After Mint shut down in 2024, people didn’t seem to just jump to whatever Forbes said—they went to Reddit, forums, and real-world testing to figure out what actually works. 

By 2026, a few apps have clearly separated themselves—not because of hype (so it seems), but because people stick with them.

Here are 5 budgeting apps that we have seen be helpful for some of our clients…

1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

YNAB is probably the most “cult-following” budgeting app out there—and for good reason. It uses a zero-based budgeting system, meaning every dollar has a job. It’s not passive—you have to engage—but that’s why it works. (Very Dave Ramsey-ish vibes, if you’re familiar with his debt-free workshops/curriculum.)

2. Monarch Money

Monarch Money is one of the most recommended Mint replacements. It’s especially popular for families or couples, since you can share budgets and track everything in one place.

3. Copilot Money

If you’re an iPhone user, Copilot gets mentioned constantly. It’s clean, modern, and does a great job of automatically categorizing spending. Just note—it’s Apple-only.

4. PocketGuard

This one is for people who don’t want complexity. PocketGuard’s standout feature shows exactly how much you can safely spend—a simple “what’s left” number that many users swear by.

5. Goodbudget

Goodbudget is a favorite among people who like the envelope system (old-school budgeting, just digital). It’s more manual, but that’s exactly why some people trust it.

*Honorable Mention: WalletApp*

Not quite as popular, but another app we’ve actually used personally in the past is WalletApp. Assign categories to your monthly budget, and get consistent dashboard updates to see if you’re staying on track.


What Actually Matters

The truth is, the “best” budgeting app isn’t the most powerful—it’s the one you’ll actually use.

  • Want behavior change? → YNAB
  • Want shared finances? → Monarch
  • Want simple tracking? → PocketGuard
  • Want minimal friction? → Copilot
  • Want old-school control? → Goodbudget

Most people quit budgeting apps within weeks. The ones above are the exceptions—because real people keep using them.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. United Faith Mortgage is not responsible for any financial decisions made based on this information. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the apps mentioned above.