The 14 best apps for budgeting

Whether you are looking to save money, find out where disposable income is dissapearing or ways to invest – these budgeting apps will help.
September 11, 2024
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Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash

Budgeting apps have become a popular tool for Aussies looking to manage their dosh. These handy budgeting apps can help track spending, set savings goals, and keep your finances in tip-top shape.

The right budgeting app can make a big difference in your financial well-being. Whether you’re trying to save up for a holiday or just want to get a better handle on your day-to-day expenses, there’s an app out there to suit your needs.

From basic expense trackers to more comprehensive money management tools, the options are plentiful.

1. PocketSmith

PocketSmith is a great budgeting app for Aussies. It’s a top choice for those who want to keep track of their dosh and plan for the future.

The app lets you link your bank accounts and see all your transactions in one spot. You can set up budgets for different categories and track your spending over time.

One of PocketSmith’s best features is its forecasting tool. It helps you predict your future financial situation based on your current habits. This can be a real eye-opener when it comes to saving for big goals.

PocketSmith offers both free and paid versions. The paid version gives you more features, like automatic bank feeds and longer financial projections.

The app works on both iPhone and Android devices, so you can keep tabs on your finances wherever you go. It’s a fair dinkum choice for anyone looking to get their money sorted.

2. Goodbudget

Goodbudget is a budgeting app that uses the envelope method. It’s like having a digital version of your nan’s old money system. You chuck your cash into different envelopes for various expenses.

The app lets you set up envelopes for things like groceries, petrol, and bills. It’s dead easy to use and helps you keep track of where your dosh is going. You can sync it across different devices too, so you and your partner can both stay in the loop.

One of the best bits about Goodbudget is that it offers a free version. This gives you 20 envelopes and syncing across two devices. If you need more, you can upgrade to the paid version for extra features.

Goodbudget is a top choice for Aussies who want a simple way to manage their money. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get their finances sorted without too much fuss.

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

YNAB is a budgeting app that’s got Aussies talking. It’s all about giving every dollar a job, so your money works as hard as you do.

This app is perfect for those who want to get their finances sorted. It helps users track spending, set goals, and plan for the future.

YNAB offers a 34-day free trial, so you can give it a burl before committing. After that, there’s a yearly fee, but many reckon it’s worth every cent.

One of YNAB’s best features is its real-time sync across devices. This means you can update your budget on the go, whether you’re at the pub or doing your weekly shop.

The app also offers top-notch education resources. These help users learn better money habits and stick to their budgets long-term.

4. Monefy

Monefy is a budgeting app for Aussies who want to keep tabs on their dosh. It’s dead easy to use and works on both iPhones and Android mobiles.

The app lets you quickly add expenses and income with just a few taps. You can sort your spending into different categories like groceries, petrol, or entertainment.

One of the best bits about Monefy is how it shows your budget info. It uses colourful charts and graphs that make it a piece of cake to see where your money’s going.

Monefy offers a free version with basic features. If you want more bells and whistles, you can upgrade to the paid version. It’s a top choice for anyone looking to get their finances sorted.

5. Frollo

Frollo is a money management app made right here in Oz. It’s a beauty for Aussies who want to keep their finances in check without breaking a sweat.

This app links up with your bank accounts and credit cards. It shows you where your dosh is going and helps you set savings goals. Frollo’s a smart cookie – it gives you tips on how to save more of your hard-earned cash.

One of the top features is its bill tracking. No more nasty surprises when the electricity bill rolls in! Frollo lets you know what’s coming up and when.

For those keen on improving their financial health, Frollo’s got your back. It gives you a financial wellness score and suggests ways to boost it. It’s like having a money coach in your pocket!

6. Raiz

Raiz is an app for Aussies keen on investing small amounts of money. It’s dead easy to use and lets you invest with as little as $5 in ready-made portfolios.

The app has a nifty feature called round-ups. It rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. So you’re saving without even thinking about it!

Raiz offers different portfolio options ranging from conservative to aggressive. You can pick one that suits your risk appetite. The app also lets you invest in fractional shares, which is bonza for beginners.

While Raiz is mainly for investing, it can help with budgeting too. It shows your spending habits and lets you set savings goals. Plus, you can earn extra cash through its rewards program when you shop with partner brands.

7. Spendee

Spendee is a simple yet powerful app for keeping track of your dosh. This budget planner helps Aussies stay on top of their spending without breaking a sweat.

The app’s simple design makes it a breeze to use. You can quickly log your expenses and income with just a few taps. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep tabs on their cash flow.

Spendee offers both free and paid versions. The free version lets you create budgets and track expenses. If you’re keen to sync your bank accounts, you’ll need to shell out for the paid version.

One top feature is the ability to share wallets with your mates or family. This is bonza for splitting bills or managing shared expenses. You can also set up different wallets for various purposes, like travel or saving for a new barbie.

