A Comparison of The Best Budgeting Apps of 2020

Date Nov 3, 2020
Blog category Kiwisaver
By Staff Writer
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Ever wonder where your money goes after receiving it? Only a day after getting your paycheck, you’re left with a very tight allowance for the rest of the month! If you’re one of the many Kiwis experiencing this every time, you may want to start budgeting today.

It’s hard to budget with all the high-priced expenses and necessities every month. However, there’s a simple hack that can help you save money. Just download a budgeting app! Here’s a quick comparison of the best budgeting apps of 2020.

Money Lover

Money Lover is one of the best rated mobile budgeting apps. It has a user-friendly interface, where you can set up due dates and loan repayment reminders. You can also scan your receipts to keep track of your expenses down to the last penny. 

Why choose Money Lover?

It’s free! Simply download the app on the Google Play Store or the App Store, both rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. You can also access your account via their website at Moneylover.me. Getting access across different devices means you can update your account real-time! You can record even the smallest amount then and there, which results in a more comprehensive budgeting.

What are the perks and quirks?

Money Lover works with any currency — including NZ dollars! It has a real-time money exchange rate feature, which is particularly useful during overseas trips. The only caveat is you have to manually upload all transactions because it doesn’t sync with any NZ bank accounts.

You Need a Budget

You Need a Budget (YNAB) prevents you from living payday-to-payday. It uses the ‘envelope method’ to ensure that you only spend the money you have — not the money that you are to earn. It’s a reliable app that helps you make wise financial decisions. 

Why choose You Need a Budget?

YNAB helps you pay your bills on time to avoid incurring additional charges. You can set up your goals, with sync features across all platforms. It has an integration feature with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, making it one of the smartest budgeting app in the market.

What are the perks and quirks?

It introduces flexible budgeting methods to help you save during financial difficulties. However, this perk comes with the high price of US$134.99 per year (around NZ$200/year). With the review of 4.8 stars on the App Store and 4.2 on Google Play Store, a lot of people can attest to its functionality and helpfulness. 

Fudget

Fudget is a straightforward app that lets you see daily, weekly, or monthly breakdown of your budget and expenses. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles like other financial apps, but that’s exactly why people love it. It’s simple but has everything you need.

Why choose Fudget?

It’s easy-to-use! Anyone can set-up their accounts within minutes. You can list all your expenses for the month, and mark it as ‘paid’ after settling the balance. Best of all, it’s secured with a passcode log-in, keeping all your details safe. 

What are the perks and quirks?

Fudget lets you add and change items within seconds. It gives you the freedom to set-up recurring deposits and withdrawals with just one click of the star next to the item. You need to pay a one-time fee of US$6.99 (approximately NZ$11) before you can use the platform.

CashNav

Are you an existing customer of Westpac? Then, you should use CashNav as your main budgeting tool! With easy bank integration, you can easily track your transactions using your card. It has a comprehensive categorisation. This gives you a breakdown of where you spend your money the most.

Why choose CashNav?

CashNav is the best tool for Westpac customers. Whether you have a debit or credit card, you can simply link it to keep track of your budgeting. It gives you a heads up if you’re using too much money for the day. Plus, it reminds you to not go over budget during merry seasons like holidays and birthdays.

What are the perks and quirks?

Westpac users can benefit from this app the most as it’s directly made for them. However, cash transactions can’t be manually entered. Customers from other banks can’t use the app as well, because it only integrates Westpac bank accounts.

mybudgetpal

mybudgetpal is Booster’s budget program. They’re known for their KiwiSaver, but the great thing is you can use this app even if you aren’t a member of their scheme! This is great because users can use it to get a complete view of their finances, and change their spending habits if needed.

Why choose mybudgetpal?

It’s free! While it’s not necessarily an app that you can download on the App Store or Google Play Store, they have a mobile-friendly website at booster.co.nz. What’s also great is they have an integration feature to any NZ bank and can input cash transactions too!

What are the perks and quirks?

mybudgetpal is one of the best apps if you’re under their KiwiSaver scheme. It can limit your spending, as well as layout schedules for your bills and payment due dates. It also gives you a chart of where your money goes, which can help you lessen your unnecessary expenses.

Easy saving and investment with KiwiSaver

The great thing about KiwiSaver is it helps you budget your money effectively. You can choose to save your money and let it mature over time. You can also choose to invest your money and get a hundred folds of ROIs.

Get the best KiwiSaver scheme for you using CompareBear’s comparison tool.