The best budgeting apps for 2026

Based on the provided article, here's a summary of the budgeting apps that were tested:

1. **YNAB (You Need a Budget)**: A zero-based budgeting app that forces users to assign a purpose for every dollar they earn. It has a unique approach and can be more challenging to use, but it provides a strong emphasis on budgeting.
* Pros: Unique approach, encourages intentionality
* Cons: Steep learning curve, harder to use certain features on the mobile app than on the web
2. **PocketGuard**: A free budget tracker that offers tools for tracking spending, net worth, and credit score. However, its "free" version is now limited to a 7-day trial, and users must choose between two paid plans.
* Pros: Easy to understand UI, tracks spending and net worth
* Cons: Limited features in the free version, UI lacks polish
3. **NerdWallet**: A budgeting app that offers tools for tracking spending, net worth, and credit score. It also provides investment advice and retirement planning tools.
4. **Credit Karma**: A financial app that offers tools for tracking spending, net worth, and credit score, as well as investment advice and retirement planning tools. Although it's not an exact replacement for Mint, it provides a suite of features and services.

The article also mentions other budgeting apps that were considered but not tested, including:

1. **Quicken Simplifi**: A paid app that offers budgeting tools and tracks spending, net worth, and credit score.
2. **Rocket Money**: A free financial app that tracks spending and supports balance alerts and account linking. It also offers a premium tier with features like subscription cancellation assistance.

The article provides an overview of how the budgeting apps were tested, including importing account data, offering budgeting tools, and tracking spending, net worth, and credit score.
 
Ugh I'm so done with all these budgeting apps 🤯 they're all trying to tell me how to manage my money like I don't know what I want but seriously can't we just use one that doesn't have like a million features that confuse the heck out of me? YNAB is literally too much work it's like they want us to think about every single dollar we spend which is just not realistic for most people. And don't even get me started on PocketGuard their free version is basically useless after 7 days I mean what's the point of even having a budgeting app if you can only use it for a week?
 
I don’t usually comment but I had to chime in on this one 🤔. I think what really caught my attention was YNAB's unique approach to budgeting 💸. I love that it forces you to assign a purpose for every single dollar you earn - it sounds like a great way to stay intentional with your money and avoid impulse purchases 🛍️. Of course, the learning curve can be steep, but I think it’s worth it in the long run. Have any of you guys tried YNAB or any of the other budgeting apps mentioned? What were your experiences like? 💬
 
I'm so glad these apps are being reviewed 🙌! Honestly, I think YNAB is super cool for people who want to get serious about budgeting 💸. It's not for everyone tho, 'cause it can be kinda overwhelming at first 🤯. But if you're willing to put in the work, it can really help you develop a healthier relationship with money 💕.

I'm also loving that there are some free options like PocketGuard and Rocket Money 🤑... just wish they didn't have those limitations on their "free" versions 😐. And I think it's awesome that NerdWallet is offering investment advice and retirement planning tools - that's a great resource for people who want to take control of their financial future 💸.

One thing that's super important to me when it comes to budgeting apps is making sure they're easy to use and understand 🤔. I don't have time to be messing around with complicated interfaces all day 😴. So, if you're looking for a budgeting app, make sure you check out the UI first 👀.
 
Umm... so I think YNAB is kinda cool, but also super frustrating to use... like, it's all about being intentional with your money, which sounds great on paper, but in practice, it can be a real pain if you're not careful? 🤔 I mean, I love the idea of having a 'why' for every dollar, but sometimes I just wanna throw some cash at something without thinking too much about it... anyway, I guess that's kinda what YNAB is supposed to do to me, and maybe it'll help me become more responsible with my finances? 🤑 On the other hand, PocketGuard seems pretty straightforward, but like, where's the fun in that? 😴
 
idk why people still use quicken simplifi its so outdated lol 🤦‍♂️ i mean its got all the basics covered but its like using a calculator from the 90s compared to these new apps that have all the bells and whistles 🔔 i've been using ynab for ages now and its literally changed my life it forces you to think about every single dollar you earn which is so freeing 🤑
 
I've been using YNAB for ages 🤑 but I gotta say, the mobile app is still a bit clunky compared to the web version. They really need to work on making it easier to navigate. On the other hand, I love how PocketGuard tracks my spending and net worth - it's so much simpler to use than some of the other apps out there 🤔.

But what I'm really disappointed about is that Quicken Simplifi is still super pricey 💸. I know they offer some solid features, but can't they just make it more affordable? And have you seen Credit Karma's UI lately? It's still a bit rough around the edges 😐.

I do wish there were more budgeting apps out there that offer investment advice and retirement planning tools - like Rocket Money seems to be doing 🤞. Maybe someone will create an app that combines all of these features in one place... a person can dream, right? 😊
 
omg i was using all these apps already 🤯 and i had no idea they offered so much more than just spending tracker lol what's with the limited free version on PocketGuard though? can u even get the basic tracking for free at all? 🤑 i swear, trying to keep track of my finances is like herding cats... anyone have fave budgeting apps that actually work for you?
 
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