The second half of the year is right around the corner, which means it’s time to take stock of your budget and financial goals. It’s no secret that keeping track of spending and staying within our allotted finances can be challenging, but with a wide range of helpful tools at our disposal, these tasks are becoming easier than ever.
Here is an overview of ten top-notch budgeting tools designed to help you create and maintain your new financial plan for the year ahead. The following list includes both web-based applications, mobile apps, and a good old-fashioned pen-and-paper approach to cater to all types of users.
1. Mint (Online/App)
Mint offers an array of tools designed specifically for budgeting purposes. This service allows you to link all your financial accounts – including investments – and view them on a single platform. Not only can you track and categorize every transaction, but you can also export your data for tax time. You’ll have the flexibility to create unlimited budgets and set goals to monitor progress throughout the year.
2. Empower (Online/App)
For those seeking similar budgeting tools to Mint, Empower might be a good alternative. Though it lacks some of the features found in Mint, many find it a little faster and snappier to use. While this service does offer financial advice and management for a fee, its basic budgeting features remain free.
3. Buxfer (Web-Based)
Buxfer is another web-based application that allows you to sync all of your accounts, just like Mint and Empower. However, it offers an added feature that enables users to send money to friends and family online as well as divide shared expenses, such as rent or groceries, among multiple people – making it a great option for young professionals sharing living spaces.
4. BudgetPulse (Online)
BudgetPulse takes budgeting to the next level by requiring users to enter all of their financial information manually. Though this might seem more time-consuming, its interface is quite user-friendly and provides some simple adjustable budgeting tools to help you plan your finances for the year ahead.
5. Good Budget (Online/App)
Level Money sets itself apart from other services by offering a real-time picture of your current financial situation. You’ll need to enter your income, expenses, and “spendable cash,” but you can then track exactly what you are buying and how much money you have left at any given moment.
6. GnuCash (Desktop)
GnuCash has a number of devotees due to its free availability and versatility – it works on almost any computer platform, including Linux. The service is based on the double-entry accounting system, making it a highly robust tool for tracking bank accounts, stocks, and other financial information while also providing useful charts. Additionally, you can import data from software programs such as Quicken.
7. Spendee (Online/App)
Spendee’s main strength is its ability to make it easy to enter transactions with a few taps on your smartphone or tablet, while keeping the interface remarkably clean and straightforward. Though the budgeting tools are not quite as comprehensive as other apps, you may find them just perfect for tracking spending.
8. HomeBudget (Online/App)
HomeBudget is an excellent choice for those living with others who want to collaborate on a shared budget. It’s available for both iOS and Android and offers free and paid versions – the latter of which allows multiple users to access and share budgeting data. This makes HomeBudget ideal for families or roommates looking to stay on track financially in 2015.
9. Paper Envelopes
The “old school” approach is still a viable option for those who prefer the more personal touch of pen and paper. Using envelopes to divide your funds by categories can be an excellent way to keep track of spending and stay within your allotted amounts. This method is particularly well-suited for those with a low-tech lifestyle or who simply enjoy the feeling of tangible cash in hand.
10. Microsoft Excel (Online/Desktop)
For those who prefer to use an already familiar software program, Microsoft’s Excel spreadsheet offers an effective budgeting tool for users across all devices – both desktop and online through Google Sheets. It provides the flexibility to create your own categories, track spending, and manage your finances in a simple, straightforward manner.
Regardless of which tool you choose, the most important aspect of managing your budget is making a conscious effort to stay on track throughout the year. By utilizing these financial tools, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for a prosperous.
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