As of 2023, the cost of living is skyrocketing, leaving many households looking for ways to save. But budgeting can easily fall by the wayside if you don’t have a plan. Need help getting your personal finances under control? Budgeting apps might be just what you need.
There are so many options to choose from, you might not know where to start! So, we’ve put together a list of the best apps to help you start saving on that all-important household budget.
How do budgeting apps work?
Every budgeting app is different, but all of them work by helping you manage your money. Some budgeting apps use a specific approach such as helping you track your spending, pay bills, track bill due dates and save towards your financial goals. While others help you save money to put towards your outgoings or savings.
In this article, we’ve included a few different types of apps to help with your household budget, from specific budgeting apps like YNAB and Mint, to more general money-saving apps to help you save on things like your energy bills, food shopping and petrol costs.
Some of the apps in this list are powered by geofencing technology, making it possible for users to receive personalized location-aware notifications. By sharing your location with the app, you can enjoy access to exclusive location-based offers and more personalized deals as it gets to know your preferences.
Best budgeting apps for personal finances
YNAB – You Need a Budget
Get started with a free trial
Hailed as one of the best budgeting apps of 2022, You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a top choice for getting your finances in check. According to US-based YNAB, new budgeters typically save a whopping $600 in the first two months and more than $6,000 in their first year. Impressive, eh?!
To get started, all you have to do is sign up and create your budget, setting specific amounts for things like your rent, mortgage, car payments and more. You can sync your bank accounts, import your data or manually enter each transaction. Set goals such as getting one month ahead with your household budget. And to keep you on track, YNAB offers plenty of customer support.
The company says privacy and security are its top priority, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands with YNAB. Users can start with a free 34-day trial, after which the cost is $14.99 per month or $98.99 per year.
Mint
The most popular free budget app available
This free, easy-to-use budgeting app will help you keep every expense crystal clear. Owned by Intuit (the same company that owns QuickBooks) Mint comes complete with plenty of features including free TransUnion credit score updates, automatic transaction categorizing, fraud detection and alerts for rising subscription costs.
You can sync your bank accounts in the app or manually add transactions. Keep track of your spending, create custom goals, and get 24/7 access to your credit score, for free. And with Mint’s 256-bit encryption and multi-factor authentication, your finances are safe and secure. With more than 25 million users, Mint is the most popular budgeting app available.
Budgeting apps for deals & cashback
Vouchercloud
Find the best price on your utilities, broadband & insurance
Vouchercloud is a money-saving app that gives you access to thousands of vouchers and discount codes. You can make fantastic savings on everything from fashion and beauty, to everyday essentials such as food shopping and homeware. The Vouchercloud compare tool also makes it easy to find the best price on your utilities, broadband and insurance, so you can say farewell to those over-priced bills.
Powered by location-based technology, this UK-based app can even send you personalized deals and discounts while you’re out near your favorite stores. To get started, simply download the app for free and opt-in to share your location.
Airtime Rewards
Reduce your phone bill
Airtime Rewards is a fantastic cashback app that could help you reduce your phone bill, or even pay it off completely! Get up to 10% cashback on purchases at an array of UK-based retailers such as Asda, Argos, Wilko and more. The popular app says it has saved members millions of pounds simply from shopping at their favorite stores.
There’s no voucher codes or fiddly details to worry about. Simply download the app, shop at partner retailers and pay as you normally would in-store and online. Then they’ll track and reward every purchase, so you can redeem rewards towards your mobile phone bill.
Don’t forget to opt-in to share your location with the app for even more personalized deals and notifications.
Best apps for petrol & energy budgeting
JouleBug
Save on your energy bills
JouleBug is a sustainable app that helps you save on your energy budget by making your everyday habits greener. Packed with cool features like motivational challenges and eco-friendly tasks, it’ll help you reduce waste, lower your energy bills and have fun along the way.
Perform tasks such as ‘Bin to Win’, ‘Washing Cold’, ‘Save a Flush’ and more. They’ve hand-picked the best parts of social media, mobile gaming and educational tools to make the app useful, engaging and fun – all at the same time. Track your impact with your stats, fill your trophy case and follow your friends and family to see how they’re making a difference.
FuelGenie
Locate the nearest petrol station
The FuelGenie app helps drivers easily locate the best deal on fuel. Using location technology, it’s an easy way to see the closest petrol stations and find the best fuel price. When the app is first used you’ll be prompted to allow the app to use location services. Once location permissions are accepted, it will automatically show you the petrol stations closest to your location.
Fuel prices are displayed above the petrol stations when looking at the map view on the app. Simply select the fuel you want to see the price for and the map will update to show the available options with the fuel station details, petrol prices and opening hours – all saving your valuable time and money.
BeBlue
Get location-aware deals
Brazilian-based BeBlue helps you get cashback at thousands of restaurants and shops. Use it at gas stations, snack bars, supermarkets and more, paying by debit or credit card, and then collect a refund on some of the cost straight into your BeBlue account.
Simply download the app free from Google Play Store or App Store, set up your account and you’re ready to go. As with many of the apps in this list, BeBlue works with geofencing technology to offer its users a personalized experience based on their geographical location.
Apps to save on your shopping budget
CheckoutSmart
Make your shopping more rewarding
Ease the strain on your household budget by earning cashback every time you go to the supermarket. CheckoutSmart shopping app lets you view exclusive offers on all your favorite grocery brands, get your shopping in-store or online, and get cashback into your account. All you have to do is upload a picture of your shopping receipt.
Start today and you can stock up on discounted items at top UK-based retailers such as Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Aldi and many more. Keep an eye out for free groceries and fun competitions for even more savings.
Shopmium
For food shopping on a budget
Feed your family for less with Shopmium, a UK-based shopping app that claims it can save shoppers a whopping £50 on their weekly food budget. Customers can get money back on their weekly food shop with exclusive supermarket offers, half price discounts and the chance to win vouchers. You can even get free food!
What’s more, the app’s in-built geofencing feature will help you find local deals. To get started, simply download the app, opt-in to share your location and start shopping in-store or online. Scan your receipt after paying and allow one to three business days to receive 100% cashback into your bank or Paypal account. You can also earn £3 credit by referring a friend to the app.
Future Pay
A digital wallet for cashless shopping
Future Pay is an India-based app with a digital wallet for cashless shopping. It’s compatible for use across more than 1500 Future Group stores including Central Brand Factory, Big Bazaar, Heritage Fresh and many more.
It boasts a cool price match feature to ensure you always get the lowest price, as well as app-exclusive cashback offers and multiple loyalty card linking so you can save and spend your loyalty rewards all in one place. What’s more, user’s benefit from fantastic location-based deals and discounts. All you have to do is download the app, share your location and start making savings straight away.
Are you a business with an app?
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If you need help getting started with location-based marketing, or you want to find out more about how our platform can drive results for your business, contact PlotProjects today. You can try our demo app for free here.