5 Best Budgeting Apps For Beginners (Pay Off More Debt in 2026!)

Episode Overview

Podcast: Frugal Friends Podcast
Episode: 5 Best Budgeting Apps For Beginners (Pay Off More Debt in 2026!)
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Date: December 19, 2025

In this episode, Jen and Jill dive into their latest recommendations for the five best budgeting apps for those new to budgeting or looking to regain control of their finances. Drawing on their personal experiences and authentic, unsponsored user reviews, the hosts break down each app's strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user profiles. With Mint now discontinued, the episode gives extra weight to finding viable free options. Stick around to the end for a newcomer free app that could be a game-changer for 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Update the Best Budgeting Apps List?

Since their last budgeting episode, several apps (notably Cube) are no longer viable.
The personal finance landscape has shifted, especially for free options post-Mint.
Aim: to equip listeners for a financially healthy new year with tools that meet a range of needs.

2. The Top 5 Budgeting Apps (with User Reviews & Highlights)

1. Monarch

[05:06] Jill: “Monarch… They are our top pick.”
Both hosts and many users love Monarch for its depth, collaborative features, and customizable categories.
User review highlight [05:43]:
"I'm not getting paid for saying this, guys. I'm just telling you this because this app has, like, actually changed my life."
Intuitive system that learns your transactions, categorizes them, and sends reminders if you overspend.
[07:18] Jen: “My favorite feature about Monarch is that they have widgets… every time I'm scrolling through my apps, I see my transactions on my phone.”
Great for sharing with partners; unlimited categories; strong notifications.
Code “frugal” gets 50% off the first year ([10:12]).
Transparent & pays for her own subscription, even with sponsorship ([10:33]).

2. Copilot

[11:40] Jill: Compared to Monarch, Copilot is “a more slick kind of modern look. The visualization is great.”
Has a smart budget feature; rollovers; more streamlined and simple.
User review highlight [12:20]:
"I just started using the app Copilot… so scarily comprehensive. I added all my credit cards, investments, and cash accounts…it basically takes all of that into account with your monthly income and it's able to show you a dashboard of all the useful things you need."
Costs $95 per year after free trial, but valued for aggregation and simplicity.

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

[14:48] Jill: “This is another cult favorite… but a cult favorite in the best way.”
Focus on zero-based budgeting: assign every dollar a job using only money already in your account.
[15:53] User review:
"It has changed my life. That sounds super dramatic, but it's not even hyperbole. I really could not live without YNAB anymore."
Steeper learning curve on setup—user recommends YouTube tutorials.
Unique methodology, great educational resources, highly active budgeting, perfect for beginners eager to learn the structure.
[18:46] Jen: “If you’re looking to join a [budgeting] cult, this is the best one… If you are a beginner, YNAB is probably hands-down the best budget for beginners.”

4. Crew Finance (Cube Alternative)

[21:32] Jen: “Our next recommendation… Crew… is also a banking app.”
Crew combines budgeting and banking (with a debit card) and is free.
User review highlight [22:05]:
“Crew Finance is totally free... Both cards promote mindful spending. When you make a transaction, you need to go into your app and select where that money's going to come from… Crew Finance checking accounts are high yield—3.7% APY, which is competitive with a lot of high-yield savings accounts.”
Great for parents—kids features, joint accounts, FDIC insured, high-touch founders.
[24:15] Jill: “That high-yield checking account though—that is what’s drawn me in, baby.”
Mindful spending is strengthened by requiring users to ‘open’ a pocket before spending.
Still new, but improving and responsive to user feedback.

