💻 Best Free Tools for Managing Finances
Because peace of mind shouldn’t come with a monthly fee.
Managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated — or expensive. With so many free tools out there, you can track your spending, set goals, and stay organized without paying a dime.
At The Everyday Edit, I’ve tested a lot of apps and systems, and these are my go-to free tools that make managing finances feel easier and more empowering — even on a busy schedule.
1. 🧾 Mint (by Intuit)
Best for: Budgeting, expense tracking, and net worth monitoring
Mint links to your bank accounts and automatically categorizes transactions.
You can set budgets, track goals, and see your full financial picture in one clean dashboard.
💡 Why I love it: Real-time updates, easy-to-use interface, and goal reminders.
2. 📊 Google Sheets
Best for: Custom budgets and DIY tracking
If you like full control over your layout, formulas, and categories, Google Sheets is your best friend.
There are hundreds of free templates online for:
Monthly budgets
Debt payoff trackers
Savings goals
💡 Why I love it: Fully customizable and easy to share with a partner.
3. 💡 YNAB’s Free Trial (You Need A Budget)
Best for: Zero-based budgeting & intentional spending
YNAB offers a 34-day free trial — and even though it’s technically not “forever free,” it’s amazing for a budgeting reset.
You assign every dollar a job and build spending awareness fast.
💡 Why I love it: Great training wheels for long-term habits.
4. 🧠 Goodbudget
Best for: Envelope-style budgeting (manual entry)
Goodbudget helps you divvy up your money into digital “envelopes” for spending categories.
Unlike Mint, it’s more hands-on — great for conscious spenders.
💡 Why I love it: Ideal for couples or shared budgets.
5. 📅 Truebill (now Rocket Money)
Best for: Subscription tracking + bill negotiation
This app helps you track and cancel unused subscriptions. It also negotiates bills (like phone or internet) on your behalf.
💡 Why I love it: I found two forgotten subscriptions and saved $120/year.
Bonus: Paper + Pen
Don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten tracker.
Sometimes writing your expenses manually builds more awareness than any app can.
Final Thoughts
Managing your money doesn’t have to cost anything — just a bit of attention and intention.
Try a tool, stay curious, and remember: you’re the CEO of your finances, no matter your income.
Do you use any of these tools — or have a free favorite to add? Share it in the comments — let’s build money confidence together 💛
