The Right App Can Accelerate Your Debt-Free Journey
After Mint shut down, millions of people are looking for the best budgeting app to help manage their finances and pay off debt. We tested 12 of the most popular options and ranked them based on debt payoff features, ease of use, and value for money.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget) — Best Overall
Price: $14.99/month or $99/year (34-day free trial)
YNAB's zero-based budgeting approach forces you to assign every dollar a job — and that includes debt payments. The debt payoff goal feature calculates exactly how much to pay monthly to hit your target date.
Pros:
- Forces intentional spending decisions
- Built-in debt payoff tracking with target dates
- Excellent educational content and live workshops
- Bank syncing works reliably
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for first week
- Most expensive option on this list
- Requires commitment to the methodology
2. EveryDollar — Best Free Option for Debt
Price: Free (Premium: $17.99/month)
Dave Ramsey's budgeting app is built specifically around the debt snowball method. The free version gives you everything you need for basic budgeting and debt tracking.
Pros:
- Simple, clean interface — minimal learning curve
- Built around the proven Baby Steps methodology
- Free version is genuinely useful
Cons:
- No bank syncing in free version
- Limited reporting and analytics
- Very opinionated approach
3. Goodbudget — Best for Envelope Budgeting
Price: Free (Plus: $8/month)
If you love the cash envelope system but want a digital version, Goodbudget is your app. Create virtual envelopes for debt payments and watch them fill up.
4. Copilot — Best for Apple Users
Price: $14.99/month
Copilot's AI-powered insights automatically categorize spending and surface opportunities to redirect money toward debt. Beautiful design and powerful net worth tracking.
5. Monarch Money — Best Mint Replacement
Price: $14.99/month or $99.99/year
If you're coming from Mint and want a similar experience with better features, Monarch Money is the answer. It offers collaborative budgeting (great for couples tackling debt together), investment tracking, and detailed reports.
How to Choose the Right App
- Just starting out? EveryDollar Free or Goodbudget Free
- Serious about debt payoff? YNAB
- Want AI-powered insights? Copilot
- Couple tackling debt together? Monarch Money
The Most Important Feature: Consistency
The best budgeting app is the one you'll actually use. Try 2-3 free trials and stick with whatever feels most natural. A basic app used daily beats a powerful app you abandon after a week.
Whatever you choose, the simple act of tracking your money will accelerate your debt payoff. Studies show that people who use budgeting apps pay off debt 15-20% faster than those who don't track spending.