title: "Best Budgeting Apps Under $98 for Freelancers (2025)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Discover the top budgeting apps for freelancers in 2025 that won't break the bank. This guide reviews each app's features, pricing, and usability, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your financial management needs."
tags: [finance]
image: ""
Best Budgeting Apps Under $98 for Freelancers (2025)
In today's gig economy, freelancers need robust financial tools to manage their income, expenses, and budgeting effectively. With the rise of various budgeting apps, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide reviews the best budgeting apps under $98 tailored for freelancers in 2025, ensuring you have the tools to manage your finances efficiently.
Overview
Budgeting apps help freelancers track their income and expenses, plan budgets, and even prepare for tax season. Given the variability of freelance income, it's crucial to have an app that accommodates fluctuating finances. The apps reviewed here are not only affordable but also feature-rich, making them suitable for freelancers of all levels.
Benefits of Using Budgeting Apps for Freelancers
- Income Tracking: Easily record and categorize income from multiple sources.
- Expense Management: Monitor business expenses to maximize deductions.
- Budget Planning: Set financial goals and create budgets based on your income.
- Tax Preparation: Simplify the process of preparing for tax season with organized records.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | Comprehensive budgeting | Real-time tracking, goal setting, educational resources | $14.99/month |
| Mint | Free budgeting | Expense tracking, credit score monitoring, bill reminders | Free |
| EveryDollar | Simple budgeting | Zero-based budgeting, user-friendly interface | $12/month |
| PocketGuard | Expense tracking | Automatic categorization, savings goals | $7.99/month |
| Personal Capital | Investment tracking | Wealth management, cash flow analysis | Free with premium options |
| GoodBudget | Envelope budgeting | Digital envelope system, sync across devices | Free with paid plans starting at $7/month |
| Wally | Expense tracking | Receipt scanning, multi-currency support | Free with in-app purchases |
| Spendee | Team budgeting | Shared wallets, budget categorization | Free with premium options starting at $2.99/month |
In-Depth Reviews
1. YNAB
Price: $14.99/month
Best For: Comprehensive budgeting for freelancers looking for accountability.
Pros:
- Real-time tracking of income and expenses.
- Comprehensive educational resources to improve budgeting skills.
- Syncs with bank accounts for automatic updates.
Cons:
- Monthly fee may be a deterrent for some freelancers.
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler apps.
Expert Insight: YNAB is highly recommended for freelancers who want to take control of their finances and learn the principles of good budgeting. Its proactive approach encourages users to plan for future expenses.
2. Mint
Price: Free
Best For: Freelancers seeking a no-cost budgeting solution.
Pros:
- Completely free to use.
- Comprehensive expense tracking and budgeting tools.
- Integrated credit score monitoring.
Cons:
- Ads for financial products may detract from user experience.
- Limited customization options compared to paid apps.
Expert Insight: Mint is an excellent starting point for freelancers who want to dip their toes into budgeting without financial commitment. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to track spending and stay informed about finances.
3. EveryDollar
Price: $12/month
Best For: Freelancers looking for a straightforward budgeting tool.
Pros:
- Simple zero-based budgeting method.
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
- Allows for manual tracking of expenses.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Requires manual entry unless you upgrade to the paid version.
Expert Insight: EveryDollar is perfect for freelancers who prefer a straightforward approach to budgeting. Its zero-based budgeting technique helps users allocate every dollar, ensuring no funds go untracked.
4. PocketGuard
Price: $7.99/month
Best For: Freelancers focused on expense tracking.
Pros:
- Automatically categorizes expenses.
- Displays how much disposable income users have after bills and goals.
- Easy-to-read interface.
Cons:
- Limited budgeting features compared to YNAB.
- Some users may find the app lacks advanced functionalities.
Expert Insight: PocketGuard is ideal for freelancers who want to keep an eye on their spending habits without diving into complex budgeting strategies. Its simple approach to tracking disposable income can help prevent overspending.
5. Personal Capital
Price: Free with premium options
Best For: Freelancers who also want to manage investments.
Pros:
- Robust investment tracking tools.
- Cash flow analysis to keep an eye on spending.
- Comprehensive financial dashboard.
Cons:
- Premium services can be expensive.
- May be overwhelming for users focused solely on budgeting.
Expert Insight: Personal Capital is perfect for freelancers who want a holistic view of their finances, including investment portfolios. Its free tools are extremely valuable for tracking both income and wealth.
6. GoodBudget
Price: Free with paid plans starting at $7/month
Best For: Users who prefer envelope budgeting.
Pros:
- Digital envelope budgeting system.
- Syncs across multiple devices for easy tracking.
- Simple interface.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Requires manual entry of expenses.
Expert Insight: GoodBudget is a fantastic choice for freelancers who enjoy the envelope budgeting method but want a digital alternative. The ability to sync across devices makes it convenient for those on the go.
7. Wally
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Best For: Expense tracking on-the-go.
Pros:
- Receipt scanning feature for easy tracking.
- Multi-currency support for international freelancers.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Some users may find the app lacks depth in financial analysis.
Expert Insight: Wally is great for freelancers who need a mobile-friendly app to track expenses in real-time. Its receipt scanning feature helps keep financial records organized without hassle.
8. Spendee
Price: Free with premium options starting at $2.99/month
Best For: Team budgeting and shared expenses.
Pros:
- Allows for shared wallets, ideal for freelancers working with teams.
- Budget categorization and expense tracking.
- User-friendly mobile application.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Advanced features require a subscription.
Expert Insight: Spendee is particularly useful for freelancers who collaborate with others on projects, facilitating easy management of shared expenses.
How We Picked
To curate this list of the best budgeting apps for freelancers, we evaluated several criteria:
- User Experience: We prioritized apps with intuitive interfaces and ease of use, essential for busy freelancers who need quick access to financial data.
- Features: The apps were assessed for important features such as income tracking, expense categorization, and budgeting capabilities.
- Cost Effectiveness: All apps listed are under $98 per year, providing great value for freelancers.
- Customer Reviews: We considered user feedback and expert reviews to gauge overall satisfaction and reliability.
Alternatives
While the above-mentioned apps are among the best, here are a few alternatives worth considering:
- Tiller: A spreadsheet-based budgeting tool that integrates with Google Sheets. Ideal for those who prefer a customizable budgeting experience.
- Honeydue: Best for couples managing shared finances, making it suitable for freelancers who work with partners.
- Zeta: A budgeting app tailored for couples, especially those who need to manage shared expenses and income.
FAQs
1. What is the best budgeting app for freelancers?
The best budgeting app for freelancers varies based on individual needs, but YNAB is often recommended for its comprehensive features.
2. Are there free budgeting apps available?
Yes, apps like Mint and Wally offer free versions with essential budgeting features.
3. How do I choose the right budgeting app for my freelance business?
Consider your specific needs, such as income tracking, expense management, and whether you prefer an app with a simple interface or one with more advanced features.
4. Can I use budgeting apps on my mobile device?
Most budgeting apps, including Mint and PocketGuard, offer mobile applications for on-the-go financial management.
5. Do I need to sync my bank account to use these apps?
While syncing can enhance functionality by automating income and expense tracking, many apps allow for manual entry if you prefer not to connect your bank accounts.
6. How can budgeting apps help with taxes for freelancers?
Budgeting apps help freelancers keep track of deductible expenses, making tax preparation easier and more organized.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right budgeting app is critical for freelancers looking to manage their finances effectively. The options listed above provide a range of features and pricing to suit various needs. Whether you prefer a comprehensive tool like YNAB or a simple, free solution like Mint, there’s an app that can help you achieve your financial goals in 2025.