title: "Best Budgeting Apps Under $85 for Families (2025)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Explore our comprehensive guide to the best budgeting apps for families in 2025. With options under $85, streamline your finances and save money effectively. Perfect for families looking to manage their budget efficiently."
tags: ["finance"]
image: ""
Best Budgeting Apps Under $85 for Families (2025)
Managing a family budget can be a challenging endeavor, especially with the ever-increasing costs of living and unexpected expenses. Fortunately, there are numerous budgeting apps available that can help you take control of your finances without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore the best budgeting apps under $85 for families in 2025, focusing on their features, ease of use, and overall value.
Overview
In today's fast-paced world, families need efficient tools to manage their finances. Budgeting apps assist in tracking expenses, setting savings goals, and maintaining financial discipline. Below, we highlight our top picks for budgeting apps that are not only user-friendly but also affordable, with all options priced under $85.
Why Use Budgeting Apps?
- Convenience: Easily track your spending on-the-go.
- Clarity: Visualize your financial health with charts and reports.
- Goal Setting: Set and monitor savings goals for vacations, education, and more.
- Collaboration: Allow multiple family members to access and contribute to the budget.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | Families seeking proactive budgeting | Zero-based budgeting, goal tracking, real-time collaboration | $84.00 |
| Mint | Comprehensive financial management | Expense tracking, credit score monitoring, bill reminders | Free |
| EveryDollar | Simple budgeting solutions | Drag-and-drop budgeting, savings goals, easy expense tracking | $84.00 |
| GoodBudget | Envelope budgeting enthusiasts | Envelope system, multi-device sync, expense tracking | $75.00 |
| PocketGuard | Simplified cash flow management | Income monitoring, spending limits, bank syncing | $34.99 |
| Personal Capital | Investment tracking | Retirement planning, net worth tracking, budgeting | Free |
| Wally | Expense tracking on the go | Receipt scanning, budget tracking, multi-currency support | Free |
| Zeta | Couples managing shared finances | Joint account management, bill reminders, shared budgets | Free |
In-Depth Reviews
1. YNAB
Best For: Families seeking proactive budgeting
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting method
- Goal tracking for savings and debts
- Real-time collaboration with family members
YNAB encourages users to assign every dollar a job, making it a practical choice for families who want to be proactive in their budgeting. The app features a comprehensive set of tools that help families plan for future expenses and avoid overspending.
Pros:
- Excellent educational resources
- Responsive customer support
- Highly customizable budgeting categories
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Monthly subscription model may deter some users
Price: $84.00/year
2. Mint
Best For: Comprehensive financial management
Key Features:
- Automatic expense tracking
- Credit score monitoring
- Bill reminders to avoid late fees
Mint is a well-known budgeting app that allows families to manage all aspects of their finances in one place. The app automatically categorizes transactions, helping users keep track of their spending without manual entry.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Free to use with no hidden fees
- Robust financial insights and tips
Cons:
- Ads can be intrusive
- Limited customization options
Price: Free
3. EveryDollar
Best For: Simple budgeting solutions
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop budgeting
- Savings goals tracking
- Easy expense tracking
EveryDollar is designed for those who prefer a straightforward approach to budgeting. With its clean interface and easy-to-follow features, it’s ideal for families looking to simplify their financial management.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive design
- Allows for quick budget adjustments
- Integrates well with Dave Ramsey’s financial principles
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Requires a subscription for advanced features
Price: $84.00/year
4. GoodBudget
Best For: Envelope budgeting enthusiasts
Key Features:
- Digital envelope budgeting system
- Multi-device synchronization
- Expense tracking
GoodBudget provides a modern twist on the traditional envelope budgeting method. This app is perfect for families who want to allocate funds for specific categories while keeping their overall budget organized.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for envelope budgeting
- Supports multiple devices
- Offers a free tier with basic features
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- No bank syncing in the free version
Price: $75.00/year
5. PocketGuard
Best For: Simplified cash flow management
Key Features:
- Income monitoring
- Spending limit notifications
- Bank syncing for automatic updates
PocketGuard simplifies budgeting by showing users how much disposable income they have after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities. It’s a great option for families who want to maintain a clear view of their cash flow.