5. Free Budget

[27:13] Jill: “It’s called Free Budget… and it’s completely free. And if you’re wondering how, we actually don’t know. They don’t have ads and they don’t sell your data.”
Built by a friend of Jill’s, super basic and spreadsheet-like, but also desktop and mobile-friendly.
Perfect for spreadsheet lovers who want to get more automation.
Users can link accounts (paying only Plaid’s fee, not a profit to Free Budget), or keep it entirely manual and free.
[29:44] Jen: “The user interface… is quite great. It’s got a good color palette. It’s very easy to see what you’ve budgeted… So there’s a lot of insights you can get to without the clutter.”
Main advantage: A true, no-fuss free option in an ecosystem where these are rapidly disappearing.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Spirit of the Episode:
"If you're trying to save money, spend less, adopt minimalism, pay off debt or reach financial independence, we think you'll like the show." — Jen ([01:27])
On User Empowerment:
"We're going to give you the real user experience, not just what looks good on a website." — Jill ([01:46])
On Outdated Apps:
"Rip Cube… That left Cube holding the bag. It wasn't anything bad Cube did, but right now you can't sign up for Cube." — Jen ([03:44])
On Great Apps for Beginners:
"If you are a beginner, I would say that YNAB is probably hands down the best budget for beginners." — Jen ([18:46])
On Involvement with New Apps:
"One of the things I like about new up-and-coming apps is the ability to be part of the facilitation of improving the app." — Jill ([26:02])
On Free Options Fading:
"Finding a free budgeting app in today's day and age is nearly impossible.” — Jen ([30:57])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:27] Intro to episode theme & why update the apps list
[03:44] Why Cube was dropped & cube’s shutdown story
[05:06–10:35] Monarch: features, widget chat, notification system, user review
[11:40–13:17] Copilot: esthetics, dashboard, rollovers, user review
[14:48–20:56] YNAB: zero-based budgeting, cult status, user review, setup tips
[21:32–26:43] Crew: Cube alternative, user review, benefits for families, high-yield checking
[27:13–31:32] Free Budget: truly free, manual vs. sync, best for spreadsheet lovers
[34:48] Listener's “Bill of the Week”: saving on home insurance with an actionable tip
[40:07–42:42] Host budget confessions: current budgeting situations & methodology discussions
[43:00] 90-day debt free fast track community announcement

Listener Engagement: “Bill of the Week” [33:27]

Amy from Nova Scotia shares a money-saving tip on home insurance:
"Sometimes something as small as removing a pool or adding a security system can actually save us money every month.”
She saved $60/month by switching providers after learning her old insurance wouldn’t cover solar panels.

Hosts’ Own Budgeting Practices

Jill: Uses a simple spreadsheet, beginning to try Free Budget for increased simplicity and sharing.
Jen: Uses Monarch for transaction awareness and accountability, especially as she manages variable rental income and prepares for a “no spend January.”

Community Initiatives & Wrap-Up

90-Day Debt Free Fast Track—January–March 2026:
Helping the community collectively pay off $100K; challenges include a no-spend January.
Listener Call to Action:
Try the recommended apps and help others by sharing your reviews and experiences!
Book Plug:
Buy What You Love Without Going Broke—book review read aloud, encourages listeners to find their “radical middle” with money.

Final Rundown: The Five Budgeting Apps

Monarch: Deep customizability, widgets, collaborative, best for users seeking strong control and UX.
Copilot: Sleek, modern visualization, simple to use, strong aggregation, monthly rollovers.
YNAB: Zero-based budgeting, educational, best for hands-on beginners and “budgeting cult” enthusiasts.
Crew: Cube-style mindful spending meets banking, high-yield checking, great for families, free.
Free Budget: Minimalist, free, spreadsheet-aligned, great for simplicity and those leery of paid apps.

Further Listening

For deeper commitment: Check their episode on “How to do a No Buy or Low Buy Year in 2026.”
How to participate: Visit frugalfriendspodcast.com for fast track info, budgeting spreadsheet, or to submit your “Bill of the Week.”

(This summary covers all essential information and major host discussions while skipping all ad and non-content interruptions.)

Episode Overview

Podcast: Frugal Friends Podcast
Episode: 5 Best Budgeting Apps For Beginners (Pay Off More Debt in 2026!)
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Date: December 19, 2025

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Update the Best Budgeting Apps List?

