How to Choose a Budgeting App You'll Actually Use
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026 | 3 min read
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Why most budgeting apps fail
67% of budgeting app users abandon them within 3 months. The #1 reason: the app doesn't match their budgeting style. Zero-based budgeters need YNAB. Trackers need Monarch Money. Automated savers need apps with round-up features.
Budgeting methods explained
Zero-based (YNAB): give every dollar a job. 50/30/20 (most apps): needs/wants/savings split. Envelope system (Goodbudget): allocate cash to categories. Pay-yourself-first: automate savings, spend what's left. Each has trade-offs.
Must-have features
Bank syncing (saves hours), goal tracking, bill reminders, net worth tracking, investment tracking, and couples support. Skip apps without bank sync — manual entry kills adoption.
Life after mint
With Mint shut down in 2024, users migrated to Monarch Money (best replacement), YNAB (best for serious budgeters), Copilot (best for Apple users), and Simplifi by Quicken (best for bill tracking).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YNAB worth the price?
Users save an average of $600 in the first 2 months and $6,000 in the first year. At $14.99/mo, it pays for itself almost immediately for most users.
What happened to Mint?
Mint was shut down by Intuit in early 2024. Most users have migrated to Monarch Money, YNAB, or Simplifi.