Finding the Right Personal Finance App
Managing your money effectively is crucial, whether you’re tracking expenses, setting a budget, or planning for the future. With the discontinuation of Mint, many users are looking for alternatives that offer comprehensive financial tracking. The right personal finance app can help you understand your income, monitor your expenses, and even keep an eye on your credit score.
We’ve tested several apps to determine which ones stand out in 2025. Below are our top picks based on ease of use, features, and affordability.
Top Personal Finance Apps of 2025
App | Best For | Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Simplifi | Best Overall | $2.99/month | Budgeting, reports, easy interface |
Quicken Classic | Best for Power Users | Starts at $2.99/month | Advanced tracking, investments |
YNAB | Best for Budgeting Beginners | $14.99/month | Zero-based budgeting approach |
Greenlight | Best for Kids | Starts at $4.99/month | Kid-friendly savings and spending tools |
Monarch | Best for Self-Employed | $99.99/year | Cash flow tracking, collaboration |
NerdWallet | Best Free Option | Free | Credit score tracking, financial education |
Rocket Money | Best for Managing Debt | Starts at $48/year | Debt repayment tracking, bill cancelation |
PocketGuard | Best for Simplified Budgeting | $74.99/year | Simple budgeting, auto-categorization |
Detailed Breakdown of Each App
1. Simplifi – Best Overall
Pros:
- User-friendly dashboard
- Excellent transaction tracking
- Flexible budgeting tools
- Great mobile app
Cons:
- Savings goals aren’t linked to live accounts
Simplifi by Quicken provides an intuitive way to track your spending, income, and savings goals. It’s great for those who want an easy-to-use app without losing key features like categorizing transactions and setting up budgets.
2. Quicken Classic – Best for Power Users
Pros:
- Comprehensive personal finance tools
- Advanced transaction tracking
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- Mostly desktop-dependent
- User interface could be improved
For users who want to track every dollar, Quicken Classic remains a top choice. It offers deep insights into your spending and investments, making it a great fit for those who need a detailed financial overview.
3. YNAB – Best for Budgeting Beginners
Pros:
- Built on a zero-based budgeting method
- Excellent customer support and resources
- Family sharing for up to six people
Cons:
- Requires commitment to use effectively
- No investment tracking or bill pay feature
YNAB (You Need A Budget) is designed for users who need structured budgeting. It encourages users to allocate every dollar to a specific category, helping them take full control of their finances.
4. Greenlight – Best for Kids
Pros:
- Parental controls
- Savings and investment features for kids
- Family safety features
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost for premium features
Greenlight helps kids develop healthy financial habits with supervised accounts, goal-based savings, and the ability to track spending habits. It’s a great tool for parents who want to teach their children about money management.
5. Monarch – Best for Self-Employed Individuals
Pros:
- Flexible transaction management
- Collaborative tools for families or business partners
- Simple interface with a clean design
Cons:
- Higher subscription fee
- No credit score tracking
Monarch is designed for freelancers and business owners who need to track both personal and professional finances in one place. It offers collaborative features and excellent customization options.
6. NerdWallet – Best Free Option
Pros:
- 100% free
- Credit score tracking
- Net worth and cash flow monitoring
Cons:
- No ability to set a detailed budget
- Basic transaction tracking
For users looking for a no-cost personal finance solution, NerdWallet provides useful financial education resources, credit score tracking, and an overview of your cash flow.
7. Rocket Money – Best for Managing Debt
Pros:
- Helps cancel unnecessary subscriptions
- Monitors net worth and credit score
- Useful for managing bills
Cons:
- Premium version is costly
- Weak investment tracking
Rocket Money is ideal for individuals focused on reducing debt. It provides tools to track spending habits, cancel unnecessary subscriptions, and plan debt repayments.
8. PocketGuard – Best for Simplified Budgeting
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Automatic transaction categorization
- Helpful budgeting tools
Cons:
- No investment tracking
- No credit score monitoring
For those who feel overwhelmed by traditional budgeting tools, PocketGuard offers a streamlined way to manage expenses. It automatically categorizes spending and helps users stay within their budget.
Are Personal Finance Apps Safe?
Most personal finance apps connect to your bank and credit card accounts to import transactions. These apps use encryption and security protocols to keep your data safe. However, users should also follow best practices:
- Use unique, strong passwords for financial apps
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Keep personal details private
Conclusion
Finding the right personal finance app depends on your needs. If you want a well-balanced app, Simplifi is the best overall choice. For users who prefer detailed financial tracking, Quicken Classic is ideal. If budgeting is your priority, YNAB provides a fresh approach.
Whether you’re tracking expenses, monitoring your credit score, or teaching kids about money, there’s an app that fits your needs. The key is to choose one that aligns with your financial goals and make it a part of your daily routine.