Key takeaways.
- Money management apps can make it easier to track spending save when you have multiple accounts or goals on the go.
- Look for an app or tool that can connect accounts, track expenses, set goals and provide financial insights.
- Budgeting apps that use structured systems (zero-based budgeting, envelope system) to allocate funds effectively are also useful to compartmentalise your savings.
- Micro-investing apps can round up purchases and invest spare change, while also offering spending insights and forecasts.
- Expense tracker apps that focus on reducing grocery bills, planning meals, splitting costs and sending instant payments are useful for splitting household costs.
- These apps you choose should act like an extra pair of hands, helping Australians stay on top of bills, manage savings and reach financial goals more easily.
For many juggling a mortgage, kids’ education, home improvements – and whatever else life throws your way – getting ahead financially can feel like climbing a hill in thongs – possible, but a lot harder than it needs to be. Knowing exactly where your money’s going is half the battle. And that’s where a good app to track spending can help.
Plenty of Aussies want to keep a closer eye on their finances. Recent Moneysmart research found almost half of Millennials (43%) and Gen Xers (45%) set creating or updating their budget as their new years’ resolution. But only about 8% of these people manage to stick to it.
That gap between good intentions and real follow-through is where an app to track spending can help. While you’re busy trying to balance life, there’s a whole suite of money apps ready to do the budgeting heavy lifting. Think of them as an extra pair of hands tracking where your money goes, organising bills, growing your savings, looking out for a bargain, or even reminding you which mate still owes for dinner last weekend.
Here are some of the top money management apps Aussies are using right now.
Money management apps.
ME Go.
iOS rating: 4.6
Android app store rating: 4.5
For ME customers, the ME Go app makes keeping an eye on your finances simple. Whether you’re saving for something specific, want to get on top of bills, or trying to spot where you could be spending less, this money manager app makes it easy. You can send money in a flash and create multiple savings accounts for everything from weekend getaways to emergency funds.
Easily access insights within the app that will help you hit your savings goals. Real-time alerts and easy access to statements make managing money straightforward, while live chat support is there if you need a hand.
Key features:
- Instant payments
- Bill tracker
- Spending controls
- Savings goals and multiple accounts
- Mobile banking tools
Buddy.
iOS rating: 5.0
Whether you’re saving for a healthy retirement or trying to put together a home deposit, getting a clear picture of your finances is key. Buddy is a savings app built to make managing money simple and stress-free.
From tracking expenses to setting savings goals and organising family budgets, it’s designed for those looking for efficient, intelligent control of their finances. The app gives you real-time insights into where your money’s going and how to stay on track, all through an easy-to-use interface.
Key features:
- Comprehensive money tracking
- Family budgeting tools
- Intuitive financial planning
- Free and premium options
WeMoney.
iOS rating: 4.5
Android app store rating: 4.6
Whether it’s saving for a renovation, overseas trip or making sure you’ve got enough to cover school fees, WeMoney brings all your finances into one spot.
With this expense tracker app, you can link everything from savings, loans, credit cards and super, to Buy Now Pay Later, investments and cryptocurrency accounts. It helps you monitor spending, stay on top of bills, set budgets, track your credit score and stay focused on your financial goals.
Key features:
- Connect all your accounts and cards
- Track spending and bills
- Set budgets and goals
- Credit score monitoring
- Community support
Frollo.
iOS rating: 3.3
Android app store rating: 3.0
Frollo puts all your finances in one place, letting you connect bank accounts, credit cards, loans, super and investments for a full snapshot of your money. You can set savings goals, take daily or weekly challenges and get alerts for upcoming bills.
Its Financial Passport feature gives a clear overview of your income, spending, assets and liabilities over the past year – and you can even share it as a PDF with a broker or advisor.
Key features:
- Links all your accounts
- Financial Passport
- Get bill reminders and money tips
- Set savings goals and challenges
Budgeting apps.
You Need a Budget (YNAB).
iOS rating: 4.6
Android app store rating: 4.3
You Need a Budget is a good app to track expenses as it adopts a four-rule zero-based budgeting philosophy designed to give every dollar a purpose and adjust what you need to when life changes happen.
This structured, category-based system makes it easier to manage spending, tackle debt and save for goals. You can even share your budget with up to six other people so you can stay accountable with family or friends.
Key features:
- Automated bank syncing
- A four-rule zero-based budgeting philosophy
- Customisable budgeting tools and goal setting
- Robust reporting
- Ability to share budgets with partners or family members
Good Budget.
iOS rating: 4.6
Android app store rating: 4.3
The Good Budget money management application takes the old-school envelope system and gives it a digital makeover. Your money gets a ‘job’, and every category has its own ‘envelope’. You can keep track of spending across devices, share budgets with family and decide whether to stick with the free version or upgrade for automatic syncing.
It’s a vintage idea with a digital twist – like watching Casablanca on Netflix – and it really works. Here’s looking at you, savings.
Key features:
- Digital envelope system
- Cross-device syncing
- Manual or automatic entry
- Spending and saving tracking
- Free and premium options
Micro investing apps.
Raiz.
iOS rating: 4.5
Android app store rating: 4.5
Micro investing apps such as Raiz help turn spare change into potential investments without you even noticing. Every time you spend, it rounds up the difference and puts it to work, while also giving you a clever snapshot of where your money is going. With insights into your spending habits and a peek at your future cash flow, it’s a handy way to save, invest and get a handle on your finances.
Key features:
- Round-up investing
- Spending insights
- Future cash flow forecasts
- Budgeting tools
- Personalised finance overview
Expense tracker apps.
WiseList.
iOS rating: 4.4
Android app store rating: 2.4
With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, who wouldn’t love a smart, simple hack to trim your grocery bill, leaving you more cash in your wallet at the end of each week? If you’re looking for apps to help you save money, WiseList is worth checking out. It not only tracks bills but helps you save at the supermarket by planning meals and spotting the best grocery deals. It’s an easy way to guarantee you’re getting value with each purchase.
Key features:
- Grocery price comparison
- AI-powered meal planning
- Bill and subscription tracking
- Personalised shopping lists
Beem.
iOS rating: 4.9
Android app store rating: 4.0
With more than 1.5 million Aussie users, this homegrown app takes the hassle out of money management – whether it’s splitting dinner, paying bills or sending a quick payback to a mate. With Beem, you can track expenses, store loyalty cards and score cashback rewards when you shop with partner brands. It’s fast, flexible and makes those awkward IOUs (or worse, UO-me) much easier.
Key features:
- Send and receive money instantly
- Track and split expenses between groups
- BPAY support
- Real-time transfers between own accounts
- Request money
Staying on top of your money doesn’t have to feel like a second job. With the right tools doing the heavy lifting, you can keep your spending in check and make confident decisions about your future.
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This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.