Managing your finances doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, and budgeting apps make it simple to track your spending, set spending limits, and manage your money. For years, Mint was a go-to tool for tracking spending and budgeting.
Since Mint shut down in early 2024, many Mint users have struggled to find the right alternative offering the same (or even better) features. The good news is that there are plenty of other budgeting apps to choose from, and a few standouts to consider.
Whether you're looking for customization in your budget, super strong security, or in-depth analytics, finding the right alternative to Mint will help you get back to budgeting easily, in a way that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Why you need an alternative
Budgeting is a cornerstone of sound financial health, and using a budgeting planner app is one of the easiest ways to make the process a simple part of your routine.
As Mint is no longer available, it’s important to consider apps that can fill the gap and even offer you more tailored solutions. Here are a few reasons why finding an alternative might be beneficial for your financial health:
Back to budgeting: Finding a new app will help you get back on track with budgeting regularly and staying on top of your finances.
More customization: Many modern apps allow you to create custom budget categories, set personalized alerts, and tailor reports to meet your specific needs.
Improved user experience: Today, plenty of apps offer cleaner designs and easier navigation that make managing finances simple and straightforward.
Strong security: Some platforms prioritize privacy by using enhanced encryption and limiting third-party access to ensure your financial data stays safe and protected.
More advanced features: Depending on your needs, you might want an app with investment tracking, debt payoff planning, or AI-driven insights to help you make smarter financial decisions.
Finding the right budgeting tool is about more than just tracking numbers — it’s about making money management easier, smarter, and stress-free. It’s important that you pick a platform that supports your financial goals and helps you stay in control of your money.
Features to look for in a budgeting app
When searching for a new budgeting tracker app, choosing something that fits your financial goals and lifestyle is important. There are plenty of options available, so focus on the key features that matter most to you.
Useful in-app tools
Transaction syncing: Seamless syncing with your bank and credit accounts will help ensure your financial data stays current, saving you time and reducing manual errors. An app with this feature will allow you to focus more time on understanding your spending rather than updating your app.
Categorization: Look for apps that offer flexible and intuitive categorization of transactions. You want a system that organizes your spending in a way that makes sense to you, helping you see exactly where your money is going.
Advanced analytics and reporting: Whether you prefer simple overviews or detailed breakdowns, strong analytics tools can help you identify spending patterns and areas for improvement. Apps that offer visual reports like bar graphs and line charts can turn complex data into more actionable insights.
Predictive analytics: If you want to plan ahead, apps with predictive analytics can help you forecast your future expenses, making budgeting easier when it comes to those irregular costs.
User interface and experience
A clean, easy-to-use interface is key to maintaining a solid budgeting routine. Apps with clear navigation and logical layouts will be better at helping you stay organized and focused on managing your finances, rather than figuring out how to use the app. The simpler, the better — so you can avoid mistakes and stay on track.
Cost and pricing models
The right price depends on what features you need. Some apps are free but offer only basic features, while others charge for more advanced capabilities. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and how much you expect to save with the tool’s insights. Sometimes, an app with premium features can pay for itself over time with better financial tracking.
Security and privacy
When you’re dealing with sensitive data, financial protection is non-negotiable. Choose an app with a strong reputation for protecting your personal information. A secure app will give you peace of mind so you can confidently link your accounts and track your finances without privacy concerns.
Albert: The all-in-one money app
Unlike apps that focus on just one aspect of financial health, Albert delivers a full-suite solution covering budgeting, investing, account protection and financial advice — all in one seamless experience. Its smart automation takes the guesswork out of managing money, making financial wellness feel effortless.
Why Albert stands out
Sync everything: Link all your accounts to Albert, and it’ll automatically sync transactions, balances, and net worth so you have a real-time view of your finances.
Customizable budget: Albert lets you create custom categories to organize your spending in the way that works best for you.
All-in-one convenience: Skip the hassle of juggling multiple apps. Albert combines budgeting, account protection, and investing in one intuitive platform, so you never need to switch between tools.
Real human guidance: Access financial guidance from experts when you need it most so you can confidently make more informed decisions.
Instant access to funds: With Albert’s Instant Advance feature, you can access up to $250 — with no credit check — to help you stay on top of your bills.
Shared budgeting: Simple and easy to manage finances with a partner. Create a shared budget, track joint expenses, and set shared financial goals.
Financial protection: Albert helps keep your finances secure with 24/7 identity and credit monitoring and real-time fraud alerts. It also scans the dark web for your personal information, helping to protect your privacy and prevent scams.
For those looking for a comprehensive, intelligent, and hassle-free financial app, Albert is the clear winner.
Personal Capital: Investment tracking
If growing your investments and planning for the future are top priorities, Personal Capital is a decent choice. This platform goes beyond basic budgeting, offering tools to track your net worth, analyze your portfolio, and plan for retirement — all in one place.
