even get me started on student loans!
Financial stress is the modern-day monster under the bed, and it’s keeping young adults up at night. According to a recent CNBC survey, a whopping 70% of Americans feel financially anxious. And why wouldn’t they?
Between living paycheck to paycheck and trying to keep up with the cost of, well, existing, managing money feels less like a skill and more like an Olympic sport. I’ve been there. That sinking feeling when you check your account and realize bills and life’s little surprises have wiped out your paycheck before you even had a chance to enjoy it.
And let’s not forget those moments of panic when an unexpected expense — car repairs, a dental emergency, or a forgotten subscription renewal — completely throws your budget into chaos. But here’s the good news. You don’t need to be a financial wizard to get your money in order. You simply need the right tools. This is where budgeting apps come in.
These little lifesavers can help you track your spending, set goals, and — dare I say it — feel in control of your finances. For those who’ve been drowning in money worries, these apps could be the life raft you’ve been waiting for.
YNAB: Rule Your Finances Like a Boss
You Need a Budget (YNAB) is the Beyoncé of budgeting apps — disciplined, powerful, and totally in control. YNAB tracks where your money goes and tells your money where to go.
The app operates on a zero-based budgeting system, meaning every dollar you make gets assigned a job. Rent, bills, and even that weekly iced coffee treat can all be easily tracked with YNAB. According to the company, new users save an average of $600 in their first two months.
The catch? YNAB isn’t free. It costs $14.99 per month or $109 per year. But if you’re tired of being busted-broke whenever the 15th of the month rolls around, this small, super smart investment might just be the game-changer you need.
Mint: The OG of Budgeting Apps
Mint is like that one friend who knows everything about you — but in the best possible way. It connects to your bank accounts, tracks your spending, and even nudges you when your bills are due.
It’s been around forever and remains one of the most widely used budgeting apps because it’s simple, free, and effective. It’s great for people who want a clear picture of their financial health without the mental gymnastics.
Most users praise Mint for its easy-to-use interface and automated tracking, making it a solid choice for beginners who just want the basics without the fuss.
Honeydue: Budgeting for Couples (Without the Drama)
If money conversations with your partner always end up like an episode of The Real Housewives, Honeydue is your new best friend. Designed for couples who want to manage money together — without constant fights about who spent what on takeout and their sneaker addiction — this app is it.
Honeydue allows partners to link accounts, set spending limits, and send reminders about bills. The best part is that it doesn’t force full transparency. You and your partner can decide what financial information to share.
Financial experts say that couples who regularly discuss their personal finances have healthier relationships, and Honeydue makes that a whole lot easier.
PocketGuard: The No-Brainer Budget Buddy
If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, I just got paid two days ago — how do I only have $12 bucks left? PocketGuard is the app for you. After factoring in bills, savings, and goals, it tells you exactly how much “spendable” money you have.
PocketGuard also gets a thumbs-up for its simplicity. Unlike some apps that bury you in spreadsheets, PocketGuard boils it down to one simple, straightforward question: Can I afford this?
If money feels like an unsolvable puzzle, this app helps you put the pieces together.
EveryDollar: The Straightforward Budgeting King
Another brainchild of Dave Ramsey’s financial empire, EveryDollar follows the zero-based budgeting method — just like YNAB — but keeps things super simple. You manually input your income and expenses, making you hyper-aware of where your money is going.
So, if you’re the kind of person who needs a little financial tough love — or you’ve binged Shark Tank and secretly admired Kevin O’Leary’s no-nonsense approach — then EveryDollar might be your financial wake-up call.
Empower: The High-Tech Money Whisperer
If you want to save money and grow your wealth at the same time, Empower is the best budgeting app for you. Beyond tracking expenses, it also offers financial insights and investment tools.
Empower has a fabulous feature that finds and cancels unnecessary subscriptions — say goodbye to that streaming service you haven’t used since 1892. Industry experts love Empower for its automation and AI-driven financial advice.
If you want to feel like you have a personal finance assistant without actually paying for one, this app gets the job done.
Spendee: The Budgeting App with Personality
Most budgeting apps are a little…well, boring. But Spendee is colorful, customizable, and fun.
If you like visuals, charts, and financial planning with personality, Spendee keeps things engaging while still keeping you accountable.
It’s particularly good for managing multiple income sources or tracking expenses across a number of currencies. Soooo useful for digital nomads, freelancers, and anyone juggling multiple income streams.
Money Stress is Real, But So Are Solutions
Financial anxiety is no joke. It affects your mental health, relationships, and can tank your future plans. But the truth is, you don’t have to be rich to feel financially secure — you just need to manage your money wisely.
I know what it’s like to feel completely out of control with money. I’ve tried and failed and tried and failed and finally learned what I need to know. It’s great to feel the relief that comes with having a plan.
These apps can help you stop worrying about every penny and make intentional financial decisions. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to make ends meet or simply looking for a way to put more money away every month.
So pick one, take control, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll sleep easier at night.
