The Best Personal Finance Apps
Date:Sunday October 12, 2025
With all the stress in the world, especially in the lives of first responders, managing your money should be as simple as possible. While some people may shy away from using digital services to help keep track of finances, there are huge benefits to using technology to stay on top of your budget and be able to make financial decisions without taking much time out of your day. Here are some of the top financial apps to check out, whether you’re just dipping your toes into the water of debt management or are already a mogul in the making.
Mint
Mint, Intuit’s personal finance app, is one of the most well-known financial tools that provides your complete financial picture in one place. Mint allows users to create budgets, track bills and investments, and receive a free credit score—but the service provides far more than just tracking. Mint recently announced an app refresh with data-driven “MintSights.” Using your actual financial information, MintSights will provide personalized recommendations, from creating a first budget to debt consolidation to how to grow your investments. You can use the app exclusively or access your account via computer, and the service is free to use.
You Need a Budget (YNAB)
You Need a Budget (YNAB for short) is a popular personal finance app that’s based on four financial rules: Give every dollar a job, Embrace your true expenses, Roll with the punches, and Age your money. These principles help users understand their spending and create a budget they can live within. The platform is available on desktop or mobile and allows you to import transactions from your accounts and apply them to different adjustable budget categories, helping you better understand your spending. You can also view reports on how you spent your money and get tips on how to make the most of it going forward. By using their app, YNAB claims the average new user saves around $600 in the first two months and roughly $6,000 a year. It’s free to get started, but keep in mind that after the initial trial period of 34 days, you’ll be required to pay a monthly subscription of $6.99.
PocketGuard
If you often find yourself wondering where your paycheck went, PocketGuard might be the right tool for you. The app links to your financial accounts and automatically categorizes your spending, showing you exactly how much “pocket money” you have left after covering bills, savings goals, and necessities. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to identify overspending and find opportunities to save. PocketGuard also provides custom insights into recurring subscriptions and can suggest ways to reduce your monthly expenses.
Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Empower is ideal for anyone who wants to not only budget but also build long-term wealth. The app combines expense tracking with powerful investment tools, allowing users to monitor their spending while also managing their portfolios, 401(k)s, and retirement goals—all in one place. The dashboard offers a holistic view of your financial health, and its “Retirement Planner” tool can project your future income needs based on your current habits. Empower is free to use for its core financial tracking features, with optional wealth management services available for a fee.
Mobile technology can be a powerful source of financial wellness support. Be sure to download the Lighthouse Health & Wellness app for the latest information and resources, all designed with first responders in mind.