YNAB 

You Need a Budget (YNAB) gets right to the point with a zero-based budget approach. It’s definitely one of the more pricey options on this list, with no free option after the month-long free trial. But some of the powerful features justify that cost—if it’s in your budget, of course.  

• Gives every dollar a job. 
• Helps you budget and track your spending. 
• It’s built around the concept of “aging your money” or breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by eventually paying your bills with money you made last month, rather than waiting for payday or borrowing against your future earnings. 
• The app lets you simplify by linking your accounts, so you don’t have to manually enter every transaction. 
• Helps you plan ahead for those big expenses like annual subscriptions, vacations, and holiday spending by setting aside a little each month so you don’t have to stress when the day comes. 
• YNAB supports account linking to automatically import transactions. 

The Highlights

Customizable for you and your budget. 

34-day free trial, then starting at $8.25 per month.

Each account can include up to five members to share budgets on the app.

Nerdwallet App 

Nerdwallet is a popular website with tons of financial education articles. But their app also lets you track your spending and earnings, giving you a look at how it breaks down if you’re following the 50/30/20 budgeting approach. 

• The app lets you track your credit score and check your credit report in the same place you manage your spending. You can even start a dispute if something doesn’t seem right. 
• Link your existing accounts to see how your spending stacks up within the 50/30/20 method. 
• You can track your net worth and home equity in the app too, giving you insight into when you might want to refinance. 

The Highlights 

It’s completely free! 

The 50/30/20 system keeps it simple.

App available for download on iOS and Android.

Credit Karma

Another completely free money management app that keeps a tight watch on your credit score, the Credit Karma app has several other features that make it worth the download.

• View your credit score from both TransUnion and Equifax.
• See how much you owe to all accounts reported on your credit report including open credit cards and loans, as well as collection activity.
• See your credit card usage at a glance and get tips on how to improve your score.
• Simulate your credit score to show what it would be if you paid off a debt.
• Not only does Credit Karma allow you to see your score from both credit bureaus, but it also allows you to see a breakdown of the accounts on your report and how they are affecting your score. You can also dispute items on your report in the app.
• Credit Karma checks to see if you have unclaimed property. For example, if you’re owed a refund on your electric bill in another state, Credit Karma will check the unclaimed property records in that state for your name and alert you to money you may be owed.
  
  

The Highlights

See your credit score from TransUnion and Equifax.

View a breakdown of everything on your credit report and how it affects your score.

Available on iOS and Android.

Looking for more great tools to help you manage your money? RMCU offers a robust online banking app to help you manage your accounts in real-time from anywhere (and keep an eye on your credit score, too). Apply to become a member,* and get your financial life together. 

*Must qualify for membership. On approved credit. Some restrictions may apply. Each account is privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. By member’s choice, this institution is not federally insured.