The app gives you a clear picture of where your money’s going with colourful charts and graphs. It’s like having a personal money coach in your pocket, helping you make smarter choices with your hard-earned cash.

8. MoneyBrilliant

MoneyBrilliant was a popular Aussie budgeting app that helped many manage their dosh. It was a ripper tool for tracking expenses and setting financial goals.

Sadly, MoneyBrilliant shut down in December 2022. This left heaps of users looking for new ways to keep tabs on their money.

The good news is there are plenty of top-notch budgeting apps still available for Aussies. These apps offer similar features to MoneyBrilliant, like expense tracking and bill reminders.

Some even go the extra mile with investment tracking and credit score monitoring. It’s worth having a squiz at a few different options to find one that suits your needs.

While MoneyBrilliant is no longer with us, its legacy lives on in the many Aussies who learned to budget better through the app.

9. Splitwise

Splitwise is an app for mates who share expenses. It’s tops for flatmates, travellers, and anyone who needs to split bills with others.

The app lets you chuck in expenses and divvy them up fair dinkum. It keeps track of who owes what, so there’s no need for dodgy maths or awkward chats about cash.

Splitwise works on iPhone and Android. It syncs across devices, so everyone’s on the same page. You can even snap photos of receipts to add to expenses.

The free version’s bonza for most people. But if you’re keen for extra features, there’s a paid option too. It’s a bloody good tool for keeping friendships sweet when money’s involved.

10. Cash App

Cash App is a of a budgeting tool for Aussies looking to keep their finances in check. This free app lets users send and receive money, invest in stocks and Bitcoin, and even score discounts at local shops.

One of the app’s top features is its ability to track spending. Users can set up automatic savings and create budgets for different categories. It’s a beaut way to stay on top of your dosh.

The app also offers a physical debit card linked to your Cash App balance. This makes it easy to access your funds and stick to your budget when out and about.

Cash App’s user-friendly interface is a real winner. It’s dead simple to navigate, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Plus, the app’s security features help keep your hard-earned cash safe as houses.

While Cash App isn’t specifically designed for budgeting, it’s a solid choice for money management. It’s perfect for young Aussies or anyone after a straightforward way to handle their finances.

11. Wally

Wally is a budgeting app that Aussies can’t get enough of. This nifty tool helps users keep track of their dosh without breaking a sweat. It’s dead easy to use and comes with both free and paid versions.

The free version of Wally lets users log their expenses and income. It’s a bonza way to get started with budgeting. For those keen on more features, the paid version offers advanced categories and foreign account tracking.

One of Wally’s top features is its AI-powered budgeting. This smart tech helps users create budgets that suit their lifestyle. It’s like having a personal finance whiz in your pocket!

Wally also lets users set financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a barbie or a holiday to Bali, this app’s got your back. It keeps you on track and motivated to reach your targets.

12. Pocketbook

Pocketbook is a free tool syncs with bank accounts and credit cards to track spending automatically. Users can set budgets for different categories and get alerts when they’re close to overspending.

The app groups expenses into easy-to-understand categories like groceries, transport, and entertainment. This helps people see where their money’s going each month without much effort. Pocketbook also shows upcoming bills and predicts future account balances.

One handy feature is the ability to flag transactions as tax deductible. This makes tax time a breeze for small business owners and freelancers. The app even generates reports that can be shared with accountants.

Pocketbook is dead easy to use and doesn’t require manual data entry. It’s a top choice for Australians who want to manage their money without spending hours crunching numbers.

13. WeMoney

WeMoney is a top financial wellness platform for Aussies. It helps people track their spending and save more dosh.

The app lets users link their bank accounts, loans, and credit cards in one spot. This makes it easy to see where your money’s going.

WeMoney shows users their credit score for free. It updates monthly, so you can keep an eye on your financial health.

The app also helps find ways to save on bills and debts. It compares your current deals with better options in the market.

WeMoney offers a free version with basic features. There’s also a paid plan with more bells and whistles.

14. My Budget Book

My Budget Book is a top-notch app for money management. It’s a good choice for Aussies who want to keep their finances in check.

This app lets users track their spending and income easily. It works offline, so you don’t need internet to use it. That’s great for when you’re out in the bush or your data’s run out.

My Budget Book has a user-friendly interface. It’s easy to add transactions and see where your money’s going. You can set up budgets for different categories and see how you’re tracking.

The app offers reports and graphs to help you understand your finances better. You can see your spending trends over time and spot areas where you might be able to save a few dollarydoos.

David Ryckman

Senior contributor and editor of Carousel Bondi. If he isn't writing or reading, you will find him down at Bondi Beach. Stories and pitches via editor@carouselbondi.com.au

Mary Fowler profile. Credit: CommBank Matildas.
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