Since their last budgeting episode, several apps (notably Cube) are no longer viable.
The personal finance landscape has shifted, especially for free options post-Mint.
Aim: to equip listeners for a financially healthy new year with tools that meet a range of needs.

2. The Top 5 Budgeting Apps (with User Reviews & Highlights)

1. Monarch

[05:06] Jill: “Monarch… They are our top pick.”
Both hosts and many users love Monarch for its depth, collaborative features, and customizable categories.
User review highlight [05:43]:
"I'm not getting paid for saying this, guys. I'm just telling you this because this app has, like, actually changed my life."
Intuitive system that learns your transactions, categorizes them, and sends reminders if you overspend.
[07:18] Jen: “My favorite feature about Monarch is that they have widgets… every time I'm scrolling through my apps, I see my transactions on my phone.”
Great for sharing with partners; unlimited categories; strong notifications.
Code “frugal” gets 50% off the first year ([10:12]).
Transparent & pays for her own subscription, even with sponsorship ([10:33]).

2. Copilot

[11:40] Jill: Compared to Monarch, Copilot is “a more slick kind of modern look. The visualization is great.”
Has a smart budget feature; rollovers; more streamlined and simple.
User review highlight [12:20]:
"I just started using the app Copilot… so scarily comprehensive. I added all my credit cards, investments, and cash accounts…it basically takes all of that into account with your monthly income and it's able to show you a dashboard of all the useful things you need."
Costs $95 per year after free trial, but valued for aggregation and simplicity.

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

[14:48] Jill: “This is another cult favorite… but a cult favorite in the best way.”
Focus on zero-based budgeting: assign every dollar a job using only money already in your account.
[15:53] User review:
"It has changed my life. That sounds super dramatic, but it's not even hyperbole. I really could not live without YNAB anymore."
Steeper learning curve on setup—user recommends YouTube tutorials.
Unique methodology, great educational resources, highly active budgeting, perfect for beginners eager to learn the structure.
[18:46] Jen: “If you’re looking to join a [budgeting] cult, this is the best one… If you are a beginner, YNAB is probably hands-down the best budget for beginners.”

4. Crew Finance (Cube Alternative)

[21:32] Jen: “Our next recommendation… Crew… is also a banking app.”
Crew combines budgeting and banking (with a debit card) and is free.
User review highlight [22:05]:
“Crew Finance is totally free... Both cards promote mindful spending. When you make a transaction, you need to go into your app and select where that money's going to come from… Crew Finance checking accounts are high yield—3.7% APY, which is competitive with a lot of high-yield savings accounts.”
Great for parents—kids features, joint accounts, FDIC insured, high-touch founders.
[24:15] Jill: “That high-yield checking account though—that is what’s drawn me in, baby.”
Mindful spending is strengthened by requiring users to ‘open’ a pocket before spending.
Still new, but improving and responsive to user feedback.

