Top 10 Apps to Help You Stick to Your Financial Resolutions in 2025
Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? According to a recent study published in Forbes, financial resolutions, such as saving more money or sticking to a budget, are among the most commonly abandoned goals. However, with the right tools, it’s possible to overcome these challenges and stay committed to your financial ambitions.
Recent research from The Journal of Financial Planning reveals that technology plays a pivotal role in helping individuals manage their finances effectively. Personal finance apps are particularly useful, as they provide insights, reminders, and even gamified approaches to saving money.
According to financial expert Dr. Susan Clarke, “Using digital tools to manage your financial resolutions is not just convenient; it’s transformative. These apps can hold you accountable, provide real-time feedback, and help you visualize your progress.”
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 apps that can help you stick to your financial resolutions and achieve your money goals.
Mint is one of the most popular personal finance apps, and for good reason. It allows you to create budgets, track your spending, and monitor all your financial accounts in one place. With features like bill reminders and customized spending insights, Mint ensures you stay on top of your financial goals.
- Best For: Budgeting and expense tracking
- Key Features: Free credit score monitoring, personalized financial tips, and goal setting
- Cost: Free
- YNAB (You Need A Budget)
YNAB takes budgeting to the next level by encouraging users to assign every dollar a job. Its proactive approach helps you stay ahead of expenses and prioritize saving. According to Business Insider, YNAB users save an average of $6,000 in their first year.
- Best For: Hands-on budgeting and debt payoff
- Key Features: Goal tracking, debt reduction tools, and educational resources
- Cost: $14.99/month or $98.99/year
PocketGuard simplifies money management by showing how much disposable income you have after accounting for bills and savings goals. Its “In My Pocket” feature makes financial planning straightforward and actionable.
- Best For: Simplified budgeting
- Key Features: Automated savings, subscription tracking, and spending insights
- Cost: Free (Premium version available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year)
Acorns is an investment app designed for beginners. It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into diversified portfolios. This hands-off approach makes it easy to start building wealth without even thinking about it.
- Best For: Passive investing
- Key Features: Round-ups, automated investing, and retirement accounts
- Cost: Starts at $3/month
Goodbudget uses the envelope budgeting system, a proven method for controlling spending. The app’s virtual envelopes help you allocate funds for specific categories, ensuring you stick to your budget.
- Best For: Traditional budgeters
- Key Features: Expense tracking, goal setting, and shared budgets for couples
- Cost: Free (Premium version available for $7/month or $60/year)
For those with more complex financial needs, Personal Capital offers robust tools for tracking investments, net worth, and retirement planning. It’s highly regarded by CNBC as a top choice for professionals.
- Best For: Investment tracking and wealth management
- Key Features: Portfolio analysis, retirement planner, and fee analyzer
- Cost: Free (Wealth management services available for a fee)
Managing money as a couple can be challenging, but Honeydue makes it easier. This app allows partners to share financial information, set budgets, and communicate about expenses in real-time.
- Best For: Couples
- Key Features: Shared budgeting, bill reminders, and financial transparency tools
- Cost: Free
Created by Dave Ramsey’s team, EveryDollar is a zero-based budgeting app that aligns with the Ramsey method. It’s simple, effective, and designed to help you achieve financial peace.
- Best For: Zero-based budgeting enthusiasts
- Key Features: Debt payoff tracking, customizable categories, and user-friendly interface
- Cost: Free (Premium version available for $12.99/month or $79.99/year)
Zeta is another excellent option for couples. It allows partners to manage joint and individual finances while keeping everything transparent. Its features are particularly beneficial for those combining finances for the first time.
- Best For: Joint finances
- Key Features: Shared accounts, financial goal tracking, and bill splitting
- Cost: Free
Spendee is a visually appealing app that helps you manage your money with ease. Its intuitive design and focus on user experience make it a favorite for many.
- Best For: Visual money management
- Key Features: Expense tracking, budget sharing, and multi-currency support
- Cost: Free (Premium version available for $2.99/month or $22.99/year)
Expert Tips for Maximizing Financial Apps
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve, whether it’s saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund.
- Stay Consistent: Regularly update your app with accurate information to get the most out of its features.
- Leverage Premium Features: Many apps offer advanced tools that can make a significant difference for a small fee.
- Combine Apps: Sometimes, using a combination of apps can address all your financial needs, such as budgeting, investing, and saving.
Conclusion
Sticking to your financial resolutions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right apps, you can simplify your financial management, stay motivated, and track your progress effortlessly. Whether you’re looking to budget better, invest more, or manage joint finances, there’s an app on this list for you.
References
- “The Power of Technology in Financial Planning,” Journal of Financial Planning.
- “The 80% Rule: Why Most Resolutions Fail,” Forbes.
- Dr. Susan Clarke’s expert opinion, Business Insider.
- “Top Financial Apps for Professionals,” CNBC.
