Budgeting Made Simple: 7 Tools I Recommend

Let’s be honest—budgeting isn’t always the most exciting thing to think about. But it is one of the best ways to keep your money in check and actually feel good about where it’s going. The good news? You don’t have to be a finance expert or spend hours crunching numbers. With the right tools, budgeting can be easy and even a little fun.

Here are 7 tools I recommend to make budgeting simple, no matter your style or goals.

1. JamJars

JamJars is like a little money helper in your pocket. It links to your bank and credit cards and keeps track of what you spend. You can set budgets, get alerts when you’re close to your limit, and see all your bills in one place. And it’s free!

2. Meow Money Manager

Meow Money Manager helps you keep track of your spending and savings easily. You can set budgets, see where your money goes, and get reminders for bills. It’s simple to use and makes managing money less stressful.

3. EveryDollar

Created by personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, EveryDollar is straightforward and easy to use. You can build a zero-based budget (where your income minus expenses equals zero) right from your phone or computer. The free version works well, but if you want to connect your bank, there’s a paid upgrade.

4. Goodbudget

If you’re more of a hands-on person who likes the envelope budgeting method, Goodbudget is perfect. You set virtual envelopes for categories like groceries or entertainment and track your spending against them. It’s simple and helps prevent overspending.

5. PocketGuard

Want to know quickly how much money you have left to spend after bills and savings? PocketGuard does just that. It connects to your accounts and shows you what’s “in your pocket” to spend without guilt. It’s perfect for avoiding those “Where did my money go?” moments.

6. Simple Spreadsheet

Sometimes, keeping it old school works best. If you like having full control and don’t want to link accounts, a basic spreadsheet can do wonders. You can customize categories and track exactly what matters to you. Plus, there are lots of free templates online to get you started.

7. Personal Capital

This tool is fantastic if you want to budget but also keep an eye on your investments and net worth. It tracks spending and savings but goes beyond with financial planning tools. It’s free and geared more toward people interested in building wealth over time.