5. Free Budget

[27:13] Jill: “It’s called Free Budget… and it’s completely free. And if you’re wondering how, we actually don’t know. They don’t have ads and they don’t sell your data.”
Built by a friend of Jill’s, super basic and spreadsheet-like, but also desktop and mobile-friendly.
Perfect for spreadsheet lovers who want to get more automation.
Users can link accounts (paying only Plaid’s fee, not a profit to Free Budget), or keep it entirely manual and free.
[29:44] Jen: “The user interface… is quite great. It’s got a good color palette. It’s very easy to see what you’ve budgeted… So there’s a lot of insights you can get to without the clutter.”
Main advantage: A true, no-fuss free option in an ecosystem where these are rapidly disappearing.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Spirit of the Episode:
"If you're trying to save money, spend less, adopt minimalism, pay off debt or reach financial independence, we think you'll like the show." — Jen ([01:27])
On User Empowerment:
"We're going to give you the real user experience, not just what looks good on a website." — Jill ([01:46])
On Outdated Apps:
"Rip Cube… That left Cube holding the bag. It wasn't anything bad Cube did, but right now you can't sign up for Cube." — Jen ([03:44])
On Great Apps for Beginners:
"If you are a beginner, I would say that YNAB is probably hands down the best budget for beginners." — Jen ([18:46])
On Involvement with New Apps:
"One of the things I like about new up-and-coming apps is the ability to be part of the facilitation of improving the app." — Jill ([26:02])
On Free Options Fading:
"Finding a free budgeting app in today's day and age is nearly impossible.” — Jen ([30:57])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:27] Intro to episode theme & why update the apps list
[03:44] Why Cube was dropped & cube’s shutdown story
[05:06–10:35] Monarch: features, widget chat, notification system, user review
[11:40–13:17] Copilot: esthetics, dashboard, rollovers, user review
[14:48–20:56] YNAB: zero-based budgeting, cult status, user review, setup tips
[21:32–26:43] Crew: Cube alternative, user review, benefits for families, high-yield checking
[27:13–31:32] Free Budget: truly free, manual vs. sync, best for spreadsheet lovers
[34:48] Listener's “Bill of the Week”: saving on home insurance with an actionable tip
[40:07–42:42] Host budget confessions: current budgeting situations & methodology discussions
[43:00] 90-day debt free fast track community announcement

Listener Engagement: “Bill of the Week” [33:27]

Amy from Nova Scotia shares a money-saving tip on home insurance:
"Sometimes something as small as removing a pool or adding a security system can actually save us money every month.”
She saved $60/month by switching providers after learning her old insurance wouldn’t cover solar panels.

Hosts’ Own Budgeting Practices

Jill: Uses a simple spreadsheet, beginning to try Free Budget for increased simplicity and sharing.
Jen: Uses Monarch for transaction awareness and accountability, especially as she manages variable rental income and prepares for a “no spend January.”

Community Initiatives & Wrap-Up

90-Day Debt Free Fast Track—January–March 2026:
Helping the community collectively pay off $100K; challenges include a no-spend January.
Listener Call to Action:
Try the recommended apps and help others by sharing your reviews and experiences!
Book Plug:
Buy What You Love Without Going Broke—book review read aloud, encourages listeners to find their “radical middle” with money.

Final Rundown: The Five Budgeting Apps

Monarch: Deep customizability, widgets, collaborative, best for users seeking strong control and UX.
Copilot: Sleek, modern visualization, simple to use, strong aggregation, monthly rollovers.
YNAB: Zero-based budgeting, educational, best for hands-on beginners and “budgeting cult” enthusiasts.
Crew: Cube-style mindful spending meets banking, high-yield checking, great for families, free.
Free Budget: Minimalist, free, spreadsheet-aligned, great for simplicity and those leery of paid apps.

Further Listening

For deeper commitment: Check their episode on “How to do a No Buy or Low Buy Year in 2026.”
How to participate: Visit frugalfriendspodcast.com for fast track info, budgeting spreadsheet, or to submit your “Bill of the Week.”

(This summary covers all essential information and major host discussions while skipping all ad and non-content interruptions.)

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Update the Best Budgeting Apps List?

2. The Top 5 Budgeting Apps (with User Reviews & Highlights)

1. Monarch

2. Copilot

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

4. Crew Finance (Cube Alternative)

5. Free Budget

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Listener Engagement: “Bill of the Week” [33:27]

Hosts’ Own Budgeting Practices

Community Initiatives & Wrap-Up

Final Rundown: The Five Budgeting Apps

Further Listening

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Update the Best Budgeting Apps List?

2. The Top 5 Budgeting Apps (with User Reviews & Highlights)

1. Monarch

2. Copilot

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

4. Crew Finance (Cube Alternative)

5. Free Budget

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Listener Engagement: “Bill of the Week” [33:27]

Hosts’ Own Budgeting Practices

Community Initiatives & Wrap-Up

Final Rundown: The Five Budgeting Apps

Further Listening