As the year winds down, it’s time to think about how to close out 2024 on a strong financial note. Just like Young Dolph once rapped, “Get paid, young n****, get paid,” the focus is on securing your bag and making sure your financial future is on point. Whether you’re budgeting for the holidays or planning for 2025, managing your money now ensures that next year won’t be a financial rollercoaster. These five apps will help you budget, save, and even start investing—and as a bonus, there’s one that lets your spare change work for you!
1. You Need A Budget (YNAB)
If you’re serious about making every dollar work for you, YNAB could be your best financial partner. YNAB uses zero-based budgeting, where you assign every dollar a job, from paying bills to saving for future goals. It’s all about giving you control so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses. With helpful tutorials and resources, YNAB goes beyond just budgeting; it helps you build better money habits over time. It costs $14.99 per month (or $109 per year), but the potential savings make it worth the price.
2. Goodbudget
If you prefer the old-school “envelope system,” but want the convenience of an app, Goodbudget has you covered. Think of it like giving each dollar a specific envelope—groceries, rent, fun money, you name it. Unlike other apps, you manually enter your income and expenses, making it great for those who like to stay hands-on. Goodbudget offers a free version, but if you want additional features like unlimited envelopes, you can upgrade for $10 per month.
3. Rocket Money
Ever forget about a subscription you signed up for ages ago? Enter Rocket Money. This app doesn’t just help you budget, it also tracks your subscriptions and negotiates lower bills on your behalf. It’s like having a money-saving assistant in your pocket! Rocket Money has a free version, but its premium features—such as subscription management—come at a price. Perfect for anyone looking to cut costs without spending hours combing through bank statements.
4. Honeydue
Managing money with your partner can be tricky, but Honeydue makes it easier. Whether you’re splitting bills or tracking joint expenses, Honeydue lets you and your partner stay on the same financial page. You can track both shared and individual finances, set up reminders for bills, and even chat about transactions in real time. And the best part? It’s free! For couples looking to build financial transparency, this app is a must.
5. Monarch Money
If you’re someone who likes visualizing your financial goals, Monarch Money offers a beautiful interface to help you track your spending, savings, and investments. With customizable categories and detailed charts, you can get a full snapshot of your financial health. Monarch’s premium plan costs $14.99 a month or $99.99 per year, but it’s perfect for those who want to dig deep into their financial progress.
Bonus: Acorns
For those ready to step into the world of investing without diving in headfirst, Acorns is an easy-to-use app that rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change. It’s a low-effort way to grow your savings, and you don’t need to be a stock market pro to use it. Acorns charges a monthly fee starting at $3, but it’s perfect for those who want to start small while building an investment habit.
Whether you’re wrapping up the year with a focus on savings, tackling those subscriptions, or starting to invest, these apps are here to help. Ending 2024 with your money under control not only gives you peace of mind but sets you up for a financially successful 2025. Choose the app that fits your style and goals, and you’ll be on track to crush it financially next year!