BUDGETING
Save The Dough
Happy Tuesday — Steve from Feasible Creative here.
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One question I get all the time: Are budget apps actually worth paying for?
On the surface, paying for an app that’s supposed to help you save money seems counterintuitive, but there’s more to consider before dismissing the idea.
Today let’s break down the pros and cons of paid budget apps vs. spreadsheets:
Should you pay for Budgeting Apps?
Personally, I use paid budgeting apps because the time saved from automatically tracking my transactions is worth the relatively low cost. That said, I also use a “free” spreadsheet for a high-level overview of my finances, so I understand both sides of the debate.
To learn more, I put together the chart below outlining key pros and cons of paid budget apps vs. spreadsheets:
Type | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|
Spreadsheets | Full data control & privacy Simple & customizable Great for beginners | Limited features & automations Manual entry required No customer support |
Paid Budget Apps | Bank syncing & transaction categorization Ongoing updates Dashboards | Monthly/Annual subscription fees Steeper learning curves |
Now that you’ve seen some of the tradeoffs, check out the below list of three top budgeting options to consider:
Best Budget Options (For Anyone)
💰 YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Best For: people who want to be intentional by assigning every dollar a purpose
Pros: Strong community support, uses a zero-based budgeting method
Cons: Subscription fee, steep learning curve for beginners
📊 Quicken Simplifi
Best For: people who prefer a more passive budgeting experience and want to track investments
Pros: Investment tracker, simple to use interface
Cons: Subscription fee
📁 My Free Budget Template
Best For: beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to pay for a budgeting app
Pros: Free and fully customizable
Cons: Manual data entry, doesn’t sync with bank accounts
What do you think about paying for budget apps? Hit reply and let me know!
CREDIT CARDS
Credit Card Reviews
Check out my reviews of some top credit card options available today. When used responsibly, these can be a great addition to your financial toolkit.
RESOURCES
Creative Fuel
🎵 Music: This Boiler Room set by YOUSUKE YUKIMATSU was incredible. Even if this isn’t your usual genre, the energy and crowd connection make it worth watching.
🎞️ Video: Similar to last week, I’m still enjoying Gary Vee’s media tour. Check out his conversation with the boys from the 505 Podcast.
YOUTUBE
In Case You Missed It
This video just hit 10,000 views. Check out the best budgeting apps available today (FYI — this was before I knew how great Quicken Simplifi was).
Keep Saving,
Steve | Feasible Creative
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it will certainly get you a better class of memories.” - Ronald Reagan
Disclaimer: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any financial decisions. This newsletter may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.