7 Budgeting Apps Gen Z Actually Trusts

2 hours ago

A person holding a smart phone that shows a budgeting app

Budgeting used to feel like something you did once your life was “together.” For Gen Z, it’s more like a coping skill. Between rising rent, student loans, inconsistent income, and subscription overload, money management is a part of everyday survival.

One difference is that Gen Z isn’t forcing themselves to use complicated spreadsheets or to follow shame-based financial advice. They’re choosing apps that feel intuitive, flexible, and realistic.

Here are 7 budgeting apps Gen Z actually trusts and uses

1. Mint (By Intuit)

Best for: Seeing everything in one place

Mint is often the first budgeting app people try, and for good reason. It connects to your accounts, tracks spending automatically, and shows where your money is going without much effort on your part.

It’s especially helpful if you want a big-picture view of your finances without nitpicking every dollar. You open the app, and it just… works.

Mint is popular with Gen Z users who want awareness and to take their finances to the next level.

2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

According to the website, 92% of users are under less stress since they started using the app.

YNAB is for people who want structure. It makes you think about your goals before spending money. Saving is much easier, and you’ll be able to see how much you need to accomplish your goal at a simple glance.

You can access YNAB from your phone, computer, or tablet and automatically receive updates across all devices. A lot of Gen Z users like YNAB because it gives them control, especially if money feels unpredictable.

This app is often used by students, freelancers, and young professionals trying to get ahead instead of just getting by.

3. Rocket Money

Best for: Cleaning up subscription chaos

If you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, Why am I paying for this? Rocket Money is for you.

It tracks recurring charges, highlights subscriptions you forgot about, and makes it easier to cancel the ones you don’t need. For Gen Z, who grew up with app-based everything, this is a huge win.

It’s less about budgeting every dollar and more about stopping money leaks.

4. Goodbudget

Best for: Planning spending before it happens

Goodbudget uses a digital version of the envelope method, where you decide how much money goes into each category ahead of time.

This works well for people who like clear limits and visual organization. It’s also popular with roommates and couples who want shared visibility without merging everything.

There’s no flashy automation; it’s just proactive planning.

5. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)

Best for: Thinking long-term, not just month-to-month

Empower goes beyond basic budgeting. It tracks spending, investments, and net worth in one place, which appeals to Gen Z users who are already thinking about long-term stability.

It’s often used by people who want to understand how today’s choices connect to future goals. This app is a bridge between budgeting and wealth-building.

6. Honeydue

Best for: Managing money with a significant other

Talking about money in relationships can be uncomfortable. Honeydue makes it easier by letting couples track expenses together while still keeping certain things private.

It’s popular among Gen Z couples who like transparency but don’t want judgment or control. Bills, reminders, and shared goals are all visible, which can avoid turning money into a constant argument.