Pros:
- Easy setup and navigation
- Effective for managing monthly expenses
- Alerts for overspending
Cons:
- Limited features compared to other apps
- Some users report syncing issues
Price: $34.99/year
6. Personal Capital
Best For: Investment tracking
Key Features:
- Retirement planning tools
- Net worth tracking
- Budgeting capabilities
Personal Capital combines budgeting with investment tracking, making it a suitable choice for families who want to grow their wealth while keeping an eye on their daily finances.
Pros:
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
- Excellent retirement planning features
- Free to use with no hidden fees
Cons:
- Focuses more on investments than budgeting
- Can be complex for casual budgeters
Price: Free
7. Wally
Best For: Expense tracking on the go
Key Features:
- Receipt scanning
- Budget tracking
- Multi-currency support
Wally is an excellent tool for families who travel or regularly deal with multiple currencies. It allows users to track their expenses easily and provides insights into spending habits.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Supports multiple currencies
- Receipt scanning feature
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Occasional bugs reported by users
Price: Free
8. Zeta
Best For: Couples managing shared finances
Key Features:
- Joint account management
- Bill reminders
- Shared budgets
Zeta is tailored for couples looking to manage their finances together. It offers features that facilitate joint budgeting, making it easier to align financial goals.
Pros:
- Excellent for shared finances
- Clear visualizations of spending
- Free to use
Cons:
- Limited features compared to more established apps
- May not be suitable for single users
Price: Free
How We Picked
To compile our list of the best budgeting apps under $85 for families, we considered several factors:
- User Experience: We evaluated the ease of use and interface design of each app.
- Features: We examined the range of features offered, including budgeting methods, goal tracking, and reporting capabilities.
- Pricing Structure: We ensured that all apps were priced under $85, including free options that still provide significant value.
- Customer Reviews: We analyzed user feedback and expert reviews to gauge overall satisfaction and performance.
- Versatility: We looked for apps that cater to various budgeting needs, from simple tracking to comprehensive financial planning.
Alternatives
If the options listed above do not meet your family’s needs, consider these alternatives:
- Spendee: A visually appealing app that allows for shared wallets and expense tracking. Price varies based on features.
- Simple: A banking app with built-in budgeting tools, offering a seamless experience for users who prefer an all-in-one solution. Free to use.
- Mvelopes: Another digital envelope budgeting app that provides robust tracking features, with subscription pricing.
FAQs
1. What is the best budgeting app for families?
The best budgeting app for families largely depends on individual needs. However, YNAB and Mint are frequently recommended for their comprehensive feature sets.
2. Are budgeting apps safe to use?
Most reputable budgeting apps use bank-level encryption and security measures to protect user data. Always check the app's security features before signing up.
3. Can I use multiple budgeting apps simultaneously?
Yes, you can use multiple budgeting apps at once. However, managing multiple platforms may complicate your financial tracking.
4. How often should I update my budgeting app?
It's advisable to update your budgeting app regularly, ideally after each transaction or on a weekly basis, to maintain an accurate financial overview.
5. Do I need to pay for a budgeting app?
While many budgeting apps offer free versions, paid subscriptions often unlock advanced features. Determine what features are essential for your family's budgeting needs.
6. Can budgeting apps help me save money?
Yes, budgeting apps can help identify spending habits, set savings goals, and provide insights that encourage saving and financial discipline.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right budgeting app can significantly impact your family's financial health. Each of the apps we reviewed offers unique features tailored to different budgeting styles and needs. Whether you prefer a proactive approach with YNAB, comprehensive management with Mint, or simple solutions like EveryDollar, there’s an app that can help streamline your budgeting process for 2025 and beyond. Start exploring these options today to take charge of your family's finances effectively!