Key features
Investment analysis: Get insights into your portfolio’s performance, asset allocation, and potential fees.
Retirement planning: Use interactive calculators to project future savings and adjust your strategy based on different scenarios.
User-friendly visuals: Clear charts and graphs help you understand your financial health at a glance.
Personal Capital could be a good choice for those who want more than just budgeting — it’s designed for users who are focused on long-term financial growth.
While the free tools provide basic tracking and planning features, you do have to pay for advisory services if looking for hands-on investment management.
You Need a Budget (YNAB): Detailed budgeting
If you want detailed control over your money, You Need a Budget (YNAB) may be a good choice. Designed around the zero-based budgeting method, YNAB helps you give every dollar a job — ensuring your income is allocated with purpose, whether for savings, investments, or everyday expenses.
Key features
Zero-based budgeting: Assign every dollar to a category so nothing is left unaccounted for.
Financial planning: Forecast upcoming expenses and plan for long-term financial goals.
Educational focus: Built-in resources and workshops help users develop better financial habits.
YNAB requires a subscription after a free trial, but many users find that its savings and control justify the cost. YNAB offers a structured yet flexible approach to managing your money, but it may involve a learning curve.
PocketGuard: Simplicity
If you want a budgeting app that keeps things simple, PocketGuard is a solid option. Designed for ease of use, it gives you a quick, clear snapshot of your finances without the complexity of more advanced budgeting tools.
Key features
"In My Pocket" tool: Instantly shows how much disposable income you have after bills and savings.
Automatic transaction categorization: Links to your bank accounts and sorts expenses for you.
Spending insights: Highlights areas where you can cut costs and optimize your budget.
PocketGuard is helpful for anyone who wants a straightforward approach to money management. It provides minimal setup and automated features but lacks customizations with categories.
Tiller Money: Spreadsheet automation
If you prefer managing your budget in a spreadsheet and would rather skip the manual data entry, Tiller Money could be helpful. It automatically pulls transactions into Google Sheets or Excel, giving you more control without the tedious upkeep.
Key features
Automated data import: Connects to your bank accounts and updates your spreadsheets daily.
Customizable spreadsheets: Offers pre-built templates or lets you create your own.
Daily transaction summaries: Sends email updates to keep you informed.
Tiller Money is a good pick for spreadsheet users who want flexibility, accuracy, and automation in one place. If you like customizing your budget but want to avoid manual data entry, this may be the tool for you.
EveryDollar: Zero-based budgeting
EveryDollar is built around the zero-based budgeting concept, a method that ensures every dollar you earn has a job — whether it's covering expenses, saving, or paying off debt. This app is designed to keep budgeting simple, structured, and effective.
Key features
Zero-based budgeting: Helps you plan exactly where every dollar goes.
User-Friendly Layout: Organizes your budget into clear categories for easy tracking.
Manual or automatic tracking: The free version requires manual entry, while the paid version syncs with your bank accounts for automatic updates.
If you want a no-nonsense budgeting tool that keeps you on track without unnecessary complexity, EveryDollar is a good choice.
How to choose the right app for you
Choosing the right budgeting app comes down to how you manage your finances month to month. Different apps cater to different needs, so matching your app to your situation and goals is important.
If you have an irregular income, look for an app that allows flexibility and can adjust easily as your finances change. If your income is stable, you might benefit from an app with advanced analytics that tracks your savings and helps with long-term planning.
Think about how often you need updates on your spending. If you need frequent reminders of where your money’s going, choose an app that updates your transactions regularly. If you’re more hands-off, look for an app that automatically categorizes and syncs your data.
You should also consider how much automation you want and need. Some people prefer apps that do everything for them, like syncing data and categorizing expenses automatically. Others prefer more control and opt for manual entry to stay more engaged. Determine what level of involvement feels right for you, whether it's regular alerts or monthly summaries to keep you on track.
Once you’ve identified what matters most, start your research. Read user reviews, professional comparisons, and tutorials to understand the strengths and limitations of each platform. A free trial or demo version can also give you a hands-on sense of how the app works and if it fits your needs.
Finding the best budgeting tool for your needs
Searching through (and trying out) so many budgeting apps can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right tool is an important step toward financial clarity and security.
The best budgeting app for you will help you reach your financial goals, whether that’s paying off debt, tracking spending goals, or investing for the future. By exploring the different options out there, you’ll be able to find an alternative to Mint that more than fills the gap — ensuring that you’ll stick with it for the long haul.
For a comprehensive, hassle-free budgeting experience, consider Albert. With its smart expense tracking automation, all-in-one features, and user-friendly design, Albert takes the guesswork out of money management, giving you more time to focus on your financial goals.
⚡️Take control of your finances with Albert – sign up today and start budgeting smarter.